Homeless Dubliner Patrick one of six to get a new flat
A HOMELESS man has spoken of his joy at receiving permanent accommodation from Dublin City council.
Patrick Byrne (22), from Dublin, has been homeless for four years and faced a long waiting list while living in emergency accommodation.
He has been selected to live in one of six new apartments at Pim Street on the southside, built by the city council in conjunction with the Peter McVerry Trust - which helps homeless people.
DELIGHTED
The new social housing units were built thanks to a €100,000 charitable contribution from construction firm Saint Gobain Ireland. The apartments were formally opened by Dublin Lord Mayor, Criona Ni Dhalaigh, yesterday.
Mr Byrne (inset) said he was "delighted" to hear that he had been accepted to live in one of the apartments, adding: "It was completely unexpected news".
He said that he became homeless because of "family situations, mainly with alcohol".
"I'd been seeking housing for so long and then I finally got a letter and it just told me that there is going to be secure accommodation for you and you're going to have your own private place that you can call home," he explained.
Mr Byrne added that he had "tried so hard" to find housing for years.
"The advantage of moving into my own private house is that I can feel at home and I can feel more comfortable," he said.
He said that he was now looking forward to cooking in his own kitchen which was "one of the most exciting things" to happen to him in years."