Cork TD seeks 'decisive action' to prevent further deaths of vulnerable people on streets

A Cork TD has written to the new Minister for Housing James Browne requesting an urgent intervention to prevent further deaths of vulnerable people on Cork streets.

This follows a number of recent deaths, and news that the latest figures available from the government for deaths of those in homelessness in Cork are from 2020.

Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central Thomas Gould said: “I have been deeply concerned in recent weeks at a series of deaths of vulnerable people on Cork’s streets. 

“Firstly, my sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who have passed.

“I have spoken to some of these in recent days and I know this is an extremely difficult time for them. They are in our thoughts.

“I have also now spoken to Focus Ireland and Cork Simon about these incidents. 

“I am very concerned that there has not been decisive action by the government to ensure that no more vulnerable people on Cork’s streets pass away.”

Mr Gould said that he submitted a question to the previous minister regarding deaths of those in homelessness in Cork and received a response this month. However, the latest figures he could give him were for 2020.

“Five years ago! People are dying now,” said Mr Gould.

He called for the urgent establishment of a Munster Regional Homeless Executive to count the number of people rough sleeping, identify trends, and record deaths of those rough sleeping or in emergency accommodation, a system he said exists in Dublin.

He has also requested an urgent meeting of the South West Regional Homeless Group, and was “very disappointed to learn that this group, made up of key stakeholders and service providers, hasn’t met since before the first of these tragic deaths”.

He further called for councillor Michelle Gould’s proposal to open a day centre for those without accommodation to be acted on urgently, and has asked the minister and the council to develop a contingency plan for those who cannot access the existing hostel accommodation.

“It has been an ongoing problem that those with complex needs are refused access to hostel accommodation because of concerns for staff or other people’s safety.

“There needs to be a plan B for people in these situations.

“The solution is not to turn them out onto the street.

“At the same time, I am extremely concerned to hear that people have been turned away from emergency accommodation because of capacity.

“Hostels are full and people are forced to sleep on the streets. This needs emergency action.”