Funds sought to create daytime centre in Cork city for homeless people

The Government is currently trying to source funding for a day centre for homeless people in Cork city.

A suitable site has been secured, but refurbishment is required.

Former minister of state at the Department of Health, Fine Gael TD for Cork North Central Colm Burke, previously told The Echo that there was a real need for this service in the city to get people who are sleeping in shelters off the streets during the day.

He explained: “The cost will be about €4m, but it’s about bringing people into stable accommodation so we can work on rehabilitation.”

Mr Burke sought an update in the Dáil this week.

“Back in October or November of last year, there was a meeting between the HSE, Cork City Council, and the departments of housing and health with a view to opening a day centre in Cork,” he said.

“We have more than 500 people who are homeless. They are in shelters at night, but during the day they have no place to go except out on the street.

“We have identified a building, but need funding for its refurbishment. I note it is not included in the HSE capital plan.

“I ask that this issue be given priority, it would be a huge advantage to everyone.

“It is also about regenerating Cork city, the need to upgrade the city and the need to assist these people.”

Education minister Helen McEntee said that work is ongoing on the issue.

“My understanding is HSE South West has developed a business case and that has been presented to the HSE and the Department of Health,” she said.

“There are conversations and engagement happening to see how this plan can be funded and how it can be progressed for all the reasons the deputy has outlined, including that we provide that support and that resource to people who need it most.

“There is a costed plan there, and the intention is to see how funding can be secured.”

It comes as figures published by the Department of Housing at the end of March showed that the number of adults accessing emergency accommodation in Cork had risen to a record high of 633.