There are reports that homeless people are sleeping in the fields around Carrickmacross. A local councillor from the area made the shocking comments during a meeting when we learned that 137 people have presented to Monaghan County Council as homeless so far this year.
Of that cohort, 23 of those presentations were families. One couple approached the Council for support because they found themselves homeless, 26 were single females but the largest grouping was 87 single males. Half of the presentations received - or 69 - were Irish nationals, 25 were of unknown nationality and 20 were from Poland, Latvia and Lithuania. The remainder of presentations are from countries ranging from Algeria to Zimbabwe.
Sinn Féin councillor Noel Keelan said the people sleeping in tents and fields around Carrickmacross are locals:
Monaghan County Council have issued the following statement: The Housing Section of Monaghan County Council wishes to reassure the general public and those that are at risk of homelessness that the Homeless Section of Monaghan County Council is fit for purpose and has adequate capacity for any individual that may become homeless.
For information purposes, as of the 8th November 2024
- There are five individuals and one couple in Emergency Accommodation provided for by Monaghan County Council
- Capacity remains in the system for any person seeking emergency accommodation
- The Housing Section are presently in negotiations to provide extra emergency accommodation in the County
- The Housing Section are aware of one rough sleeper in the County. Homeless Supports are available to this individual should they wish to avail of them.
In addition to the above Monaghan County Council Homeless Services
- Have assisted 25 applicants exit homelessness through allocations to social housing and provision of Homeless HAP support in 2024.
- Are currently helping 21 housing applicants with Tenancy Sustainment Support, provided through a Service Level Agreement by Focus Ireland.
- Are supporting seven Housing First Clients in the County. Housing First provides a comprehensive and holistic approach to addressing homelessness for people experiencing mental health, physical health, substance misuse, social, behavioural, and other challenges.
- Have completed the acquisition of four properties under the Tenant in Situ Scheme with another two transactions pending. This scheme allows persons facing eviction remain in their rented home and become Council tenants
- Have completed four Mortgage to Rent transactions. This scheme allows persons who are in mortgage arrears remain in their home and become Monaghan County council housing tenants.
If any person is at risk or is experiencing homelessness, they are encouraged to contact Monaghan County Council Homeless Services on 047 45269, where they will be provided with the required supports and treated with dignity and compassion.
