COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

MOTION NO. 9

MOTION: Councillor F. Timmons

"That this Committee asks for an update on previous motions agreed by Elected Members on a hostel/emergency accommodation for the Clondalkin area and for a report into how many people are deemed homeless in the Clondalkin area and how many are identified as rough sleepers? Has any site been identified?"

REPORT:

The homeless register is not broken down by area.  Applicant have indicated their area of preference on their social housing  application.  South Dublin County Council have at present the following households registered as homeless:

Single Male

264

Single Female

59

Couples

6

Families

295

Total

624

Family hubs are available at Tallaght Cross, The Abberley and Respond Springfield and Firhouse.    South Dublin County Council is working with the DRHE examining the acquisition of other hubs in the County.  

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 but no site has been yet identified in the Clondalkin area. 

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.  At the most recent 'rough sleeper count' there were approximately 12 people 'rough sleeping' in the county.  This number fluctuates nightly as does their locations.  All reports of rough sleepers are investigated and supports offered.