€55k of councillors’ expenses used for dedicated Clondalkin homeless service
By Maurice Garvey
UP TO €55,000 of councillors’ expenses has been directed towards a dedicated homeless service in Clondalkin Civic Offices.
Sinn Fein Councillor Mark Ward said he was “really happy” that his motion for the additional funds, provided by South Dublin County Council, was passed at the budget meeting yesterday (Thursday, November 16).
Cllr Ward said: “I had a motion passed in May of this year looking for resources to provide a service in Clondalkin for the homeless.
“Unfortunately, we were unable to deliver this service due to financial restraints so I am really happy to say that we were able to use money allocated for councillors’ expenses to provide a homeless service in Clondalkin.
“This was supported by Sinn Fein and Community Alliance Groups in the council.
“At present people who are homeless around the Clondalkin/Lucan area have to attend the council’s homeless service in Tallaght.
“This puts an added burden on those who are homeless around the Clondalkin area. The time it takes to get to Tallaght, the financial cost of travelling to Tallaght.”
He continued: ““The provision homeless service in Clondalkin will make things a little bit easier.
“There are a number of single people from Clondalkin who stay in emergency hostels in the city centre.
“They often return to Clondalkin to spend the day with family and friends before returning to town to sleep.
“Having this service in Clondalkin will really help them access the help that they require to move on from homelessness.”
“The Homeless Clinic service in Clondalkin will offer a professional and empathetic advice and assessment service for all persons who present as homeless.”
