Minister Ahern allocates 36.8 million euro for homeless services in Dublin

04/05/2004

Archived item. This item is published here for historical reasons. The information below may be out of date.

Mr Noel Ahern TD, Minister for Housing and Urban Renewal, today (4 May) allocated funding of €36.8 million for the provision of accommodation and related services for homeless persons in the Dublin area. The allocations are based on the recommendations of the Homeless Agency, which will notify these to the statutory and voluntary bodies involved.

Over €15.3 million is being allocated to the voluntary organisations involved in the provision of accommodation, outreach, settlement and day services and programmes for homeless persons across the four Dublin local authority areas. The Minister said, "I am pleased to be able to provide this level of support to the voluntary sector. This funding will enable them to continue the excellent work they are doing in providing these essential services for homeless people, as part of the overall implementation of the Dublin homeless action plan."

In addition, funding is being allocated to the four Dublin local authorities for the provision of private sector emergency accommodation, mainly bed and breakfast. The Minister welcomed Dublin City Council's ongoing restructuring of the bed and breakfast sector, which, with a requirement of €13.6 million for 2004, shows a reduction on the amount spent in 2003. A further €7.9 million is being allocated to the Dublin authorities for the direct provision of accommodation, resettlement, administrative and other services in their respective areas.

"Despite the pressures on Exchequer funding we have succeeded in increasing the funding for homelessness again this year. The total available for accommodation and related services in 2004 is €51 million compared to €49.25 spent in 2003. Significant funding for the health and care related needs of homeless person is being provided by my colleague the Minister for Health and Children " Minister Ahern said. He added that the overall level of funding available is indicative of the Government's ongoing commitment to tackling homelessness.