21 mostly high dependency individuals receiving support in Michael Garry House operated by Peter McVerry Trust

Kildare County Council have stated that there are currently 21 people being accommodated at Michael Garry House in Newbridge.

The former St Vincent’s de Paul hostel was taken over by the Peter McVerry Trust in 2014 and has been providing emergency accommodation to homeless persons for the past four years.

Cllr Rob Power asked a meeting of the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District what level of contact the county council has with the operators, and for them to give details as to how it is functioning.

“The operation of Michael Garry House by the Peter McVerry Trust on behalf of Kildare County Council is providing Supported Temporary Accommodation for 21 individuals who have in the most part high dependency requirements,” read a council response.

“The facility is efficiently managed with comprehensive and meaningful daily engagement with the Kildare County Council Homeless Team.

“Links with the Community Gardai have also been established and this engagement continues since it was formally established last year. The facility in Michael Garry House also provided extra beds for the Cold Weather Initiative last year and continues to support in terms of the provision of extra temporary accommodation in extreme weather conditions.”