Mayor, Archbishop Call For Meeting After Homeless Man's Death

There has been a call for an emergency meeting on homelessness after a man's body was found near the Dáil yesterday morning.

Dublin's Lord Mayor Christy Burke and Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin have called for the meeting to address the issue, which Mr Burke has labelled a "national disgrace".

The homeless man's body was discovered on Molesworth Street near Leinster House at about 08:30 on Monday. Gardaí said they are investigating the death.

Lord Mayor Burke said the summit "must involve decision makers in the area and has to include a high level representative from the Department of the Taoiseach."

He said: "Homelessness is a greater problem now than it has been in many years. What we can do now is work together to ensure we are using the resources we have more effectively. This won't solve homelessness but it can help us house more people in the short term and prevent tragedies. I am calling on all leaders in the sector to come together to discuss this without delay."

Dublin Simon Community's Sam McGuinness said: "On behalf of Dublin Simon Community I would like to offer our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family and friends of the gentleman who was found on Molesworth Street.

"This tragic death highlights the worrying increase of rough sleeping. These people are very vulnerable, particularly as we move into the colder weather and are experiencing harsher conditions.

"The growing problem of homelessness in Dublin can not and must not be ignored any longer. Over the past year, we have continuously voiced our concern at the ever rising number of people living without a roof over their head and rough sleeping in very vulnerable and chaotic situations.

"Our soup run and rough sleeper team, who are out 365 nights of the year, have seen a drastic increase in the numbers of people looking for our help."

(IT/JP)