The number of rough sleepers in West Cork allocated a place to live was lower this year than in 2024, new figures show.
Cork County Council’s housing report shows that the number of people experiencing homelessness who found a place to live is at 87 this year to date, compared to 127 during the whole of 2024.
Until the end of September this year, eight people were in emergency accommodation in West Cork, with 33 in the whole of the county.
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According to the report three people or families exited emergency accommodation securing private rentals through the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme.
Three more at risk of homelessness found private rentals via HAP support. The total number of HAP tenancies in West Cork currently stands at 1,097.
Councillors discussed the issue at a Western Divisional Meeting calling for more supports for those experiencing homelessness.
Cllr Isobel Towse (SD) said she welcomed the forthcoming opening of a family hub in Clonakilty.
Cllr Towse, adding: ‘There are a lot of people falling through the cracks who we are not helping.’
Cllr Daniel Sexton (Ind Ire) said: ‘It has been brought to my attention that there’s a number of people sleeping rough in Clonakilty or about to be made homeless.’
Government data released on Friday shows homelessness figures in County Cork dipped slightly from 679 adults in August to 675 in September, the first decrease in over a year. However, the data also shows a 23% year-on-year rise in adults in emergency accommodation.
Holly Cairns, leader of the Social Democrats and Cork South West TD, said: ‘The housing crisis is devastating the lives of people across the country and it is particularly felt in rural communities like our own where affordable rental properties and emergency housing supports are so thin on the ground.
‘If government truly want to tackle supply and affordability, they need to build social and affordable housing at scale.’
The Edel House Family Hub will soon open in Fernbrook, Clonakilty.
The facility is appealing for donations of TVs, a bookshelf, armchairs or a small sofa. If you can help, please email [email protected]
