The Irish Council for Social Housing (ICSH) says the Government needs to reduce the amount of red tape involved in delivering new homes, in order to reduce homeless figures.
Responding to news that there has been another increase in the number of homeless people in Ireland, Director of Policy with the ICSH Ailbhe McLoughlin said:
“This is a stark reminder of how seriously the upcoming budget and new housing plan must take Ireland’s homelessness situation. Our members – approved housing bodies (AHBs) and housing associations nationwide – are calling for urgent action to cut the red tape involved in delivering supported housing. The Government must ensure the funding mechanisms in place for the delivery of supported housing for those experiencing homelessness are fit for purpose.
We are also calling for the funding applications process to be further streamlined and for a reduction in the turnaround times for approvals – which can take well over a year before a block is laid. The reality is that despite soaring numbers of people in need and the best efforts of our members, last year ICSH figures saw a 10% drop in the number of supported housing solutions provided.
Behind today’s numbers – and the ones we see every month – are real people and all those tasked with the delivery of homes need to work more collaboratively to prioritise addressing this issue.
If conditions are in place to enable AHBs to deliver more supported housing for the people and families in hostels, this will also help to prevent people becoming homeless again in the future.”