Dublin City Council CEO Says People Shouldn't Be Allowed To Sleep In Tents On City Streets.

Tuesday, 17 August 2021 09:15

Owen Keegan says homeless people living in tents adds to the perception of Dublin as "edgy".

A homeless charity has dismissed calls from the head of Dublin City Council to ban people living in tents on the streets.

Owen Keegan said the issue's adding to anti-social behaviour and fuelling the perception that Dublin is unsafe.

He said it shouldn't be allowed when supervised accommodation is available in hostels.

And yes Mr Keegan there will be tents. Because people don’t feel safe in some services /accommodation https://t.co/EMcW8SxL07
— David Hall (@davidhall75) August 16, 2021

Acting CEO of Inner City Helping Homeless, David Hall, says Mr Keegan's comments are "misplaced":

Homeless people in tents adds to Dublin's 'perception of edginess', says council bosshttps://t.co/QR6l0ZovCv
— Paul Hosford (@PTHosford) August 16, 2021

And, David Hall says, a systemic failure has caused the problem

The head of a homeless charity says it's very clear why some homeless people won't access hostels - because they don't feel safe.

Fr Peter McVerry says some emergency hostels have six or more people sharing, and that's totally inappropriate

Homeless people in tents adds to Dublin's 'perception of edginess', says council bosshttps://t.co/QR6l0ZovCv
— Paul Hosford (@PTHosford) August 16, 2021

Dublin's Lord Mayor says there is no intention to ban homeless people from living in tents.

Alison Gilliland adds the council needs to improve it's engagement with homeless people, to ensure they can feel safe in emergency accommodation.

Ken, who was previously homeless, says hostels can be unsafe