Emergency motion on soup kitchens shot down by DCC
Mike Finnerty 07 Jan 2025
Monday’s meeting of Dublin City Council saw an emergency motion on soup kitchens shot down by the Lord Mayor and the governing coalition.
A motion submitted by People Before Profit councillors Conor Reddy and Hazel De Nortúin called for a debate on proposed bye-law changes that would limit the activities of on-street food services or “soup runs”.
Councillor Reddy said any restrictions on these services will only deepen the crisis.
“Soup runs meet an urgent need in our city, particularly for people dissatisfied with the inadequate provisions in emergency accommodation and those experiencing food insecurity outside of homelessness,” he said.
“Any restrictions on these services would only deepen the crisis for some of the most vulnerable in our society.
“The true agenda here is clear, it’s the same agenda that saw street traders raided by Gardai and Customs before Christmas – powerful people want to hide poverty from view and to push working-class people out of the city centre.”
The motion was ruled out by newly-elected Lord Mayor Emma Blain of Fine Gael who governs a coalition of her party, Fianna Fáil, Labour and the Greens on Dublin City Council.
Sinn Féin councillor Daithí Doolan said, “I am deeply disappointed that our emergency on this important issue was ruled out of order by the Lord Mayor.”
“Dublin City Council needs to send out a very clear message; any new bylaws must not become a barrier to these services”
“The homeless crisis is a direct result of consecutive government’s failed and failing housing policy,” he noted and “those providing soup kitchens and other on-street services are volunteers doing their best to meet the needs of others.”
“It is vital that there is a comprehensive consultation with these services before any bylaws are proposed.”
“I would encourage every service to use this opportunity to fully engage with the process – any new bylaws introduced must support and strengthen these services while also ensuring that the bylaws protect and support those availing of these services.”
Fine Gael councillor Supriya Singh said that while it is “truly heartbreaking to see people queuing up in need of food in the freezing weather” and that soup kitchens “provide a lifeline”, she stated “we also have a responsibility to ensure the services they provide meet appropriate standards. “
“The dedication and compassion shown by these organisations and their volunteers are deeply commendable and deserve our utmost respect. I understand that this bylaw is not about stopping or undermining their incredible work. Instead, it is about enhancing and supporting these services to ensure they remain safe, sustainable, and capable of meeting the growing needs of our community effectively.”
She said that as far as the Fine Gael grouping on Dublin City Council is concerned, the issue is about “safeguarding the health, dignity, and wellbeing of those relying on these services while supporting the volunteers who work tirelessly to deliver them.”
The row over soup kitchens reared its head over Christmas as Dublin City Council looked to implement the findings of outgoing Taoiseach Simon Harris’ task force for Dublin city centre.
The task force, which was launched last year, looked to limit the number of on-street food services in a transparent bid to improve the image of Dublin city centre.
Singh stated “ur ultimate goal is to build a framework that uplifts the most vulnerable in our society while honouring and enhancing the work of these incredible groups. We are not here to criticise or restrict but to strengthen, empower, and create a structure that works for everyone.”
“By working together, we can ensure that no one in our community feels abandoned in their time of need. We as a council, should work to support state homeless services to raise their standards and provide better outcomes for those they serve and make sure safety protocols are enforced in hostels, providing a secure environment for homeless individuals and work towards improving the quality of food served in hostels, ensuring it is nutritious and meets basic standards”
“This bylaw is a step forward, but it must be part of a larger, cohesive effort to combat homelessness and food insecurity in our city.”