Emergency homeless shelters for the coming sub-zero cold snap must be put in place

Emergency homeless shelters for the coming sub-zero cold snap must be put in place

• Anyone in receipt of an eviction notice must be protected

Labour Dublin Bay North candidate Shane Folan has called on Government to put in place emergency measures to protect people living in homelessness ahead of the cold snap.

Shane Folan said:

"The Housing Minister must detail his plans to protect the thousands of people living in homelessness ahead of the cold snap this week. Has the Cold Weather Initiative plan been activated to make sure everyone has a bed.

"With sub zero temperatures and the potential for snow this week, I have a real concern for people living in homelessness, or staying in tents across Dublin City. Having one person living in homelessness is a national scandal.

"I would urge Dublin City Council to refrain from clearing tents and to offer supports for anyone sleeping rough.

"I have a real concern for any renter who is currently in receipt of an eviction notice this week. Do each of the local authorities across the country know who is currently in receipt of an eviction notice and what plans are in place to protect them?

"The fact that under Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil we have 4,561 children doing their homework on a hotel floor is outrageous. Too many families and children are facing into the appalling vista of spending Christmas in emergency accommodation."