Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 June 2018
1283. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of family hubs that are to be provided in Dublin in 2018; the number of families that the hubs will accommodate on an emergency basis; the planned delivery dates for each of the family hubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24413/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation and associated services for homeless persons rests with individual housing authorities.
Family hubs offer family living arrangements with a greater level of stability than is possible in hotel accommodation, with the capacity to provide appropriate play-space, cooking and laundry facilities, communal recreation space, while move-on options to long-term independent tenancies are identified and secured.
There are currently 20 family hubs in operation, 17 of which are in Dublin. Two additional facilities will open in Dublin in June and August respectively. This will bring the total number of hubs operating in Dublin to 19 with a combined capacity of over 500 family units.
My Department is working closely with the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) on the development of further family hubs. A range of options are being pursued by the DRHE, aimed at introducing at least 400 further units of accommodation for families in the Dublin region. While it is not possible at this point to provide precise delivery dates for these facilities, every effort will continue to be made to secure delivery as expeditiously as possible.
