Louth's Byrne highlights plight of homeless family sleeping in car
Cllr Byrne told Council it needs 'to get real about the need to increase capacity for homelessness'
Sinn Féin Councillor Joanna Byrne has told Louth County Council that it needs "to get real about the need to increase capacity for homelessness.”
In comments to the Dundalk Democrat, Cllr Byrne, who says she has been a consistent advocate on the issue of homelessness, outlined two cases she was dealing with where the people concerned, including a child, had no option but to sleep in their cars because no emergency accommodation or B&B beds were available.
Cllr Byrne explained, “I have one case of a single man forced to sleep in his car while the other case I have is a family including a nine year old child with additional needs. The latter has been sleeping in their car for over two weeks now.
"Both of these cases are engaging with the Homeless Team but there are no emergency beds, B&B beds or Family hub places available at this moment in time anywhere in the County. To leave a child sleeping in a car for over two weeks is an absolute indictment on this Council."
The Drogheda councillor continued, “I acknowledge there has been a more successful hands-on approach from the homeless officers in the Council over the past two years and that is to be commended. However, we need to be realistic about the need to increase capacity and it is critical we get this extended as a matter of urgency.”
Cllr Byrne said “If it means going cap in hand to the Department of Housing or re-allocating funds internally then that’s what we must do."
According to Cllr Byrne, Director of Services for Housing, Mr Ger Murphy, told her he was aware of the case with the child sleeping in the car and whilst there were circumstances out of the Council’s control that led to this particular situation arising he assured Cllr Byrne that his team were working to find an urgent resolution to this case.
Also acknowledging that there is a growing number of cases presenting on a monthly basis, mostly families losing tenancies and the constraints on the private rental market, Cllr Byrne said that the Director committed to reviewing the matter but aired caution that increased capacity will bring a further increase in presentations.
Cllr Byrne said that the Mr Murphy also outlined how Louth's homeless section is the regional lead for Louth, Cavan and Monaghan and they are continuously seeking emergency accommodation for the entire area.
Cllr Byrne requested that this be kept under review for discussion again next month and if there is no improvement in the situation she will be urging the Council to open critical talks with the Housing Minister on the matter.