Elderly and Disabled Residents Face Eviction from Sligo Retirement Village

Residents of the Sonas Retirement Village in Enniscrone, County Sligo, are facing eviction, leaving many vulnerable individuals – some with severe health conditions – in a precarious situation. The evictions, initiated by landlord Nasso BK Holdings Ltd, have caused significant distress and uncertainty for the tenants, some of whom have lived in the village for five years.

Eviction Notices and Resident Concerns

David Stewart (55), who is blind in one eye and suffers from chronic spinal pain, described receiving the notice to quit as “gut-wrenching.” He lives with his partner and parents, Elizabeth (84) and Frank (88), who has Alzheimer’s disease, in one of the 27 purpose-built special needs houses within the village. Nasso BK Holdings Ltd notified tenants of six houses last November that they must vacate the premises by June 5th.

Stewart expressed deep concern for his parents’ well-being, stating, “Where’s my dad going to move? What street corner is he supposed to sleep on?” His mother, Elizabeth, added, “How can they put us out on the street? How can they lift Frank out?” The family has struggled to discover alternative accommodation suitable for Frank’s needs, particularly a downstairs room with a shower.

Former chef Justin Carroll (58), who also has multiple sclerosis and requires assistance with walking, shared his distress, stating the eviction notice was “very frightening.” He said, “I was living quite content… It felt this was final.” Carroll fears becoming “on the roadside” and expressed a desire to spend his remaining years in the village.

Other tenants, some battling cancer, were reportedly too upset to discuss their situation.

Limited Housing Options and Advocacy Efforts

Independent councillor Joe Queenan has been advocating for the residents with both the landlord and Sligo County Council, but has been unsuccessful in finding a resolution. Queenan highlighted the lack of available accommodation in west Sligo, emphasizing the unique challenges faced by these residents due to their medical needs and age.

Queenan urged the landlords to reconsider the evictions and explore a long-term plan to address the situation.

Company and Council Response

A spokesman for Nasso BK Holdings Ltd declined to comment on the matter. Sligo County Council also declined to provide a statement.

Background on Sonas Retirement Village

The Sonas Retirement Village consists of 29 independent living units constructed in the grounds of an existing nursing home. The complex includes 24 two-bedroom and 5 one-bedroom units, along with two social centers, common areas, kitchens, and toilet facilities. Construction was completed ahead of schedule by Glenman Corporation Ltd [Glenman Corporation Ltd]. The original owner was Sonas, who then sold the properties to private landlords [The Journal]. The nursing home itself is operated by Sonas Senior Living [Sonas Senior Living], but they state they have no connection to the tenants of the independent living units.

Properties in the village are currently for sale, with a two-bedroom bungalow listed for €185,000 [Daft.ie].