Councillors request to meet with Peter McVerry Trust's shelter in Newbridge, Kildare

Councillors from the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District (MD) plan to meet with members of the Peter McVerry Trust premises in Newbridge over alleged anti social behaviour in nearby areas.

The matter was brought up by Fianna Fáil Cllr Noel Heavey at the latest MD meeting, which was held on Wednesday, November 16.

At the meeting, Cllr Heavey motioned for Kildare County Council (KCC) to provide an outline of the terms and conditions by which Peter McVerry Trust (PMT) has been licenced to run a hostel facility for homeless people in Newbridge.

The information he was seeking included: the licence renewal date, remuneration, and other financial supports provided by the State to help the Trust.

Cllr Heavey also asked KCC to commit to a consultation with public representatives, including local councillors, in advance of renewing/granting of a licence to PMT.

He told KCC: "I am aware that this is a sensitive matter, and I will try to avoid using any sensation list terms, but I am concerned by the normalisation of homelessness (in the MD).

"Lately, some people who have become homeless and vulnerable, and some who have alcohol and illicit drug issues, have found themselves at the facility in Newbridge (referring to PMT)."

Cllr Heavey said he wished to see the terms and conditions of the facility’s service-level agreement (SLA), adding that he was 'disappointed' with the lack of information he has received to date in relation to the matter.

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In addition, Cllr Heavey said he has met with people who have resided inside PMT facility for a time, who alleged to him that they had endured 'a very difficult experience' whilst residing there.

It was also heard that the facility does not impose a 'dry' (no alcohol/drugs) policy.

"We cannot allow the normalisation of alcohol and illicit substances in these type of places," he said.

In response to his comments, Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender said that he supported Cllr Heavey’s goal to seek information relating to PMT’s licence.

However, Cllr Pender took issue with what he said about 'normalising' homelessness, explaining: "It is strange to hear that are 'normalising' homelessness: there was nothing normal about it when I was homeless between 2014 and 2015, and there is nothing normal about it now."

Speaking to Cllr Heavey, he said: "You are not wrong, but what this highlights for me is a need for a low-threshold hostel in Newbridge, along with the present hostel."

Independent Cllr Fiona McLoughlin-Healy also called on KCC to engage with local residents and businesses who have alleged that they are being affected by antisocial behaviour near the hostel, in addition to speaking to people who are currently availing of the services of PMT.

"There is an overall impact due to, in my own view, the inappropriate location of the service (in Newbridge)," she added.

After hearing the Cllr’s comments, a member of KCC’s housing department said that PMT provide 'important services' for homeless individuals.

"If there wasn’t this place, then a lot of these people would be on the streets, there is no doubt about that,” he said.

The representative added that PMT works with the drug addiction service ARAS in Newbridge, but stressed that 'we cannot force anyone to take the supports.'

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However, Cllr McLoughlin-Healy told the representative that she has heard reports that some people are allegedly choosing to sleep on the streets rather than attend the facility in Newbridge. Cllr Heavey also said: "I am interested in improving the situation, for everyone.

"If we keep doing what we are doing, than we will keep getting what we are getting, and that is not an option."

When Cllr Heavey insisted on a copy of the SLA being supplied to members, the representative for KCC agreed that this should be done.

The representative also said that the Trust would 'be very interested' in meeting with those in attendance, as well as in 'engaging with the local community.'

It was decided that councillors would request a visit to the Newbridge facility in order to speak with its members and residents.