Glasthule Buildings, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Council Area
Glasthule Buildings is a small local authority housing estate consisting of 75 units in the centre of Glasthule. The profile of the residents is mainly single people between the ages of 65 to 95 years. The diversity of nationalities amongst the residents creates a multicultural environment and represents to a degree, the evolving nature of Irish Society. As well as native Irish citizens, residents are drawn from various cultural backgrounds such as Poland, Russia, Cuba and the Carribean Islands. Social cohesion and social inclusion in Glasthule are daily realities rather than aspirational policy, as evidenced in the make-up of our Committee and the level of support for the work carried out in partnership with the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. Support from local businesses and the rest of the community in the form of clean-ups and structured co-operation is invaluable in creating a dynamic functional place where the residents are indeed proud to live and call home.
Judges’ Citation
This is a small local authority estate. There are many nationalities and cultural backgrounds, but what struck the judges was the empowerment, communication, social inclusion and pride that was engendered by an innovative estate management scheme. The residents (aged between 65 – 95) are actively involved with Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Council in the management and enhancement of their estate. Projects and achievements are too numerous to mention, but what is in place is a palpable sense of pride and “can do” attitude that has created a vibrant and safe environment for elderly residents.