THERE are widespread concerns that there will not be enough emergency accommodation in Limerick for families with children over the Christmas period.
THERE are widespread concerns that there will not be enough emergency accommodation in Limerick for families with children over the Christmas period.Sinn Féin TD for Limerick City, Maurice Quinlivan, said that from speaking to the agencies involved in helping the homeless, he was aware they are extremely worried there will be insufficient emergency accommodation especially for families in Limerick over Christmas.
“This has never happened in Limerick before. Many of the properties that normally accommodate families in need of emergency accommodation are either full or will be closed over Christmas. It is clear that a scarcity of accommodation means that some families may have nowhere to go. Basically there is no room at the inn.”
“As we approach the end of the Centenary year of 1916 Rising this is simply not acceptable. Limerick Council confirmed that on November 25, there were 197 individuals in emergency homeless accommodation, including 57 children.
“My understanding is that there is no accommodation available particularly on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, St Stephen’s Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Christmas is a time for celebration and joy yet we have a deep concern that some families will be unable to access accommodation.”
He has contacted Housing Minister Simon Coveney asking him to personally intervene to ensure that no family in Limerick will be on the streets over the holiday period.
According to Novas’ communications manager, Una Burns, the homeless crisis is Limerick is unprecedented with its services experiencing unparalleled demand by both families and single adults in Limerick throughout 2016.
“Our services, including our Intensive Family Support and Out-of-Hours services are open every day throughout the Christmas period and our 24 hour help line is available to anyone who finds themselves unexpectedly homeless.
Our Housing First team will also be supporting clients throughout the period, seeking to engage with the most vulnerable. Our new winter initiative accommodation service will be open for Christmas and this will provide accommodation for an additional 15 adults,” Ms Burns explained.
“We are currently working closely with the Limerick Homeless Action Team to make contingency arrangements for homeless families over the holidays. We are aware that some accommodation facilities will be closing and are currently seeking to put arrangements in pace for any family that might be affected. As a longer-term measure, we are working to procure more long-term family homes to provide secure tenancies in good standard accommodation for families who are vulnerable to homelessness.”
Limerick Homeless Action Team says it is in ongoing contact with those families currently in emergency accommodation to assess their needs.
A council spokesman said: “A number will be staying with their own families this Christmas, and while some families are currently staying in hotels that will close for a few days over the holiday period, alternative accommodation is being arranged for them.
“The reasons for homelessness are complex and each case is dealt with on an individual or family basis. Some of those presenting are very vulnerable and are being taken care of.
“The three emergency accommodation centres of St Patrick’s Hostel (49 on full beds and two on Winter Initiative Beds), McGarry House (30 on full beds and six on Winter Initiative Beds) and Thomond House (24 on full beds and two on Winter Initiative beds), will be open during the Christmas period,” the spokesman concluded.
by Alan Jacques
