Call for progress on health services hub for homeless in Cork City

Cork TD Colm Burke said proposed hub would benefit the estimated 500 homeless people in Cork who are forced to leave hostels each morning

The aim of the project is to bring health staff together in one hub to provide different services to homeless people in Cork city centre who have to leave homeless hostels each morning.

A former minister for drugs is calling for progress on a homeless services hub for Cork City, which one service provider to homeless people says could save lives.

The call is being made by Cork Fine Gael TD Colm Burke, who served as the minister with responsibility for drugs from April to November 2024.

Mr Burke claims there are an estimated 500 homeless people in Cork City who would benefit from the proposed hub. He says a detailed proposal has been agreed between the Department of Health, the HSE, Cork City Council and the Department of Housing.

The aim of the project is to bring health staff together in one hub to provide different services to homeless people in Cork city centre who have to leave homeless hostels each morning.

“When I was minister, I got Cork City Council, the HSE, the Department of Health and the Department of Housing to a meeting in Dublin over 12 months ago and we still don’t have the money set aside for it," he said. 

I am very concerned that, heading into the winter months again now, there are people being discharged from the homeless shelters, they are out in the street during the day and have nowhere to go.

A premises was identified in Cork city centre for the project a year and a half ago.

Catriona Twomey of Cork Penny Dinners said such a facility could help save lives of homeless people, as well as leading to “healing and recovery”.

“Homelessness is not just about being without a roof over your head. It has a big list of complex issues — for example, there could be mental health issues, dual diagnosis re drugs and alcohol etc.” 

A spokeswoman for the HSE said: “HSE South-West is committed to working with Cork City Council and all partners to deliver the proposed integrated homeless services hub. This will be a one-stop-shop for all homeless services (including but not limited to healthcare services). It will also offer a safe space for rest and recreation.” 

“A proposal for the hub has been developed, and HSE South-West is currently working closely with Cork City Council and with people who use homeless services to update that proposal, as well as agreeing a funding model.”