Partnership Delivers New Community-Based Home at Watson Road

A new community-based home at Watson Road, Killiney delivered through a partnership between Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, St John of God Housing Association (SJOG Housing Association), St John of God Community Services Dublin South East (SJOG CSDSE) and the HSE, was officially opened this week. The development provides safe, secure and high-quality accommodation within the local community, with the appropriate supports in place to enable residents to live with greater independence, dignity and choice.

The project highlights the value of collaborative working between local authorities, housing providers, disability services and health agencies to deliver housing tailored to individual needs. Watson Road provides ordinary homes in an ordinary community, supported by the services residents need to live safely and participate fully in community life.

Speaking at the opening, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Cllr Barry Saul, said:

"Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is proud to have been involved in this important development and to have worked collaboratively and innovatively with St John of God Housing Association and our project partners to make it a reality. Watson Road is a prime example of what can be achieved when local authorities, housing providers and support services come together with a shared vision and commitment to meeting the needs of their communities. This innovative project not only provides high-quality homes but also points the way for the future delivery of specialist, community-based housing. I would like to commend all those involved in delivering this project and wish the residents every happiness in their new home."

The opening was attended by brothers Andrew, Joe and Paddy McCarthy, who serve as advocacy ambassadors for St John of God Housing Association. Drawing on their own family experience and Andrew's journey, they spoke about the importance of ensuring that people with intellectual disabilities have access to the right housing, supports and opportunities to live fulfilling lives within their communities.

The event also highlighted the continuing need for appropriate housing for people with intellectual disabilities. St John of God Housing Association called for housing delivery and support funding to be planned together, alongside clearer pathways for individuals and families before they reach a point of crisis.

Speaking at the official opening, Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD said: 

“These new homes at Watson Road are an important example of how housing, health and disability supports can work together to help people live with dignity and greater independence in their own community.  A home is central to a person’s security, wellbeing and sense of belonging. I commend the families involved, St John of God Housing Association, St John of God Community Services Dublin South East, the HSE, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and all those who have brought this development forward."

Michelle Thunder, CEO of SJOG Housing Association, said:

"Watson Road demonstrates what can be achieved when local authorities, support providers and government work together to deliver homes that meet people's needs. But it also highlights a hidden reality. For many families, the housing crisis becomes a crisis within a crisis when an ageing parent can no longer provide care and there is no planned pathway to suitable housing and support. Watson Road proves this is achievable. Our ask is simple: make it the rule, not the exception. We need earlier planning, simpler pathways for families, housing and support funded together, and more homes designed around the real needs of the people who live in them. This development shows what is possible when those pieces come together." 

"Watson Road has been designed around the specific needs of the people who will live here. The bungalow layout and support model will enable residents, all of whom have complex needs associated with ageing, dementia and intellectual disability, to live safely, comfortably and with dignity in their community. It demonstrates the importance of providing the right home, with the right support, at the right time."

This emphasis reflects SJOG Housing Association’s position that Watson Road should be viewed as a positive model rather than an endpoint, with many other people still awaiting the opportunity to have a home of their own and the supports needed to live well.

Joe and Paddy McCarthy said: 

“We are proud to support St John of God Housing Association because this is an issue that is very close to our hearts. Through our brother Andrew, we have seen first-hand the difference that the right support, opportunities and sense of belonging can make in a person’s life. Watson Road shows what can be achieved when people and organisations work together with a commitment to creating better futures for people. We know many individuals and families are still waiting for the same opportunity, and we want to use our voice to help raise awareness of the need for more homes, better planning and the right supports so that people can live the lives they choose in their own communities.”

The Watson Road development demonstrates what can be achieved through partnership and innovation, while also highlighting the need for further investment and coordinated planning to ensure more people with intellectual disabilities can access suitable homes and supports in their own communities.