COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, September 10, 2018

QUESTION NO. 20

QUESTION: Councillor C. O'Connor

To ask the Chief Executive if he will present a report to the Council detailing actions being taken in respect of the Housing and Homeless crisis in our County; will he update members on strategies being followed in respect of the crisis and make a statement covering both issues.

REPLY:

Homeless

South Dublin County Council has a unit dedicated to providing assistance to those who find themselves homeless.  This unit operate a clinic in County Hall, Tallaght and an outreach service.  The unit offers advice and assistance and explains the options available to those who find themselves in this difficult situation. 

Families who present as homeless are given advice on accommodation options by staff in the Homeless Unit.  The Self Accommodate practice will be phased out as alternative accommodation becomes available. Family Hubs are the preferred model of temporary accommodation for homeless families with assistance to move on to private rented accommodation or social housing.  They represent a better, more caring and more cost-effective alternative to commercial hotels and B&B's.  Hubs are available at Tallaght Cross, The Abberley and Respond Gleann na hEorna in Tallaght.    The DRHE is currently examining the possibility of acquiring another Hub in the County.  We continue to work with the DRHE and look for suitable locations or property throughout the County which could be used to provide adequate emergency accommodation and will keep the Council briefed. 

There is also a Homeless facility at Riversdale House catering for older long term Homeless singles. Killininny House offers accommodation for single men and additional placements are available as 'step down/transitional' accommodation.  We continue to explore options to support those coming out of supported temporary accommodation.  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.  We continue to work with various agencies and on initiatives such as Housing First to support this group.

The Council will continue to operate 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.  

Housing Assistance Payment (HAP)

HAP is a form of social housing support provided by all local authorities. Under HAP, SDCC can provide housing assistance to households with a long-term housing need, including many long-term Rent Supplement recipients.

Anyone assessed as homeless by the homeless unit is eligible to apply for the HAP scheme.  This is the quickest path out of homelessness and advice is available from the Homeless Unit on how to access this scheme.