The lead agency for the operation and management of the facility will be St. Vincent De Paul, which has worked in conjunction with Clare County Council, Ennis Town Council, the Health Services Executive and the Clare Homeless Forum to develop such a facility. St. Vincent De Paul will operate the accommodation service.
According to Cllr. Joe Arkins, Chairperson of the Homeless Forum, "The provision of Transitional Housing is an objective of the Homeless Action Plan. The absence of emergency accommodation has been a major deficiency in meeting the needs of homeless persons in County Clare over the past number of years. The acquisition of the town centre property provides an opportunity to focus services and supports in a real and targeted way to meet the needs of homeless persons."
Cllr Arkins said that he welcomed the decision of An Bord Pleanala, but that it was not an occasion for triumphalism.
"I respect the rights of the people who made observations on the planning application and who appealed it to An Bord Pleanala. Going forward it is important that we all work together to ensure the project is a success", added Cllr. Arkins.
Welcoming An Bord Pleanala's decision, Mr. Pat Cahill, St Vincent De Paul National Homes and Hostels Co-ordinator stated, "St. Vincent De Paul is confident that the service to be provided at Limerick Road, Ennis will model best practice. St. Vincent De Paul are anxious to provide a level of service that offers every homeless person safe and secure shelter matched with a care/support programme that delivers to the individual needs. The project will become a significant support in the overall homeless service."
A Clare County Council spokesperson explained, "Clare County Council and St. Vincent De Paul will strive to ensure the success of this venture and are anxious to be a 'good neighbour' in the area. Clare County Council and St. Vincent De Paul want to work for the benefit of all and to take on board any concerns regarding the development of the Transitional Housing Facility."
"The Council will also be working closely with the HSE to help co-ordinate the different organisations and staffing roles that are working to support homeless people to ensure the success of this facility in Ennis", concluded the spokesperson.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editor:
- Cllr. Joe Arkins, Chairperson of the Homeless Forum (087-2902552)
- For further information please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com
Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
Clonboula,
Connolly,
Ennis,
County Clare
IRELAND
www.dunphypr.com
media@dunphypr.com
00353-868534900 (Mobile)
00353-656839692 (Fax)
