Accommodation secured for men sleeping in public-toilet building

Emergency accommodation has been secured for two homeless men in Co Clare, who have been sleeping rough in public toilet buildings in the town of Ennis.

Czech national 55-year-old Joseph Pavelka and Peter Baram from Poland have been sleeping in the toilet building in the market area of the town for the past two months due to a lack of money and chronic alcohol problems.

The plight of the two men - who have been living rough in Ennis for a number of years was raised at a recent sitting of Ennis District Court.

Joseph Pavelka was before the court for offences relating to his drunken behaviour, but Judge Patrick Durkan described his living conditions as a scandal and expressed hope that the court services to help him.

However, following a case conference by the Society of Saint Vincent De Paul at Laurel Lodge in Ennis, temporary accommodation has been secured for both men with immediate effect.

In a statement, the centre manager Pat Cahil says they will be able to remain there until May 7 and this will allow both Pavelka and Baram to attempt to establish benefits, address their immediate issues and make plans for the future.