President opens new homeless facility

President Michael D Higgins has opened a new facility for the homeless in Co Wicklow.

The Homeless Accommodation facility at Kilmantin Hill in Wicklow town can accommodate 17 people.

It is currently being operated by the Simon Community on behalf of Wicklow County Council.

The facility includes 12 bedrooms, a commercial kitchen, laundry room and a small room for one-to-one meetings.

The service operates on a 24-hour basis and supports people experiencing homelessness from the county of Wicklow.

Wicklow Co Council provides €150,000 towards the facility's running costs, with the remainder being made up by the Simon Community from donations.