UN criticises Ireland over increase in Cork’s homeless

The State has come under fire from two UN experts over the increased number of homeless people in Cork City and their lack of access to water and sanitation.

The experts found that of the city’s 120,000 inhabitants, more than 700 were homeless. They said that despite raising concerns with the government over the issue last September, they had received no response as yet.

“Widespread homelessness is evidence of the failure of the State to protect and ensure the human rights of the most disadvantaged populations,” said the UN special rapporteur on adequate housing, Leilani Farha.