Cork council says work underway to deliver homeless hub in city

Cork City Council has said that “significant work” is underway to deliver the long-awaited homeless services hub in Cork city centre, despite funding approval delays.

The integrated facility, which went to tender in December, will come as a collaboration between the Health Service Executive’s (HSE) South West branch and Cork City Council.

While both agencies submitted a joint application for funding for the project, totalling €912,000, on October 3, 2024, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DLGH), as well as the Department of Health, are yet to give it the green-light.

In response to a parliamentary question submitted last week by Sinn Féin Cork North Central TD, Thomas Gould, a spokesperson for the DLGH said “a proposal for an integrated homeless services hub is currently being further developed by Cork City Council" and that the Department will “evaluate the proposal once submitted”.

However, speaking to The Echo, a spokesperson for Cork City Council said that “significant work is underway between both agencies in relation to the development of the service”, despite the 18-month wait for approval.

ONE-STOP-SHOP

The council spokesperson said that, once constructed, the hub will serve as “a daytime one-stop-shop for all homeless services, including, but not limited to, healthcare services”.

Staff working at the centre will aim to provide service-users with tangible help for health and addiction issues, while also giving them a clean and warm space to spend time during the day away from emergency accommodation.

Mr Gould said he is “deeply concerned that there is no sense of urgency from Cork City Council or government on this project”.

“This is about dignity – this hub should already be open,” said Mr Gould.

Meanwhile, Sinn Féin councillor for the Cork city North West ward Michelle Gould said that the motion to provide this service came following the death of Cork woman, Vanessa O’Callaghan whose “legacy cannot be forgotten in this project”.

Ms O’Callaghan, who was homeless at the time of her death, died following a fatal assault on Patrick Street in December 2024.

“This needs to be delivered now. It should not be complicated,” said Ms Gould.

“Government cannot pass the responsibility from one department to another while homeless people in Cork are left waiting for dignity and respect.” 

HSE South West has been contacted for comment.