Newbridge family with serious health concerns are in danger of becoming homeless

A  Co Kildare family being threatened with homelessness is a state of emergency, says a local politician.

Stephen Carberry, along with his wife, have five children, ranging in age from 18 to 2. Their 14-year-son suffers from a serious form of Autism which requires round the clock care.

The bank now owns their  residence at Roseberry Hill, Newbridge, since July, which was taken over by their former landlord. They have nowhere to go, with 10 years on the council waiting list, and no rental properties accepting them. Father of five Stephen is unemployed and on disability allowance as he suffers from Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the name for a collection of lung diseases including chronic bronchitis, emphysema and chronic obstructive airways disease. People with COPD have difficulties breathing, primarily due to the narrowing of their airways.

Mr Carberry said: "We are waiting for the bailiffs to knock on the door.  We have nowhere to go, we can't find a place, we have contacted over 100 houses."

Fianna Fáil Cllr Murty Aspell says that this should be put down as an 'exceptional circumstances' by Kildare County Council.

It now seems that the 18 - year-old may be willing to stay with her grandparents in a bid to make it easier to source a house for four children and two adults.

The family have been offered a hostel but say it is 'inappropriate' as their autistic son needs 24-hour - care.

Cllr Aspell described the situation of 'splitting a family' as 'sad.'