Dublin South West Sinn Féin TD, Seán Crowe, officially opened Novas’ Bellevue Children’s Home and Haarlem Court Apartment Complex.

Deputy Crowe said:

“I was delighted to be asked to open Novas’ new children’s home and apartment complex.

“The Haarlem Court apartment complex comprises of eight two-bed apartments, which are special needs social housing units with all tenants coming from the South Dublin County Council lists. Some of the residents were formerly homeless, others have children with special needs or have physical disabilities themselves.

“The Bellevue Children’s Home is a six-bed service for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children entering the state. It is the only service of its kind in the State.

“Each year 70 to 80 unaccompanied minors enter the state seeking asylum and we are all aware of the horrific situation in the Mediterranean, where hundreds of children have died trying to reach acquire refuge in the EU. Ireland needs to play its part in providing refuge to children fleeing war, famine, and oppression, and these services show positive leadership from civil society.

“This service is a beacon of light for vulnerable people, it is a good news story that all the local and national politicians are extremely proud of.

“Well done to everyone associated with this fantastic and much needed development.”

ENDS