A LIMERICK haven for Ireland’s military heroes is about to close, making four old soldiers homeless and leaving dozens more with nowhere to turn. The slow moving wheels of bureaucracy are being blamed for the planned eviction this Friday of four men who have given years in the service of their country. The custom-converted accommodation for ex-servicemen and women in James Street opened just five years ago.
Since then, more than 30 ex-servicemen who had fallen on hard times have lived there while getting back on their feet, while others, unable to cope alone, have made it their home long-term.
Chairman of the Patrick Sarsfield branch Leonard Harkins, leased the three houses knocked into one in James Street to provide a home for up to 12 men. “The idea was that the city or the national organisation of ONE would take it over. But that hasn’t happened and we haven’t been able to pay the rent”.
ONE had several meetings with the housing department of the City Council. Landlord, John Sheehy says he agreed to alter the accommodation to get funding. “But months have gone by and nothing has happened. I don’t want to put these people out but I have no choice – there’s nearly 12 months rent owed”.
Three of the four current residents are long-term and one suffers from Alzheimers. “He couldn’t cope outside,” said Leonard.
Facing being out on Friday, 61-year old Michael Devanny, one on the first residents, says: “I really don’t know what will happen”. Mike Walsh served for 18 years as an army cook and got back on his feet in James Street.
“This is just so sad,” he said.
Resident Paul, says there is more to the old soldiers home.
“Some use it as a stepping stone, but for others, who have spent most of their lives in the service, with every minute of the day structured they have no idea what to do when they come out. For them, there is the companionship of other soldiers, a place where they can have a card game, hold meetings of ex-servicemen and plan events. Christmas dinner is served; when there are parades, everyone marches out from there. They will be lost”.
A spokesman for the City Council housing Department said that even without hitches, the process could take six months.
“We had the first meeting with a member of ONE’s national executive just two weeks ago and this has to go through the Department of the Environment. The council only administers this scheme,” he said.
