‘Wet hostel’ is badly needed in Drogheda
‘DROGHEDA has a Dublindrug problem, that requires a Dublin-sized facility to deal with it’.
Just one of the comments following a call for the council to support a so-called ‘wet-hostel’ in Drogheda – a place where the homeless can drink on the premises.
In a motion from Cllr Joanna Byrne, she called for a homeless hostel to assist people with entrenched alcohol and drug issues.
“We recognise these addictions are significant contributing factors to making these people homeless and at present, we do not have the provisions in place to alleviate these issues and assist those in our town who need it,” she said in her submission.
“Despite what the councilsaid, we do have rough sleepers in this town, and there is an over-reliance on the Red Door project and the Drogheda Homeless Aid, and we need to step up to the plate.”
She said that in recent months, she had called 11 bed and breakfasts on behalf of homeless people, and none could take them in.
“I would ask for availability and they would have room, until I identified myself and that the room was for a homeless person, and they would suddenly be full, and there was a problem with the computer,” explained the Sinn Fein councillor.
Cllr Kevin Callan was one of many members who supported the motion.
“People have a problem and they present in a certain way, and they get turned away, it doesn’t help,” he said.
“If they have nowhere to sleep, they have no-one to engage with, and their drug-addiction will continue and crime will continue, where hopefully they could get help, and get on the right track,” added Cllr Kenneth Flood.
Mayor of Drogheda Frank Godfrey agreed with the proposal but said it would be hard to get support for the location.
“There is a need to address the very serious problem in Drogheda, with the taking and peddling of drugs and alcohol, and it is sad to see people in doorways, on streets and park and even by the river,” he said.
“But I’m thinking it’s time for the Government to take action on this, as Louth County Council can only do so much.”
Director of Housing Paddy Donnelly from Louth County Council said they recognise there is a need for something to be done.
“It will be part of the homeless action plan, probably not in 2018, but it will be made a priority in 2019.” he said.
“When there is bad weather, we do make efforts to accommodate people when necessary.”