Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
690. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the funding application for the Cork city homeless hub (details supplied); the reason for the delay in a decision; the timeline for funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15017/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at a local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of homeless services rests with individual housing authorities.
My Department does not fund any homeless service directly but provides funding to housing authorities towards the operational costs of homeless accommodation and related services under Section 10 of the Housing Act, 1988. A homelessness consultative forum has been established in each of the nine homeless regions in accordance with Chapter 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2009. Decisions on the type and range of emergency accommodation services, and the funding required in each region are a matter for individual housing authorities in consultation with the Management Group of the relevant regional joint Homelessness Consultative Forum.
Each region is required to submit an annual expenditure programme to my Department and my Department approves a funding allocation. It is open to regional authorities to submit new services proposals for funding to my Department over the course of the year.
I understand that a proposal seeking Section 10 funding for this homeless services hub is currently being further developed by Cork City Council. My Department will evaluate the proposal once submitted.
