Fifty children living in emergency accommodation over Christmas in Waterford

Over the Christmas period, there were fifty children living in emergency accommodation in Waterford.

This is according to Cllr Catherine Burke, who expressed concern over the issue at this month’s Plenary Council Meeting.

Cllr Burke asked Council Executive staff if the Council has sufficient funding from government to ensure that those 50 children are properly housed in the coming year.

She further said, “Emergency accommodation is not a long-term solution for families. It’s vital that we prioritise lobbying and chase after the funding for housing and family services so that no child spends another Christmas without a home.” 

In response, Director of Housing Seamus De Faoite, said he cannot guarantee that those fifty children we be provided with housing.

“There’s a story behind each family, behind each person, and housing is only part of the issue" he said.

“I’m not going to give an undertaking that we will have each of those fifty children in housing because we don’t know. All I can say is we are committed to doing our best and to working with all of these people."

In relation to funding, Mr. De Faoite said that Waterford Council is receiving sufficient funding from central government to tackle the issue, but that finding suitable properties is a challenge.

“In fairness to government there are specific funds which have been allocated for this. It’s one thing getting money, but it’s also about finding a property.

"We got €8 million last year and there was also an extra €1.5 million given at the end of the year as well. Funding is not the issue.” 

Read more on recent homeless figures in Waterford HERE

(Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme)