Annual Report Launches At Redeveloped Housing In Dublin

Minister for Housing Simon Coveney has launched an Annual Report at the Focus Ireland's newly redeveloped housing in Stanhope Green in Dublin which provides 71 housing units for people who were previously homeless.

The Chairperson of Focus Ireland, Gerry Danaher announced a decision by the Focus Ireland Board which will see the charity provide 600 more homes by 2019 to help tackle the growing homeless crisis.

Mr Danaher said: "We all know that affordable housing supply is at the heart of the homeless crisis that blights the lives of so many. Focus Ireland has repeatedly called on the Minister and his predecessors to take the necessary action to tackle this crisis. But we also know we have our own important role to play in this and our plan to double our housing stock over the next four years which is proof of our commitment.


"At present, the only firm commitment in the Action Plan to these families is to eliminate the use of hotel rooms and provide better emergency accommodation though 'rapid build' housing, and to provide better supports to them while they remain homeless. This is welcome but even the best emergency accommodation is not a home.

"There is little in the Action plan which will cut the numbers of families losing their homes or help others secure a home. Focus Ireland and the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive are supporting more families out of homelessness than ever before, but we cannot keep pace with the deepening crisis as 90 families have become homeless every month so far this year, compared with 60 a month last year."

(CD/LM)