Calls made to shut down homeless accommodation operations at 'unfit for purpose' Sands Hotel
Calls have been made to shut down homeless accommodation operations at The Sands Hotel in Tramore
A detailed discussion surrounding homelessness in Waterford was held amongst councillors and senior council staff at last week's Plenary meeting of Waterford Council.
The meeting highlighted the need to enhance supports for individuals residing in emergency accommodation. There were also calls made to shut down emergency accommodation services at The Sands Hotel in Tramore and commence operations at a more suitable location in the city.
The topic was raised by Cllr Catherine Burke, who asked the Council to “do everything in its power” to support families who are homeless and living in emergency accommodation.
Cllr Burke said: "While emergency accommodation provides a roof over people’s heads, we must be honest about the reality of what a child growing up in these conditions goes through.
“Many families are living in a single room with no space to play, no privacy, no sense of normal routine. Children are trying to do homework on beds, sharing tight spaces with siblings, and growing up without the stability that every child deserves.
"We have to ask ourselves are we doing enough?"
Cllr Burke asked that practical steps be enacted immediately, such as allowing families in emergency accommodation to stay overnight with relatives or friends, and allowing visitors to the common areas in their accommodation.
In response to Cllr Burke’s comments, head of housing at Waterford City & County Council, Seamus De Faoite, said progress is being made.
He said there are 24 families in homeless accommodation currently in Waterford, compared to 33 families this time last year.
“Having one family in homeless accommodation is one too many,” Mr. De Faoite added.
“We are looking at other ways we can work with these families and it’s important that proper supports are always in place."
Meanwhile, Cllr Jason Murphy brought forward a discussion about The Sands Hotel in Tramore, which is being used as emergency accommodation for families and women.
Cllr Murphy said that the hotel is “wholly unfit for purpose” and the conditions there are "disgraceful”.
“It was my belief that we were to be out of Sands Hotel by March 30 of this year and that we were to take a lease on the ex-nun’s accommodation in the city. I think this Council should get our skates on as much as we can to close down Sands Hotel and find an area that’s much more fit for purpose for homeless and vulnerable people.”
In response, Housing Director Seamus De Faoite said: "Our contract has expired officially and we’re working with the service provider in Tramore.
“This Council is committed to moving the service back into the city and all steps are being taken to do that over the next few weeks and months. That is happening.
“We are working to ensure there is a seamless transition from Tramore and back into the city.”
Also during last week’s meeting, Cllr Joeanne Bailey asked what happens to someone who is rendered homeless outside the city.
“If someone in Comeragh or Dungarvan presents as homeless, where do they actually go?" she said.
Mr. De Faoite responded: “if somebody is homeless tomorrow they can come down to our homeless office in the city. What we have done previously is have a person available for them in Dungarvan and if the need arises, we may look at having that again.”
