I have been informed by the Eastern Regional Health Authority that City Lodge hostel was opened by the South Western Area Health Board in December 2000 to fulfil the need, on a temporary basis, for additional emergency accommodation for young people out of home. It was initially envisaged that this would be a temporary service for a short period, as the building was not considered ideal on a long-term basis. Consequently, while City Lodge has served a very useful purpose over the past three years the board has decided to wind it down in light of the broader development of services, including the opening of the new caretakers hostel, with accommodation for nine young people, changes and expansion in the services of the Salvation Army on Burgh Quay and other changes in residential services, which have been taking place as part of the regional youth homeless action plan.
There are, at present, six young people being cared for in City Lodge. The South Western Area Health Board has informed me that alternative placements have been identified for each of them including the young person referred to by the Deputy. The board has also assured me that City Lodge will not be closed down until the young people have been moved to their new accommodation.
