Merchant Quay report a snapshot of new reality in many communities – Crowe

Dublin South West TD Seán Crowe has said the annual report released today by Merchant Quay Ireland provides a snapshot of what is becoming the new reality for many people across the Country.

Responding to the report Deputy Seán Crowe said;

“The Merchant Quay Ireland (MQI) annual report released today  is a snapshot of what is happening in communities and becoming the new reality for many people across the Country.

“The group provided over 73,000 meals to the homeless highlighting the growing difficulties facing groups involved in outreach programmes for the growing number of  people looking for practical support and help in Ireland.

“The charity also reports that 10 new people are joining needle exchange programmes in Dublin every week and the demand for access to GP services has risen by a whopping 21%.

“Their primary healthcare service made over 3,300 individual interventions from basic wound care to chronic illness treatment.

“These figures reflect the harsh physical realities of being homeless and living on the streets.

“Merchant Quay figures follow on from the ‘Roof Over Our Heads Report’ which detailed, using CSO figures, that over 5,000 people are homeless. This is occurring while there are 230,000 vacant homes across the State and 16,321 vacant apartments in Dublin alone. 100,000 people are on various local authorities housing waiting lists.

“The Government needs to urgently act on these growing societal problems. The cabinet needs to improve housing schemes for those on waiting lists and homeless people. It also must ensure that people on low income, who are feeling the worst effects of economic austerity, are provided with an adequate supply of suitable housing in order to prevent a rise in homelessness.”