President Mary McAleese officially opened a 40-bed complex for homeless ex-servicemen and women of the Defence Forces yesterday.
The complex, Brú na bhFiann on North King Street in Dublin, replaces the original 20-bed centre for retired members of the Defence Forces on Queen Street in Dublin, opened in response to a number of homeless ex-servicemen being found dead on the streets of Dublin in the 1990s.
At the launch, Mrs McAleese said the new complex was the "culmination of a dream" and a "special day of great pride". "This is not simply a building but a home in the real sense of the word - a place to feel wanted, protected, needed, included. It is a place which offers dignity and respect to those who live here."
The President also praised the Organisation of National Ex-Service Men and Women, who set up the original Queen Street complex and now the Brú na bhFiann centre.
James Doyle, ex-serviceman for Wexford currently living at Brú na bhFiann, said the new accommodation was "a big improvement on Queen Street".