Chief Executive defends housing staff’s work on homelessness
CHIEF Executive of Wexford County Council Tom Enright has criticised the ‘unfair, unwelcome and inaccurate’ criticisms of the housing staff at Wexford County Council around their approach to homelessness and the provision of emergency accommodation.
The housing staff came in for praise at last week’s monthly meeting for their quick manner in which they sorted out alternative accommodation for homeless people who had been living in emergency accommodation at The Foggy Dew Inn on Wexford’s South Main Street when it burnt down.
Several members noted the efforts of housing staff Carolyne Godkin, Michelle Bridges Carley and Niall McCabe, outside of working hours, to source alternative accommodation for those discommoded by the fire.
Ms Godkin also outlined that Wexford County Council had complied a list of known rough sleepers ahead of any Met Éireann weather warning for snow and had provided accommodation for some 30 people in advance of temperatures dropping.
‘I think some positive comments four our housing staff are welcome,’ Mr Enright said.
‘ They come in for unfair criticism, particularly on social media. People often don’t see the good work that they do, often outside of working hours.’ ‘It was seen during the fire because it was a very public event. Usually, this work happens out of sight.’
‘Some of the criticism is unfair, unwelcome and inaccurate to say the least. Often, as I’m sure the members are aware, rough sleepers and homeless people come with a range of issues, be it drug or alcohol addiction or mental health issues. We have to provide shelter for people who have just come out of jail after committing serious crimes. The staff in the housing department deal with every case with compassion and care.’