Buttimer welcomes funding for Fellowship House in Togher

Fine Gael Cork South Central Deputy, Jerry Buttimer, has today (Thursday) welcomed the provision of 31 new units at Fellowship House in Togher, Co Cork. The development has been given the green light as part of an overall announcement by the Minister for Housing, Jan O’Sullivan TD, that 800 new social and voluntary housing units are being provided across the country.

“This is a hugely welcome announcement at a time when the Government, and the country, is under such financial pressure. Fellowship House provides invaluable support to addicts who are in the early stages of recovery.

“Addicts face an extremely daunting and potentially devastating period when they exit a treatment programme, often with no support. Thanks to this funding approved by the Government, a new 31-bed unit will be built at Fellowship House, which will act as a step down facility aimed at giving people support after they complete a recovery programme as they prepare to re-integrate into society.

“This will be a flagship project for Munster and should act as a template for the rest of the country. Facilities such as this can help to change the way we tackle addiction, which is the major contributory factor for homelessness.

“Fellowship House has been carrying out Trojan work in the region since it was established in 2002. The provision of this new unit will further enhance its ability to provide an invaluable service to those who need it so badly. Essentially, this will move people from isolation to integration.

“I would also like to welcome the new units which are also being provided for Ringaskiddy Special Needs, the Infill Project in Cork city and the grant for Cork Simon Community on Victoria Road. The funding being provided nationwide will ensure that we provide safe, secure and high quality accommodation to those with special housing needs.”