Councillors Urge Immediate Action on Rising Child Homelessness

A council meeting in Dublin has highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to tackle the increasing number of children experiencing homelessness. During the discussion at the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLRCC) on Monday, councillors expressed their concerns over the alarming figures related to child homelessness.

Martha Fanning, a councillor from the Labour Party, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “We reached the heart-breaking milestone of over 16,000 people living in homelessness, out of whom 5,000 are children.” Fanning called for the immediate implementation of the Youth Homelessness Strategy, originally drafted in 2022, which has been tested by several councils to assist young individuals in overcoming homelessness through various support mechanisms, including financial aid, education, and health services.

Successful Pilot Projects and Future Plans

Aoife Flynn Kennedy, Senior Housing Professional for DLRCC, reported on the success of the strategy during its pilot phase through the Supported Housing for Youth (SHY) project. “It’s actually been hugely successful for youth facing homelessness,” Ms. Kennedy said. “We’re hoping we can now turn it into something more permanent and we’re working with different departments on that.”

Councillors urged the council to actively pursue additional funding for initiatives such as the tenant in-situ scheme, aimed at supporting families with young children. Oisín O’Connor, a Green Party councillor, criticized the current Homeless Action Plan, stating, “This is a homeless action plan in the same way a fire brigade is a plan to fight fires. It very clearly states we’re not going to end homelessness by 2027 within this plan. So it’s already kind of defeated before it starts.”

Long-Term Impact on Children’s Well-being

The call for increased funding received backing from Independent councillor Anne Colgan, who expressed concern for the long-term effects of homelessness on children. “There are children who are going to be scarred for the rest of their lives,” she remarked, underscoring the mental and physical health implications for the approximately 5,000 affected children.

Labour councillor Lettie McCarthy highlighted the urgent need for enhanced support for children currently in homelessness and emergency accommodation. “What is being done to ensure we protect their right to develop, particularly in the case of babies?” she questioned. “These are being restricted for children, particularly the ones in emergency accommodation. We have a duty to protect them.”

The discussions at the DLRCC meeting reflect a growing recognition of the pressing issue of child homelessness in Dublin and underscore the need for immediate and effective measures to support vulnerable children and families.

The article is supported by funding from the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme, which aims to enhance transparency and accountability in local governance.