Occupants of tent encampment on Limerick's riverside asked to move

COUNCIL staff have asked occupants of a riverside tent encampment to move after complaints were received about the way they are allegedly behaving.

Three tents have been erected beside Mount Kennett Skate Park at Steamboat Quay in the city, sparking complaints from neighbours.

After the local authority was made aware of the encampment, members of its street action team met those living in the tents.

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“They have been encouraged to contact the homeless action team around their accommodation needs,” a council spokesperson confirmed, “and been reminded of the many residents in the neighbourhood, including children, and the complaints received about their alleged behaviours.”

Council says it will monitor the site to ensure they have left, and have warned if they do not, the matter will be referred to the gardai.

One local resident, who did not wish to be identified, said: “It’s a desperate situation”.

“First there was one tent, then three tents. Rubbish has been thrown everywhere. It’s a permanent settlement type of look. It looks like they are setting up for the long term - their clothes are hanging out, they’ve set up railings. It looks like if nothing is done, this will become the new norm.”

Figures released on Friday from the Department of Housing have revealed homelessness in Limerick and Clare is up 13% yearly.

In Limerick, it’s estimated there are 516 people without a house.

Dr Una Burns, the head of policy at homelessness charity Novas said: “People playing out their lives on the city streets is deeply uncomfortable for people to witness and traumatic for those who are going through it. What we need is an accelerated supply of housing - we need more emergency accommodation so we can help those experiencing homelessness in our city.”