Thomas Gould, TD for Cork North Central, urges the Housing Minister to act urgently on the rising deaths of vulnerable people on Cork’s streets and improve support services.
Gould wrote to Minister James Browne, asking for urgent action. He believes there hasn’t been enough done to prevent these deaths. He also suggested creating a Munster Regional Homeless Executive to track rough sleepers.
He pointed out that Dublin already has a similar system in place. Gould also wants a daytime center for those without homes. This center would provide basic needs and dignity.
Recently, he expressed his deep concern over the deaths of vulnerable people in Cork. He offered condolences to the families affected. He has spoken with Focus Ireland and Cork Simon about the situation.
Gould mentioned that he previously asked the former Minister about homelessness deaths in Cork. The last data he received was from 2020, which is outdated. He stressed that people are dying now.
Two friends, Shane Grimes and Shane O’Sullivan, tragically died on the same day earlier this month. In October, another man, Dan Seery, was found dead in the city center.
Gould is also pushing for a meeting of the South West Regional Homeless Group. He was disappointed to learn that this group hasn’t met since before the recent deaths.
He urged the Minister and Council to create a backup plan for those who can’t access hostels. Many people with complex needs are turned away from shelters, which is a big problem.
He highlighted that some people are being forced to sleep on the streets due to full hostels. This situation needs immediate attention.
Last September, over 550 people were reported homeless in County Cork. The real number is likely higher, as it doesn’t include those who are couch-surfing or sleeping rough.
