That, in light of growing homelessness and evictions, Leitrim County Council officials immediately apply for central government funding to provide at least one temporary accommodation hostel for homeless people in Carrick-on-Shannon and that it provides all necessary back-up services therein.
Minutes:
To consider the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Des Guckian;
"That, in light of growing homelessness and evictions, Leitrim County Council officials immediately apply for central government funding to provide at least one temporary accommodation hostel for homeless people in Carrick-on-Shannon and that it provides all necessary back-up services therein."
Report by Director of Services, Housing and Community, Corporate Services, Cultural and Emergency Services
"The provision of a homeless hostel with all the necessary wrap around supports is a specialist service provided by NGOs and the voluntary sector. Leitrim County Council does not have the expertise required to establish a homeless hostel and operate all the necessary support services.
In the absence of any NGOs or voluntary providers operating in County Leitrim, Leitrim County Council will continue to access services as required where there are opportunities to do so."
Councillor Des Guckian expressed his dissatisfaction with the reply and said that this issue is within the remit of the local authority and Leitrim County Council cannot say otherwise. Leitrim is the only county not operating a dedicated homeless hostel, and this service needs to be provided locally.
In speaking at length on his motion Councillor Des Guckian made reference to an ongoing situation in Carrick-on-Shannon concerning a homeless person and he criticised how the executive have dealt with this situation. Councillor Guckian said that Leitrim County Council are not listening to the people and are “shunting” their homeless presentations to Sligo
Ms Mary Quinn said Leitrim County Council do not ignore homeless people and everyone’s case is heard. Ms Quinn noted that this issue has been raised at the last 3 meetings and the provisions in relation to dealing with homelessness presentations have been detailed at length. Ms Quinn referred to the remarks made by Councillor Guckian and drew attention to the provisions of the Code of Conduct for Elected Members. Ms Mary Quinn outlined that Leitrim County Council is a member of the North West Regional Homeless Forum and homelessness funding is administered on a regional basis. The provision of a homeless hostel with all the necessary wrap around supports is a specialist service provided by NGOs and the voluntary sector. Leitrim County Council does not have the expertise required to establish a homeless hostel and operate all the necessary support services.
Ms Samantha Healy said that Leitrim County Council is able to access regional homeless facilities, which provide a variety of wrap around support services aimed at supporting homeless persons. Leitrim County Council can provide a homeless person with a bed locally, but the Council does not have the expertise or the resources to provide the additional services that are often required in these situations.
After a lengthy discussion on the issue of homelessness, Cathaoirleach, Councillor Paddy O’Rourke referred to Standing Orders and said every member would get 3 minutes to speak on a motion as a result of the behaviour of Councillor Des Guckian in relation to his motion.
At this point of the meeting Councillor Des Guckian put his microphone on mute and his contribution at this point of the discussion could not be heard. Mr Kieran Brett, Meetings Administrator informed Cllr Guckian and the other members of this and said he was unable to unmute Councillor Guckian and advised Cllr Guckian to unmute his microphone.
Following a query from Cllr Enda McGloin on the ongoing homeless case in Carrick-on-Shannon, Ms Mary Quinn advised members that the Housing Department of Leitrim County Council is currently working with the individual concerned and it is hoped an outcome will be achieved in the short term.
Councillors Mary Bohan, Brendan Barry, Sean McGowan, Justin Warnock, Enda Stenson, Sean McDermott, Paddy Farrell and Frank Dolan paid tribute to and supported the staff of the Housing Department of Leitrim County Council and disagreed with the accusations and remarks made by Cllr Guckian earlier in the debate.
Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire asked that nobody’s personal circumstances should be discussed by any member at a public meeting. This was supported by Cathaoirleach, Councillor Paddy O’Rourke.
Councillor Des Guckian said there are at least 4 people sleeping rough on the streets of Carrick-on-Shannon.
Ms Mary Quinn acknowledged the supportive remarks and comments expressed by members concerning the efforts of the staff in the Housing Department.
Ms Quinn outlined that Leitrim Housing Authority do not have details of those people referred to as homeless by Councillor Guckian and asked Councillor Guckian, in his role as a public representative, to encourage these households/individuals to liaise with Housing staff so that their situation can be dealt with.
Ms Samantha Healy said the provisions of the Homeless support regulations stipulate that a person must present to the Housing Authority if they are homeless, so that they can avail of the suite of services provided.
Mr Lar Power, Chief Executive said Leitrim County Council should not be discussing the details of specific cases in public and he assured the members that Ms Quinn, Director of Services, Housing, Corporate Services, Community and Cultural Services and the Housing team have left no stone unturned in this or any other case.
Cathaoirleach, Councillor Paddy O’Rourke asked that the Councillor Guckian review and reappraise his approach on how he deals with issues.