Further €10 million for homeless allocated

A PROPOSAL to allocate a further €10m to Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) “to prevent homelessness”, was agreed by members at the South Dublin County Council meeting on Monday.

The Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) is funded by the Department of Housing to Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to provide accommodation through construction or acquisition.

In October 2022, CAS funding of €7.5m was allocated for the scheme in the county, which is now “committed for specific construction projects and the acquisition of various properties” according to SDCC.

The local authority says the additional €10m is required to meet priority housing needs and will be used for projects which include a construction of two homes for medical needs, and acquisition of a number of secondhand homes to exit persons from homelessness.

The fund will also be used for a proposed acquisition of an apartment block consisting of eight apartments for the “prevention and removal of persons from homelessness by AHBs.”

At the meeting, Cllr Paul Gogarty (Ind) said it is important funding but enquired how much of the additional €2.5m relates to “inflation compared to the units for people that need them.”

Cllr Madeleine Johansson (PBP), welcomed the move and believes AHBs or councils “should be stepping in to prevent people becoming homeless.”

Cllr Teresa Costello (FF) called for more focus on people suffering in accommodation that does not suit their medical needs.

Meanwhile, Cllr Eoin

Ó Broin (SocDems) asked what happens if an AHB runs into financial difficulty.

SDCC Director of Housing Elaine Leech, said the units are managed by the AHB seeking capital assistance under the scheme and more information will be provided to the councillors.