Wet shelter to open by Christmas

CORK should have its first wet shelter by Christmas, it emerged last night.

Cork Simon confirmed that their plans to establish the €1.2 million centre to offer support to the city’s street drinkers at a premises at 34 Leitrim Street are advancing - although more slowly than expected.

The wet shelter, or Gateway Project, was cleared by Cork City Council through a Part 8 planning process last September.

But Simon are still working through the paperwork with the city council.

The project is part of the council’s strategy designed to tackle homelessness in the city.

But both agencies faced a fierce battle to get the project off the ground.

Locals argued the site chosen was unsuitable, given its proximity to schools.

They packed the public gallery in City Hall on the night of the vote.

After an almost hour-long debate, councillors voted 24 votes to six to proceed with the project.

Locals were assured that they will have a voice in the management of the centre once it is up and running.

City manager Joe Gavin also promised a full review of the centre’s operations a year after it opens.

Once constructed, the centre will target up to 15 homeless people in the city with chronic alcohol problems.

They will be offered health services, including addiction counselling.

The facility is essential because Simon’s existing 44-bed emergency shelter on Anderson’s Quay is full.

The council opened a Foyer project in Blackpool on Wednesday which will target 18-25 year olds at risk of becoming homeless.

The e3m facility is based in the former Assumption Convent.