Close Ireland's borders to ease homelessness, says Kildare politician

A Kildare politician says that closing borders will help ease homelessness.

Newbridge independent councillor Tom McDonnell  said his suggestion is “an obvious one” to do.

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He told a Kildare County Council meeting that 2.3 million PPS numbers had been allocated to people coming into Ireland since 2001.

He was referring to a call by Social Democrats councillor Nuala Killeen for a forthcoming plan to tackle homelessness by the Mid East Region (which embraces Kildare, Meath and Wicklow) to provide “meaningful action on youth homelessness (with) an action plan, timeframe and meaningful consultation with young people.”

She said if this happens the case for money to be provided to deal with the issue will be made stronger.

Cllr Chris Pender disputed Cllr McDonnell's figures saying “I hardly think they’re accurate (Cllr McDonnell said the figures came from the Central Statistics Office).

Cllr Pender said accurate data is needed to find a way to deal with homelessness. 

According to KCC official Annette Aspell the Mid East Region’s 2027-2029 homelessness action plan will contain clear targets and timelines for achievement, while integrating the measures to ensure that the actions set out in the government’s housing action plan are addressed and incorporated in the targets. 

Ms Aspell said the plan will continue to align with the aims of the Youth homelessness strategy and will be informed by statistical data and collaboration between KCC, Tusla,

the HSE and youth-focused organisations who are actively involved in delivering services to young people experiencing homelessness, including care leavers and those aged 18-24.