COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, April 09, 2018

QUESTION NO.10

QUESTION: Councillor C. O'Connor

To ask the Chief Executive if he has any information on the number of rough sleepers throughout our County and in responding will he detail assistance being afforded in the matter.

REPLY:

There are two ‘rough sleeper’ counts each year. These are done in spring and winter.   Areas identified by Councillors and members of the public are visited to ensure an accurate count. 

The Council operates an outreach service and multi-agency approach to address rough sleepers across the County.  The Outreach worker works closely with the HSE in particular in identifying rough sleepers and sourcing appropriate accommodation and support services. The needs of rough sleepers are often very complex and challenging and require a comprehensive and coordinated approach. The Homeless Forum under the auspice of the South Dublin County Partnership established a Homeless Action Team which focuses on single persons and known rough sleepers. 

Killininney House offers accommodation for single men and additional placements as step down/transitional in Glenn na Horna in Springfield. Other hostel type accommodation is operated through the Central Placement Services and is not in the control of this local authority, and as a result the service can only offer the accommodation that is available on any given day.

During the recent cold spell additional emergency accommodation was put in place to ensure the safety of those sleeping rough. The services became aware of homeless persons at this time that had not previously been accessing services and engaged with where possible.