There’s been a marginal drop in the level of homelessness in Clare over the past month.
New figures show 35 people were left without permanent accommodation in the county in April, down 2 on the previous month.
But the figure for the MidWest as a whole is still on the rise.
The latest figures from the Department of Housing, which have just been published, show there were 324 homeless adults in the Midwest in April, a rise of 6 on March figures.
35 of those were here in Clare, down two on the previous month, but still more than double the number in the same month last year.
There were 46 families living in private emergency or temporary supported accommodation in Clare and Limerick, such as hostels, hotels, B&Bs and other residential facilities. Among them, 33 single parent families and 86 children.
There were more homeless men than women in the midwest in April and the vast majority were in the 25 to 44 age group.
Midwest Simon has expressed concern over the figures and it’s Housing Support Team Leader, Tracey Reddy says there needs to be a greater focus on preventing homelessness.
A labour TD says its long past time to use compulsory purchase orders – to buy up vacant homes to use for those in need.
Limerick TD Jan O’Sullivan is urging the Government to come up with immediate measures to address the homelessness crisis, saying these families need urgent help.
