A new €12m purpose built fully integrated retirement village complete with nursing home and other facilities has been opened by the Minister for Finance, Brian Cowen, in Moate in Co Westmeath.
The village, which is the second purpose built facility in Ireland, is modelled on the American and UK style of active retirement.
It is built in the grounds of the Carmelite Convent in Moate and has been welcomed by the community in Co Westmeath for the employment prospects provided and the sensitivity shown in preserving local heritage.
The concept of the retirement village is that people can buy, rent or lease their home and also avail of full nursing facilities if one partner becomes ill.
The village also offers security and the developers say all of the homes are sold and the majority of those who have bought or rented are active retirees.
