Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2017
2255. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the number of homeless family hubs to be put in place; the location of same; the funding for and number of beds in each hub; and the date on which these beds will be occupied. [28930/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of the response to the commitment contained in Rebuilding Ireland: Action Plan on Housing and Homelessness that, by mid-2017, hotels will only be used as emergency accommodation in limited circumstances, housing authorities are delivering a number of family-focused, supported temporary accommodation facilities (Family Hubs).
Family hubs are an important first response for families who become homeless and who have no alternative other than commercial hotels. The hubs will provide more appropriate and suitable accommodation for families. They are not a long term housing solution as families will move into houses and apartments that will be provided under social housing supports, as supply becomes available. This type of emergency accommodation provides a secure and stable placement for families on an on-going basis unlike the insecurity of hotel accommodation especially during peak periods and holidays.
These custom-developed facilities will offer family living arrangements with a greater level of stability than is possible in hotel accommodation while move-on options to long-term independent living are identified and secured. Furthermore, such arrangements will facilitate more coordinated needs assessment and support planning including on-site access to required services, such as welfare, health, housing services, cooking and laundry facilities and appropriate family supports.
Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of homeless accommodation and related services rests with individual housing authorities. Accordingly, specific information in relation to the number of families that will be accommodated in individual facilities is a matter for the Local Authorities. There are currently 15 family hubs, which are either completed or nearing completion in the greater Dublin area, where the need is greatest and I have requested that local authorities bring forward proposals for further family hubs.
Negotiations in relation to certain leasing and refurbishment costs of family hub projects across Dublin are on-going and the details are therefore commercially sensitive. The Dublin Region Homeless Executive has indicated that it is not in a position to release this information as to do so would compromise their negotiating position during this process, particularly against the background of the intention to bring forward proposals for further hubs.
Similar family facilities are being delivered in counties Limerick, Cork and Kildare.
