By Dayo Ade Olusola |M10News | January 28, 2026
Residents in a retirement village in Enniscrone are facing the possibility of losing their homes after being told they must leave their properties by early June.
According to information first reported by Midwest Radio, six households have received notices requiring them to vacate by June 5, sparking widespread concern.
Some of the affected residents are in their 80s, and several have longstanding health conditions that make relocation extremely difficult.
The situation has placed vulnerable older people under significant emotional strain as they face the prospect of uprooting their lives.
Uncertainty at Sonas Retirement Village
The residents currently live in Sonas Retirement Village, a development built to support independent living for older people.
A nursing home sits at the centre of the estate, offering nearby assistance that many tenants rely on for day-to-day security.
This close connection to care services has enabled residents to remain independent while still accessing essential support.
However, ownership of the nursing home and the surrounding houses changed last year, introducing uncertainty about the site’s future.
Those living on the estate had rented their homes privately under the previous operators, but the new owners have not confirmed whether that arrangement will continue.
The ambiguity has left tenants unsure whether the notices are part of a long-term redevelopment plan or a shift in how the properties will be managed.
Community members say the lack of clarity is contributing to residents’ anxiety and fear of what comes next.
Local concern has grown as families seek answers about the fate of their elderly relatives.
Councils Scramble for Housing Solutions
Sligo County Council has been informed of the situation and is now exploring options to assist the affected households.
Local councillor Joe Queenan said officials recognise the urgency and are actively attempting to secure alternative housing.
He noted, however, that available accommodation in the area is extremely limited, particularly for older people with mobility or medical needs.
Cllr Queenan warned that rehoming elderly tenants is far more complex than supporting the general rental market.
He highlighted that many residents have lived in the village for years and are deeply integrated into the local community.
The councillor said he hopes a solution can be found that avoids uprooting older people from the support they depend on.
He emphasised the importance of stability for those with health conditions that could worsen under stress.
Discussions are now underway among the council, local representatives, and site-related stakeholders to explore possible outcomes.
Calls for Stronger Protections for Elderly Tenants
Advocates for older people say the case highlights weaknesses in Ireland’s protections for elderly renters.
They argue that purpose-built retirement housing should not leave residents vulnerable to sudden displacement.
Local organisations have expressed concern that the model of independent living with nearby care may be jeopardised if residents are forced to leave.
Neighbouring residents say the situation has deeply distressed the wider community, many of whom know the tenants personally.
Several community groups have offered support as talks continue, urging officials to prioritise compassion in any decision made.
Families of affected tenants worry that sudden upheaval could have lasting impacts on both physical and mental health.
For now, residents remain in limbo, waiting for confirmation of whether they will be allowed to stay.
Council officials say they remain committed to seeking a resolution that protects the dignity of the elderly individuals involved.
The coming weeks will determine whether the residents of Sonas Retirement Village can continue living in the place that has offered them independence for so long.
This report is based on information originally published by Midwest Radio.
