There are currently 65 people – 39 of them children – registered as homeless across the county, but a recent County Council initiative to make vacant private dwellings available to rent elicited just one solitary expression of interest.
And even that was then deemed to be unsuitable because it was too far from the areas of demand in Ballinasloe, Loughrea, Oranmore and Tuam. The County Council was looking to enter into agreements with house owners on a full property, room only or self-catering basis – but to no avail.
This latest setback comes as new Department of Housing figures for June show that the number of adults homeless across both city and county is now at 189 – the highest on recent record.
Galway County Council has revealed that a total of 65 families and individuals are registered as homeless with the local authority.
Director of Housing Michael Owens said that a total of eleven families – 17 adults and 39 children – along with seven individuals are currently in private emergency accommodation.
But the fact that the massive scramble for student accommodation is now underway means that the Council’s efforts to make inroads into the homeless crisis are now even more difficult.
The local authority had placed a public notice asking property owners across the county to open their doors to individuals and families seeking emergency accommodation.
This would be managed and maintained directly by the owner or service provider over an agreed period with rent guaranteed by the local authority.
Mr Owens confirmed that to date, a single expression of interest had been received in respect of a property – however, this is remote from the areas of demand and unfortunately it has been deemed unsuitable.
“The Council will continue in its efforts to source such accommodation and welcomes any opportunity to engage with owners of suitable properties”, he said.
The Director added that the Council works closely with COPE Galway in sourcing and supporting families and individuals placed in private emergency accommodation.
See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.
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