Enniscorthy arts centre is turned into homeless shelter
WEXFORD County Council took the exceptional step of turning an arts centre into a temporary shelter for homeless men during the arctic spell which brought the heaviest snowfalls in over 70 years.
Following discussions with An Garda Siochána, the Council established a 24-hour emergency homeless centre at the Presentation Centre in Enniscorthy where normal events were cancelled for the duration of the extreme weather.
Fold-up beds with blankets and tea and coffee facilities were installed in the shelter which opened at 3pm last Tuesday as the weather started to deteriorate. Provision was also made for more hot food to be delivered.
On Thursday, the County Council reported that the shelter was fully-operational and catering for six adult males who sought refuge from the arctic conditions.
A Council spokesman said round-the-clock security was provided at the Presentation Centre during its use as a temporary shelter.
Women and children presenting as homeless were accommodated through the Council’s existing emergency arrangements with hostels around the county making extra spaces available and additional B&B places booked by the local authority.