Ormond Square issue not about homelessness
The failure of Dublin Corporation to consult with residents in the city's Ormond Square regarding the construction of a homeless people's hostel has resulted in the plan being blocked.
The plan, which would have added a 24-bed minihostel to the Eastern Health Board Homeless Centre on Ormond Square, was objected to by residents on the basis that the area already suffers a great deal of social problems and would find it hard to cater for yet another local authority institution.
``The objection was not based on any sense of disregard for homeless people but on the ghettoisation of the problem in this small area,'' explained Sinn Féin Councillor Nicky Kehoe.
``The Corporation must consult with communities before they locate facilities in their area. The residents of Ormond Square have had no problems accepting such facilities in the past. However, this does not mean that they don't need to be consulted.
``It is up to the Corporation to ensure that certain communities, which already suffer the negative effects of long-term state neglect, are not targeted for tackling further socio-economic problems. More affluent areas must begin to share in the efforts to tackle these issues.''
Councillor Christy Burke raised the objection in the Dublin Corportation Area Committee and this has been upheld by the Corporation until senior officials consult with locals.
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