Look to the past and build homes for healthcare workers

Sir, – Sometimes if we visit the past, we can get solutions for the future. In 1903, the James Weir Home for Nurses opened at 103-104 Cork Street, Dublin. It provided affordable accommodation for nurses working in the immediate area of the Liberties.

It finally closed in the late 1970s. Throughout its lifetime, it was an invaluable asset to the city. It meant that nurses could have decent accommodation at a reasonable cost.

The situation today, in relation to the very high cost of rent in Dublin and the other cities, is so dire that it has become a huge disincentive for nurses and other healthcare workers to apply for jobs and to live here in Ireland.

Many emigrate as a result. Perhaps our politicians could look to the success of the past and provide similar buildings in our cities to ease an ongoing emergency that is worsening as time passes. – Yours, etc,

BOBBY CARTY,

Templeogue,

Dublin 6W.