Greg Daly
The Mercy Sisters have rejected suggestions that they sought to block the provision of modular homes for homeless people.
In The Irish Times in a February 15 article headed ‘Nuns lodge objection to modular housing’ it was reported that the Mercy Sisters were among those who had “lodged objections to the planned provision of 135 modular homes for homeless families across Dublin”.
The sisters, reporter Kitty Holland wrote, had lodged their objection in connection with a plan to situate 29 modular houses at the site of a former convent. However, they have denied any such objection.
“The Mercy Sisters wish to confirm that we did not lodge an objection to modular housing proposed for a site in Drimnagh,” they declared in a statement.
Disabilities
“The Mercy Sisters sold the site, at less than market value, to Dublin City Council in 2007 so as to specifically facilitate the Council in providing housing for elderly people and people with disabilities,” they continued, adding that they are “currently engaged in positive and constructive discussions with Dublin City Council about a stipulation in the 2007 contract in respect to its future use”.
An informed source told The Irish Catholic that the sisters support the Council’s efforts to deal with the homeless crisis, but would like the housing site to be managed by a homeless agency capable of providing additional supports and have asked that local residents be consulted.
The incorrect story has been removed from the website of The Irish Times.