Waterford City and County Council wins National Age Friendly Recognition & Achievement Award 2025
Waterford City and County Council is delighted to announce that St. Joseph’s House on Manor Hill has won the National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement Award 2025 in the Safety & Security (Housing) Category. The award was accepted by Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Séamus Ryan, at a ceremony held in The Galmont Hotel and Spa, Galway, on Thursday, October 23rd, 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 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 while also bringing vacant buildings back into use.
St. Joseph’s House provides age-friendly housing appropriate to the needs of older adults in Waterford, in line with the Waterford Age Friendly Strategy, 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 the co-ordination of community, health, and social supports. A tenants’ forum was also established, ensuring the continued development of a positive sense of community and assisting in the development of supports and services for residents into the future.
Speaking following the announcement, Claire Flavin, Age Friendly Ireland Programme Manager for Waterford, said:
“This award recognises Waterford City and County Council’s ongoing commitment to age-friendly housing, tenant support, community development, and wellbeing. It marks a very proud moment for Waterford, leading the way in inclusive living for older adults across our city and county. Congratulations to everyone involved with St. Joseph’s House, and sincere thanks to the adjudication panel.”
ENDS
