COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, October 14, 2024

QUESTION NO. 8

QUESTION: Councillor C. Brady

To ask the Chief Executive for a report on homeless services and supports in our county including those provided by the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE).

REPLY:

The Council continues to work proactively to address the ongoing challenges for households in need of accommodation by increasing new housing supply through partnerships with approved housing bodies, ongoing choice based letting and other allocation options, turning around vacant Council properties for re-letting, supporting HAP tenancies and engaging with landlords on potential tenant in-situ acquisitions.

Households at risk of experiencing homelessness should engage with the Council to examine prevention measures including possible alternative accommodation and our Homeless team are available to help those who find themselves homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Working in conjunction with the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DHRE), this unit operates an advice clinic in County Hall, Tallaght and provides outreach services across the County as well as detailing emergency accommodation options including central placement, self-accommodate, family hubs and other supported accommodation. Emergency accommodation is arranged for those assessed as homeless through the assessment and placement service and we will continue to actively explore further options for the provision of emergency accommodation across the County in collaboration with the DHRE. In addition, the homeless outreach service operates all year round 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. 

In 2024, €4,475,400 has been allocated for homeless services including additional staff and supports, directly and through the DRHE and we are committed to refining and improving our performance in this area to achieve higher levels of delivery and reduce homelessness in our County given its importance, particularly in the current circumstances.