More than 1,500 rapid housing units pledged for homeless

The Government has today pledged to provide 1,500 rapid housing units to combat homelessness.

Minister for Housing Simon Coveney has vowed to have them in place by the end of 2018 to end the use of emergency accomodation by families.

An additional 200 emergency beds for rough sleepers will be put in place by the end of the year.

Mr Coveney said this is not the complete solution but it is a step in getting these people into homes.

He said: “The problem of homelessness and rough sleepers in particular are complex and at times it feels like we are running to stand still.

“We have made good progress this year by providing 1,350 exits from homelessness.

“I know this is not sufficient but we will continue to work with the local authorities and service providers to deal with this problem.”

The proposals, which were included in the Government's Rebuilding Ireland programme, include an additional €2 million for health services for homeless people.

Minister for Children Katherine Zappone said families will be provided with five multi-journey cards from October.

Children attending school who require transport in order to attend will also receive cards and provision will be made for an accompanying adult.

Mr Coveney defended the announcement insisting this was the Government pressing ahead with their commitments included in the initial programme.

He said this is a “rolling, changing, improving” plan that has transformed from aspirational to delivery.