COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, October 14, 2019

QUESTION NO. 6

QUESTION: Councillor Teresa Costello

To ask the Chief Executive what additional provisions/ supports are in place for our rough sleepers now that we are entering the winter season and especially over the Christmas period

REPLY:

The Dublin Regional Homeless Executive (DRHE) is pursuing and resourcing the introduction of additional bed capacity and associated support services with a range of service providers for the winter period on behalf of the Dublin Local Authorities, including this Council, who will have access to extra beds sourced by DRHE. The expansion of services is planned to respond effectively to emerging homeless service needs as well as to ensure additional bed capacity is available for people who may be rough sleeping during the winter period.

The Cold Weather Response Plan (CWRP) will be implemented across voluntary and statutory homeless services from November 2019. In addition, DRHE continues to monitor weather conditions to prepare for any potential adverse weather events. The CWRP aims to prevent fatalities and/or serious harm due to rough sleeping in very cold weather and to provide additional options for people who do not or cannot avail of existing services.

The Council also operates an outreach service all year around for rough sleepers across the County, working with other agencies, including the HSE, in identifying rough sleepers and connecting them with appropriate accommodation and support services and this service will also play a vital role in assisting homeless rough-sleepers during the winter months.