Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

bru aimsir

This 100-bed homeless hostel in Dublin is going to remain open

Brú Aimsir on Dublin’s Thomas Street was opened in October 2015 but was slated to be closed.

11/5/2016. Bru Aimsir Hostels Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie / RollingNews.ie

A 100-BED HOMELESS hostel in Dublin will remain open after being previously slated for closure.

Brú Aimsir on Dublin’s Thomas Street was opened in October 2015 as part of Dublin City Council’s annual Cold Weather Homeless Initiative, where extra beds are provided for people sleeping rough during the winter months.

The Council said previously that it was never intended to become a permanent facility. It was originally due to close in March, but remained open for two more months due to cold weather.

The “orderly wind-down” ahead of its closure  at the end of May, during which the number of available beds was reduced by more than half, sparked protests due to the high numbers of rough sleepers in the capital who still required the hostel’s services.

TheJournal.ie / YouTube

In a statement, Lord Mayor Críona Ní Dhálaigh said an agreement has been reached between the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) and the board of the Digital Hub Development Agency, who owned the complex.

The statement continued:

In light of the continuing increase in the numbers sleeping rough in the Dublin region and following the intervention of an tArdmhéara [Lord Mayor] agreement has now been reached to extend the use of Brú Aimsir and to operate it at full capacity.
An tArdmhéara wishes to acknowledge the support of the Board of the Digital Hub Development Agency in securing this very satisfactory outcome.

The most recent rough sleeper count carried out by DRHE found 102 people on the streets, an increase of 11 compared to the previous winter count but below a high of 168 in winter 2014.

Figures released earlier this week put the number of families in homeless accommodation at 913, including 1,218 adults and 1,847 children, while nationwide there were 1,054 families including 2,177 children.

Read: Why is Dublin City Council closing a 100 bed homeless hostel? It’s complicated >

Your Voice
Readers Comments
7
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.