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Waterford City and County Council is pleased to announce that St. Joseph’s House on Manor Hill has been shortlisted in the Safety & Security (Housing) Category of the National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards 2025.

St Joseph’s House was a former religious convent constructed by the Little Sisters of the Poor in 1874 who dedicated their lives to caring for the elderly. Today, St Joseph’s House is an age friendly housing development, designed for people aged 55 and over for a minimum of 25 years with a strong focus on tenant engagement.

In June 2023, the development on the landmark site of Manor Hill was officially opened by then Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien TD.  The former convent was transformed into 71 dwellings, with 50 units located within the main building and 21 located in the various out-building clusters on the site, while the former chapel on the site has been repurposed as a community space for multiple uses by tenants.

Over €4.2 million was approved through the Repair and Lease Scheme, funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.  The funding was provided under Housing for All – A New Housing Plan for Ireland.  The Repair and Lease Scheme has been pioneered in Waterford and is a significant driver in providing high quality affordable housing solutions and at the same time has significantly addressed and delivered the return to use of vacant buildings in Waterford.

St. Joseph’s House provides age friendly housing appropriate to the needs of older adults in Waterford in line with Waterford Age Friendly Strategy as well as promoting and supporting independent living and ageing in place.

In addition, Waterford City and County Council provides onsite support to tenants through the employment of a Tenant Engagement Officer, whose role includes the development of tenancy supports and co-ordination of community, health and social supports. A tenants’ forum was also established, which ensures the continued development of a positive sense of community, as well as assisting in the development of supports/services for residents for the future.

Now in its ninth year, the National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Awards shine a spotlight on the people, projects, and partnerships driving real change for older people in towns, cities, and rural areas right across Ireland. Each shortlisted initiative has been selected for its impact, innovation, and potential to inspire similar efforts in other communities.

The award ceremony takes place in The Galmont Hotel and Spa in Galway on Thursday, October 23^rd, 2025.

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Image:  Members of the National Age Friendly Recognition & Achievement Award Adjudication Panel, Waterford City and County Council staff members and stakeholders visiting St. Joseph’s House earlier this year.