Call for review of services after woman dies in hostel

A YOUNG homeless woman has died in ‘tragic circumstances’ in a hostel in Dublin. The woman, in her late 20s, died at a hostel on Parkgate Street on Wednesday evening.

She had been living in emergency accommodation at the Phoenix Lodge hostel, sometimes referred to as Judge Darley’s, which provides 24-hour emergency accommodation for homeless people. The alarm was raised after the woman was found in her room by staff who then rang emergency services.

‘Gardaí were called to the scene of a sudden death of a female in her late 20s that occurred at approximately 5pm on Wednesday, January 15,’ a Garda spokesman said.

‘A file will be prepared for the Coroner’s Court.’

Members of the Dublin Region Homeless Executive attended the scene after the tragic discovery, and a spokesperson said: ‘The DRHE, on behalf of the four Dublin local authorities, would like to express its condolences to the family and friends of the individual who tragically passed away [on Wednesday evening] in a facility that provides 24-hour emergency accommoda

‘The system is just not working’

tion to people experiencing homelessness.’

It is understood the woman had been staying at the hostel for around two months.

Hostel staff declined to comment when approached by the Irish Daily Mail last night.

Councillor Anthony Flynn, chief executive of Inner City Helping Homeless, told the Mail he was ‘extremely saddened’ to hear of the woman’s death.

He said: ‘We are putting people into inhumane conditions at the most vulnerable time of their life. People deserve dignity and stability, but the current system, in spite of staff trying their best in difficult circumstances, is simply unfit for purpose. This is just another example of the chaotic system that is in place.

‘We cannot continue to compound people’s suffering at the most vulnerable time in their life.’ Cllr Flynn also called for a review of the hostel where the tragedy occurred, which is run by a private contractor, not an NGO.

He said: ‘We need a review of this facility: who were the staff who were in that facility [on Wednesday]? Had they appropriate training to deal with issues that this girl had?

‘My thoughts and prayers are obviously with the family.

‘The system is just not working; we’re managing the situation instead of trying to eradicate the situation.’