Report: Family disputes the most common cause of homelessness

Of the 1,546 homeless people in the Mid-West last year, 673 were female.

Family disputes were the most common cause of homelessness, along with a breakdown of living arrangements, according to the Mid-West Regional Homlessness Action Plan unveiled yesterday.

Drawn up by Limerick City and County Councils, Clare County Council, and North Tipperary County Council, the plan sets out a strategy to tackle the problem up until 2018.

A spokesperson said: “The plan will place emphasis on strengthening preventative policies, procedures, working relationships and services to reduce levels of repeat homelessness, thus reducing the overall level of homelessness within the region.

“In particular this regional action plan aims to address the needs of the long-term homeless currently resident in emergency facilities, by identifying the gaps preventing their resettlement.”

The report found people aged 20 to 29 were the most at-risk category, and the vast majority were Irish. Of the total number, 39 came from Britain or other EU nations and 42 from outside the EU.

Limerick had very high numbers of homeless people who were homeless due to alcohol/drug addiction and domestic violence, but the authors of the report attribute these findings to the numbers attending Cuan Mhuire addiction centre in Bruree, and a domestic violence refuge for women.

Protocols to determine swiftly if a person requires emergency accommodation will be developed as part of the strategy. Stronger links will also be developed with agencies providing addiction services.