1,700 Homeless «Warehoused» on Dublin's Gardiner Street; 7,000 in North Inner City
Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon reported 1,700 emergency beds on Dublin's Gardiner Street, housing 10% of Ireland's homeless, with 7,000 of 16,000 homeless in the north inner city. He criticized the failed regeneration efforts, while Tánaiste Simon Harris cited €400 million allocated and progress on a task force report, despite funding disputes.
Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon informed the Dáil that 1,700 emergency accommodation beds are located on Gardiner Street in Dublin, effectively «warehousing» 10% of Ireland's homeless population on one street. He added that 7,000 of the State's 16,000 homeless people reside in Dublin's north inner city.
Gannon highlighted that 20% of children at Gardiner Street Primary School live in emergency homeless accommodation, with the principal reporting unmet basic needs due to poor living conditions. He criticized the failure of the Dublin City Task Force report, launched 18 months ago by Tánaiste Simon Harris, which pledged resources for the north inner city's regeneration.
Tánaiste Harris acknowledged high homelessness in Dublin, stating €400 million was allocated for the Dublin homeless region this year. He noted progress in implementing the task force report, including Robert Watt's appointment to head a special purpose vehicle and Dublin City Council's allocation of staff. Harris also mentioned amending the living city initiative and providing significant funding for cultural projects.
Gannon, however, described the special purpose vehicle as «undefined, unbudgeted» and noted Dublin City Council requested €114 million for initiatives. Harris stated they are exploring ring-fenced funding, such as a tourism levy, for Dublin city issues.