Council bombarded with complaints about use of former Dublin pub for 'unvetted men'

The Dublin Regional Homeless Executive received more than 30 complaints about the proposed use of the Shipwright premises in Ringsend, with many opposing its use even as an accommodation hub for homeless families. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Dublin City Council was bombarded with complaints about its plans for homeless accommodation at a building that ended up being set on fire on New Year’s Eve.

The council was inundated with calls from people suggesting it was going to be used to house “unvetted males”, even though its intended use was for families without homes.

The Dublin Regional Homeless Executive (DRHE) received more than 30 complaints about the proposed use of the Shipwright premises in Ringsend, with many opposing its use even as an accommodation hub for homeless families.

Despite repeated confirmations the building would only be used for homeless services, complaints continued to arrive about its use for “undocumented people”, “single males”, and “unvetted men”.

The Shipwright was badly damaged in the fire on New Year’s Eve. On Thursday, three people were arrested in connection with the blaze. All three have now been released without charge with files to be sent to the DPP in relation to two men in their 30s and 50s.

Rumours about the building were circulating as early as December 18, with the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive confirming it had signed a contract for its use.

An email to one local representative that day said: “The DRHE has contracted the Shipwright for use as emergency accommodation for homeless families.

“Initially, we were looking for emergency accommodation for single men but realised the location suited family accommodation. We have a dedicated complaints email, and you can give this out to anyone who has concerns and we will follow up.” 

Another message from December 21 said: “DRHE has been in negotiation with the owners of Shipwright to accommodate families that present as homeless in the Dublin Region.

“It is anticipated the building would be available for use in Quarter 1 2024.” 

On December 29, a local liaison group asked for a meeting with the council as it hoped to “put people’s fears at ease” about how the building would be used.

A DRHE official replied: “We have negotiated terms with owner for use of the Shipwright for emergency accommodation for homeless families.” 

However, complaints continued to pile up, with 18 received on December 29 alone, most suggesting it was going to be used for “unvetted men” or using similar phrases.