A new residential centre for the intellectually disabled has opened in Co Dublin today.
Knockamann, which is based on the grounds of St Ita's Hospital in Portrane includes a day care centre and 10 six-bed houses providing accommodation for 60 residents.
The development gives residents the opportunity to live independently instead of in an institutionalised setting
Three of the 10 houses at Knockamann opened in mid-September and to date 18 residents have settled into the new homes with 42 additional clients moving in this month.
The €16.5 million development was opened by Minister for Disability and Mental Health John Moloney this morning.
Speaking at the opening ceremony this morning Mr Moloney said the development "forms a crucial part in progressing national policy in effecting the transfer of clients with intellectual disabilities currently in psychiatric hospitals to more appropriate accommodation.”