Minister of State for Housing and Urban Renewal Noel Ahern has announced an additional €36 million in funding for accommodation projects for the homeless in Dublin.
Mr Ahern said the money was earmarked for 31 voluntary sector projects run by the Salvation Army, the Simon Community, the Cappuchin Day Centre, the Iveagh Trust, the Sisters of Charity, Focus Ireland, the de Paul Trust, the Aids Fund Housing Project, Daisyhouse Housing Association and Tallaght Homeless Advice Centre.
The Government has also pledged an annual €17.15 million to the four Dublin local authorities for the provision of private sector emergency accommodation such as bed and breakfast and other services in 2005.
Mr Ahern said: "This continued high level of funding will enable the sector to continue the excellent work they are doing in providing these essential services for homeless people, as part of the overall implementation of the Dublin homeless action plan."
Mr Ahern welcomed the Dublin City Council's restructuring of the bed and breakfast sector which had resulted in a significant reduction in the use and cost of the facilities.
The Dublin authorities are to receive an additional €3.33 million for the direct provision of accommodation, resettlement, administrative and other services.
The Minister said: "We are now in a position to look beyond the provision of emergency accommodation. Our focus must be on long-term accommodation and the non-accommodation supports required to enable the people involved to move out of homelessness."
PA