Emergency accommodation sought in West Waterford as eviction ban is lifted

As fears mount surrounding the ending of the eviction ban, Waterford City and County Council have confirmed that they are looking at providing emergency accommodation within West Waterford.

Previously, those who presented as homeless would have to travel to Waterford City to avail of emergency accommodation.

At a recent meeting of the Dungarvan Lismore District, Cllr Conor McGuinness raised the question of staffing within the council’s homeless services and highlighted that the Director previously mentioned that the local authority is looking at acquiring emergency accommodation in the West of the county.

“It adds insult to injury when somebody becomes homeless in West Waterford and they have to shift themselves and their whole family to emergency accommodation in the City,” Cllr McGuinness said.

Council officials stated that the homeless services unit is ‘well staffed’ and is increasing the seniority of staff, meaning there will be the provision of greater decision-making.

In relation to emergency accommodation, a member of the council’s housing department stated that exact locations for emergency accommodation cannot yet be clarified as it is more ‘an intention’ to look at seeking such.

“I would know of two families that would have presented for emergency accommodation and have been allocated emergency accommodation in Dungarvan rather than having to come to Waterford more recently.

“We would be looking at having access to emergency accommodation here, that would be emergency houses as opposed to hostel type accommodation,” the council official said.