Taoiseach to officially open ‘gamechanger’ facility for homeless people

By Cillian Sherlock, Press Association

A “first-of-its-kind” facility for homeless-specific healthcare and addiction treatment will officially open in Dublin City this week, but is yet to receive funding to operate at full capacity.

Dublin Simon Community’s centre at Usher’s Island has a capacity of 100 beds, but currently has funding to operate 75.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin will officially open the centre on Monday, which has been operating since October 2024.

The opening comes 10 days after Government data showed 16,734 people – including 5,188 children – accessed emergency accommodation at the end of December.

This was the highest year-end figure for the statistics, and the third-highest monthly figure after the preceding November and October.

Homelessness today is more complex than ever

Dublin Simon said Usher’s Island responds to the “growing complexity of homelessness” where addiction, health, social issues and financial instability intersect.

It said it will provide critical services such as detox, step-up and step-down intermediate care, and stabilisation treatment.

The facility has been delivered through €38 million in capital funding from the Department of Housing under the Capital Assistance Scheme, with more than €10 million in annual funding provided by the Department of Health.

The facility has been opening on a phased basis, up from 51 operational beds to 75 currently running – and the capacity to expand to 100.

Martin said: “This unique, purpose-built facility enables dedicated homeless-specific treatment for some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

“It stands as a strong example of cross-departmental collaboration and of commitments made under national housing plans and drug strategies being translated into action.”

Catherine Kenny, chief executive of Dublin Simon Community, said the facility will be a “gamechanger” for the homeless community and health workers.

“Homelessness today is more complex than ever. For many people, it is shaped not just by the absence of housing, but by trauma, addiction and long-term health needs.

“Addressing that reality requires more than emergency responses; it requires integrated, specialist solutions.”

Tánaiste Simon Harris described the opening of the facility as a “genuine milestone” and congratulated Dublin Simon on its opening.

Dublin Simon said Usher’s Island has evolved since it was opened as an emergency accommodation service in 1989.

Once fully operational, the facility will support 1,200–1,400 adults each year.