Budget for homeless services in Dublin remains at last year’s level of €51m

THIS year’s budget for accommodation and other services for the homeless will remain at the 2004 allocation of €51 million.

Housing and Urban Renewal Minister Noel Ahern yesterday confirmed the 2005 allocation, which many had expected to be increased in line with last autumn’s so-called Inchdoney strategy to focus on more vulnerable sectors of Irish society.

However, a spokesman for Mr Ahern pointed out that although €51m was allocated last year, the actual spend only came to €45m and that this year’s allocation was in fact a rise.