Speaking after the death of two young men in Drogheda and Dublin, Dublin South West TD Seán Crowe, has called on the Government to take decisive action on the homelessness crisis before more lives are lost.

Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe said:

“Like everyone else, I was appalled and saddened to hear that another two young homeless men had lost their lives on the streets of Drogheda and Dublin today.

“It is dreadfully sad news for the family and friends of both men.

“The homelessness crisis across the State is continuing to escalate and the sad fact is that for as long as the Government fails to deal decisively with the continuing homelessness and housing crisis, then tragic events like this week will continue to occur.

“Access to accommodation and a roof over your should be a right and not a privilege in Ireland today. Nobody should have to sleep rough in 21st Century Ireland but many homeless individuals and families argue that some of the existing hostel accommodation is not safe or inadequate for their specific needs.

“It is a sad state of affairs and unacceptable to think that many homeless people feel safer sleeping in shop doorways, in parks, or in alleyways rather than the limited accommodation that is currently available.

“The failure of the Government to increase the supply of housing and affordable accommodation is a scandal, and these deaths that are now regularly occurring are a direct result of the Government’s failure to deal with the housing crisis.

“The two deaths of these young men this week should be a spur to greater action from the Government and not marked by more of the same.”

ENDS