Homeless families sent to Westmeath or Longford

Families seeking emergency accommodation in the county are being sent to Westmeath or Longford because there is a shortage of space locally, according to Cllr Tommy McKeigue.

Due to the number of people presenting as homeless, Cllr McKeigue said there was no more available emergency accommodation. He noted there had been an increase in the number of people reporting as homeless which has added to the pressure on services.

While there are vacant premises in the town, he said, “the supply of houses is not there.” If a family become homeless, “the husband would have to go to Longford and the women and children would have to go to Mullingar. He would like to see more emergency accommodation in Tullamore.

The Simon Community already operate one facility lcoally but demand means it is full regularly.
He questioned how long the council could continue to provide HAP payments to around 600 landlords. He described the current climate as “a landlord's paradise” and said rent in Tullamore is costing up to €1,000 a month.

Cllr Declan Harvey claimed “the homeless situation is getting worse.” He said, “in my opinion it is all red tape. They keep telling us money is no problem yet we can't draw down money.”
He mentioned one development in Tullamore which is at the planning stage for two years despite having the backing of the council.

Cllr Harvey was angry that the government didn't provide funding to purchase the Marion Hostel in Tullamore. “The hostel here in Tullamore was up for sale, as a council we should have acquired that for our own people,” he remarked, adding, “I am not blaming the council, I am blaming the government.”

He too is unhappy that homeless people are being sent to emergency accommodation in neighbouring counties. “It is not suitable at all, sure who wants to leave their home town?” he asked. “It is crazy that Tullamore and Offaly people have to go to them places,” he stated.

“The council should build houses, not agencies and all that. They should be funded by the government to build houses,” he remarked.