Housing the Homeless in Wicklow
November 11th, 2000
The official figure for homeless people in County Wicklow is 10 according to figures published in the 1999 governmental report entailed "Statement of Housing Need" by the minister for housing Bobby Molloy, which really belies what is happening on the streets in bigger urban areas like Bray. Wicklow has approximately 1400 persons on the its housing list with allocated funding for 480 houses over the next 4 years.
Only 120 Houses this year
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The true homeless figures are far greater and are becoming more evident as our Celtic Tiger economy rolls on and over those that cannot keep up with the pace or afford to pay what are fast becoming extortionate amounts of money for very average rental accommodation.
The problem is being highlighted in Bray with an exhibit entitled "No Fixed Abode" and is spread throughout the town in an effort to convey the theme of homelessness. It is the brainchild of Brigid O' Brien who believes the homeless of Bray and elsewhere around the country need a voice as opposed to handouts. Brigid is a member of The Signal Arts Group in Bray and was spurred on to organise this event after responding to a request from The Big Issue Magazine for sleeping bags. She cares about a problem that is becoming a national embarrassment in a country with a small population and more that enough money and land to house all its citizens rich or poor.
The question begging to be answered is do people really care if they themselves are not threatened by what can only be described as a nightmare in not having a permanent home. For those too old to fight back the prospects must be horrendous. Many of us are indifferent. We simply don't care and do not see ourselves responsible for what is someone else's problem - perceived to be that of local government. Of the 480 Wicklow County Council houses allocated funding only 120 of these have actually been started, reflecting badly on the council's ability to tackle the general housing problem. They are however not entirely to blame for the overall situation. In our own small way we all share responsibility for what is happening in our towns when we simply voice no concern and retreat to our secure homes indifferent to those left to sleep on our streets. "No Fixed Abode" runs until the end of November.
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