624 people are registered homeless
By Maurice Garvey
UP TO 624 people are currently registered as homeless by South Dublin County Council.
The majority of those registered are families (295), followed by single males (264), single females (54) and couples (6).
Independent Councillor Francis Timmons was seeking a breakdown on rough sleeper numbers in Clondalkin - however SDCC said the homeless register is not broken down by area.
Calling for a “low arousal high tolerance approach” to link homeless people with services, Timmons is disappointed that his requests for an emergency hostel in Clondalkin since 2014, have led nowhere.
“SDCC’s response has in my opinion been insufficient and again I state it is only a matter of time before someone dies,” he said.
“These figures are a disgrace and as a council we should be ashamed that any citizen is not getting the care they need. I do agree the needs of rough sleepers are often very complex and challenging and require a comprehensive and coordinated approach.
“I would be aware of a number of people Clondalkin Helping Homeless helps and they need accommodation. There is a need for a low arousal, high tolerance approach. As someone who has worked at the coalface of homeless services, I don’t feel enough is being done.”
In response to Cllr Timmons, SDCC said the most recent ‘rough sleeper count’ had approximately 12 people ‘rough sleeping’ in the county.
“All reports of rough sleepers are investigated and supports offered,” said SDCC.
The council operate a number of family hubs and homeless facilities in the county.
“We continue to explore options to support those coming out of supported temporary accommodation but no site has been yet identified in the Clondalkin area,” said a spokesperson.
SDCC said they will continue to operate an outreach service and multi-agency approach to address rough sleepers across the county.
