Councillors Call for Urgent Action on Rising Youth Homelessness

A council meeting in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to tackle the increasing number of children experiencing homelessness in Dublin. During the session, councillors discussed a draft Homeless Action Plan, emphasizing the critical situation where over 16,000 people are currently homeless, including 5,000 children.

Labour Party councillor Martha Fanning stressed the necessity of implementing the Youth Homelessness Strategy, noting its potential to alleviate the distressing figures. “We need to implement the Youth Homelessness Strategy to help reduce that figure,” she stated, underscoring the emotional weight of such statistics.

Drafted in 2022, the Youth Homelessness Strategy has been piloted by several councils to assist young people in transitioning out of homelessness by providing financial, educational, and health support. Aoife Flynn Kennedy, Senior Housing Professional for DLRCC, reported on the success of the initiative through the Supported Housing for Youth (SHY) project. “It’s actually been hugely successful for youth facing homelessness,” she said, expressing hope for its permanent establishment.

Councillors called for increased funding for initiatives such as tenant in-situ schemes aimed at supporting families with young children. Oisín O’Connor, a Green Party councillor, criticized the current plan’s limitations, stating, “This is a homeless action plan in the same way a fire brigade is a plan to fight fires.” He pointed out that the plan lacks a definitive timeline for ending homelessness, suggesting it may face challenges from the outset.

Independent councillor Anne Colgan echoed calls for more funding, highlighting the long-term psychological effects on children experiencing homelessness. “There are children who are going to be scarred for the rest of their lives,” she remarked, emphasizing the need for immediate intervention.

Labour councillor Lettie McCarthy raised concerns about the support systems for children already in emergency accommodation. “What is being done to ensure we protect their right to develop, particularly in the case of babies?” she asked. Her comments focused on the fundamental rights of children to learn and grow, rights that are often compromised in emergency housing situations.

As discussions continue, the council appears committed to addressing the pressing issue of youth homelessness, but significant work remains to ensure that all children have the opportunity to thrive in safe and supportive environments. The urgency of this matter reflects broader societal challenges and the need for collaborative efforts among various stakeholders to make lasting changes.

This meeting underscores the responsibility of local authorities to protect vulnerable populations, particularly children, as they navigate the complexities of homelessness. The emphasis on immediate action and the provision of adequate resources is crucial in addressing this ongoing crisis.