Consistently high level of homeless people seeking accommodation in Kildare
'Significant' interventions made to tackle the problem
There is a "persistent high level" of homeless people seeking accommodation in Kildare.
That despite efforts being made to avert the problem.
Kildare County Council Annette Aspell told a council meeting that “significant interventions” have been undertaken to prevent homelessness.
She was replying to a request for information from Fianna Fail councillor Rob Power for information about the issue. The councillor said that while there had been some improvement in the numbers seeking accommodation recently, it would be wrong for anyone to give the impression they were looking for “a pat on the back.”
Among the measures taken include the provision of family hubs in Athy and Prosperous, which provide supported accommodation for 11 families.
There are supported temporary accommodation facilities for 40 people in Kerdiffstown (near Naas) in addition to 20 in Newbridge, 13 in Athy and a dozen in Naas.
Ms Aspell also said that support is given to occupants to secure tenancies.
KCC also has 14 transitional units and four shared accommodation settings actress the county and these support individuals and families exiting homelessness.
Ms Aspell also told the meeting that KCC works with numerous other organisations with a focus on this area.
She added that staff also meet with clients in resource centres in the county and this “is of benefit to those who may not otherwise be able to attend the council offices.”