Coalition urged to tackle rent cost

The Coalition has been urged to address Ireland’s spiraling rent prices as part of any measures to tackle homelessness, after claims the issue has helped force thousands of people into emergency accommodation or onto the streets.

The call was made separately by Focus Ireland, Dublin Lord Mayor Christy Burke, and an ex-Fine Gael TD as the first beds to help solve the country’s rough sleeper crisis by Christmas were opened in the capital’s inner city.

Speaking as the beds at John’s Lane — which will cater for 10 women, 18 men and two couples, and are part of plans to bring in 260 new units to ensure every homeless person in Dublin is housed within two weeks — were opened last night, a Focus Ireland spokesperson welcomed the increased attention being placed on the crisis.