The Join Our Boys Trust have been granted planning permission to develop a house on the Athlone Road, Roscommon town, to cater for the needs of Archie, George and Isaac Naughton, who are terminally ill.
The trust received a letter from Roscommon County Council this week to inform them that, subject to some standard conditions, they had been given permission to develop the bungalow-type house.
The news will be a source of delight to not only the boys and the trust, but also the entire Roscommon community, who gave generously to the cause.
Nine-year-old George and his twin brothers – George and Isaac (five) – were diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a fatal diagnosis.
Because of their condition, the house where they currently live – on Racecourse Road, Roscommon town – is no longer suitable for their needs. Therefore, the Join Our Boys Trust was partly established to raise money for a residence to cater for their medical and family needs.
The trust raised over €700,000, thanks largely to countless charity events held in Co Roscommon, from cake-sales to music concerts.
Aidan Farrell, one of the trustees, said: “The trust recognises the enormous community effort in fundraising over the 18 months since the trust formed. Their generosity was phenomenal and I would like to acknowledge it.”
Mr Farrell, a local businessman, said that construction of the house would begin “as soon as possible”.
“We will be looking to appoint a project manager immediately,” he said. “We are delighted that planning permission has been granted.
“The trust will proceed as quickly as possible to build a purpose-built family hospital, suitable to meet the special needs of three children suffering from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.”
