Limerick in grip of homeless crisis

Limerick is in the grip of a homeless epidemic as it was revealed yesterday how up to 250 children and adults are being kept in emergency accommodation in the city and county.

However, homeless people said the numbers are even far greater as those sleeping rough are bedding down in derelict properties with no heat or light.

The shocking statistics, released by Limerick City and County Council, are believed to be only the tip of the problem.

In recent weeks the bodies of two homeless people were found in derelict buildings Limerick. They include mother of two Louise “BuBu” Casey, who was found dead at a squat on Catherine St on November 8. A homeless man who overdosed on heroin was discovered unresponsive in a derelict premises on the Dock Road at the end of September. He was later pronounced dead in hospital.

“As of November 9, 2016, according to PASS data, there were 193 adults and 56 children being accommodated through emergency homeless accommodation provision in Limerick,” the council stated.

Of the the 246 people who have officially presented as homeless in Limerick:

• 19 adults and 28 children are funded (by the council) to access hotel or B&B accommodation;
• Six adults and 16 children are accommodated in Suaimhneas (supported hostel for families);
• 103 adults are in emergency hostel accommodation between McGarry House, Thomond House, and St Patricks Hostel;
• 10 adults and 12 children are accommodated in apartments identified as emergency accommodation, but which are self-contained and independent accommodation units;
• 55 adults, who have identified themselves as homeless, are receiving treatment in Cuan Mhuire drug and alcohol rehab and treatment centre, Bruree, Co Limerick.

A spokesperson for the Limerick Homeless Action Team, (LHAT), which involves Limerick City and County Council, the HSE, Department of Social Protection, and voluntary housing bodies, said: “Negotiations for the provision of further beds are ongoing.

“LHAT commenced its Winter Beds Initiative on Wednesday 09 November, in partnership with [various hostels] where eight additional beds are allocated on a night by night basis. This is a back up facility to the 101 emergency hostel accommodation beds which are provided on an ongoing basis in Limerick.”

Limerick City and County Council has allocated more than €3m for homeless services in 2017.

Meanwhile, Una Burns, national communications spokesperson for homeless agency Novas, described the situation as “despairing”.

The homeless charity received €7,064,841 in state funding last year.

Ms Burns added: “The biggest issue is the lack of supply of housing. Clients are stuck in supported temporary accommodation, losing hope of ever securing their own accommodation, while others are rough sleeping waiting to access accommodation.”