Local groups in talks for hostel project

THERE are active discussions amongst homeless and addiction services, Louth County Council and St Peter’s Parish on how to deal with the lack of a ‘wet hostel’ in the Drogheda area.

At the moment, there are no facilities which can offer accommodation to a person who is under the influence of either drugs or alcohol, and they have expressed regrets at having to turn them away, especially in wintry weather.

“It is my personal opinion that there is a great need in the town for a socalled wet hostel – a term I dislike intensely,” says Maureen Ward (pictured) Drogheda Homeless Aid.

“I have met with Fr Barry Matthews in St Peter’s Parish, who does so much for homelessness and addiction, and will be doing the annual sleep-out with us, and we are all meeting with the HSE, the council and the Red Door to look at what can be done.”

She says everyone who works on the frontline of addiction and the homeless problems in the town can see another type of facilty is needed.

“We are a total dry hostel and it breaks my heart to have to say no to a bed if they are under the influence, but rules are rules,” she adds.

“There is a glaring gap in the service, and in my opinion, it is not another hostel that is needed, but a smaller accommodation unit to take in about five people at a time, so a large number don’t congragate.” manager of