Fingal’s latest homelessness figures show a sharp increase

AT the end of March there were 259 homeless families in Fingal with 181 of them in emergency accommodation. 

This compares to 204 families homeless at the end of January, with 181 in emergency accommodation.

Fingal County Council confirmed the figures to Northside People and said there was an increase across the Dublin region in the early months of this year in terms of new presentations.

A spokeswoman for the council said they are in regular contact with homeless families, or families facing homelessness, to provide them with housing advice and support. 

“Early engagement, by applicants who may be experiencing difficulties, with the Local Authority Housing Support Team is very important,” she said. 

“All families at risk of homelessness are advised to contact the Threshold Tenancy Protection Service on Freephone number 1800 454 454.”

The spokeswoman said the Tenancy Protection Service provides advice and support to families in Dublin who are living in private rented accommodation, or who may be experiencing tenancy problems, for example, rent arrears, rent increases or are threatened with eviction.  

“The service seeks to protect existing tenancies and prevent those who contact the service from presenting at homeless services,” she said.  

“This year to date Fingal County Council has made 40 allocations to Homeless/Vulnerable households, with further allocations in the preparation process. 

“A total of 151 similar allocations were made in 2015. In addition, a total of 22 Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) dwellings have been allocated to date in 2016 to homeless households under the Dublin Region HAP Pilot for Homeless Households.” 

Meanwhile, in addition to the above, the council, in accordance with the requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2000-2010 and the Planning and Development Regulations 2001–2013, presented a report to the Balbriggan Swords Area Committee on April 14 regarding a proposal to construct 40 new houses for social housing adjacent to Pinewood Green Court, Balbriggan. 

“Following a discussion on the proposal, the council agreed to bring a further report on the development of housing at this location to a future meeting of the area committee prior to submitting the proposal to a full council meeting of Fingal County Council,” she added.