The Echo Year In Review December 2016: Homelessness brings outpouring of support local communities

The Echo Year In Review December 2016: Homelessness brings outpouring of support local communities

By Mary Dennehy

This time last year we hoped that 2016 would bring change in relation to issues such as homelessness, mental health and the high levels of poverty present across some communities.

That wish didn’t come true for many families struggling to keep a roof over their heads, living in hotels or worse, on the streets.

December 2016 review 29 December 2016

While the last 12 months was filled with discussions, working groups and committees on housing and homelessness, we’re not in a better situation as the year closes and a new one begins.

There has been lots of talk, but no action. Lots of promises but no real passion to support individuals and families who are homeless – or are at risk of homelessness or in food poverty.

While this situation makes for bleak reading, the outpouring of support from local communities this month is heart-warming.

Charities such as St Vincent de Paul will support more than 6,000 households across Tallaght, Clondalkin, Ballyfermot, Lucan and Palmerstown this Christmas, there’s been shoe box appeals, charity events and donations made by residents to a range of community-led organisations that will this Christmas support those struggling.

The responsiveness of our communities is admirable and people have also taken action in relation to mental health and suicide, with a number of community-led initiatives taking place over the past 12 months.

While the Government may not have stepped up to the plate in relation to a number of serious social issues that need to be addressed, the community certainly did in 2016.

And, as we close out another year, we can take comfort in the fact that we live in communities full of compassion, support and an appetite for change and a better life for all.

The parents of Dale Creighton, the young Tallaght man who lost his life on the Charlie O’ Toole footbridge on New Year’s Day 2014, said that they can never forgive those involved in his death during a victim impact statement in court.

Protests for and against a housing development in Cherry Orchard continued throughout the month, after Dublin City Council attempted to start a social housing project for 72 homes at Cherry Orchard Park.

The Echo reported on how the recession has led to increased levels of poverty, drug use and unemployment in Clondalkin, with some areas experiencing high disadvantage levels above 60 per cent.

The community of Springfield was left outraged after its new priest Father Chris Derwin, was robbed at knifepoint and forced to drive the thief away from the scene.

The latest gangland-style murder happened in Clondalkin, just 300 metres from Ronanstown Garda Station.

An appeal has been issued for information after a 62-year-old man was shot multiple times and killed on St Ronan’s Drive

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