Offaly Local Development had "no role" in Homefix operations

As the political fallout continues across Offaly following the shock announcement that social enterprise project, Homefix, is to cease operations at the end of this month, Offaly Local Development Company (OLDC) has issued a statement to clarify that it had no role to play in the operation of the company.

While expressing its disappointment that the difficult decision has been made to wind up the home repair service provided by Homefix to people over 65 years of age in West and South Offaly, the board and management of OLDC said it had “no oversight or responsibility” for the day-to-day operations of the company.

“The decision of Homefix to wind up was a decision they made alone,” the statement said.

The statement went on to describe Homefix as "a separate legal company" from OLDC.

Mindful of the “critical needs being met by Homefix,” Offaly Local Development Company said it was committed to working with relevant government and statutory bodies, and other stakeholders to find "a suitable replacement service for those who need it most".

Homefix is the locally-known name for the West and South Offaly Community Network, which has been operating a minor home repair service for homeowners aged 65 years and over in the West and South Offaly area for the past 17 years, and has been part-funded by Pobal.

The July meeting of Offaly County Council heard that the Homefix service is no longer in a position to continue operations due to rising costs, and will cease operations at the end of August. Calls were made at the meeting for efforts to be made at both local and national level to enable the service to continue, with Cllr Peter Ormond stating it was “a service we cannot afford to lose.”

Offaly TD Carol Nolan also said the Homefix closure decision "came like a bolt out of the blue".

"If there are difficulties around funding then I think they really should have been highlighted sooner, because this is a service that a lot of elderly people who come to my offices rely on.

“I am more than happy to try and facilitate a meeting with the Minister to see if we can resolve any outstanding issues, or even identify what the primary issues are,” the Independent TD added.

“It would be a huge pity to lose this invaluable service without at least putting up a fight for its retention.”