Shhh...An artist is at work

Outside the Shelbourne Hotel in yesterday's June sunshine

Over 4500 children are homeless and relying on emergency accommodation

The above official homelessness data published by the Department of Housing identifies the number of children utilising State-funded emergency homeless accommodation on a regional and county basis in the last week of every month. The official figures only record those in state emergency homeless accommodation, but discounts those that are in ‘own-door’ temporary accommodation, domestic violence refuges, asylum seekers, people who are sleeping rough, and the very many who are ‘hidden homeless’ and staying with family or friends in insecure housing. No official homeless data was published between Aug-Oct 2014 so a gap exists in the above graph for this period. The problem is the hording of property for profit by the wealthy. What can be done? One things that needs to be addressed are the number of properties that are derelict and/or vacant. Here are some good suggestions by u/fdvfava * Dedicate resources to ensure all vacant properties are captured in the register and assessed for VHT * Increase collection rates to 90%+ through courts if necessary * Remove rate abatement for vacant commercial buildings * Introduce a time limit for VHT exemption on vacant properties listed for sale * Strategy and funding for council owned vacant properties to be brought back into use quickly

This is an emergency! Housing Crisis: Dublin Protest June 17th, 6pm, Kildare Street

"The protest coincides with a Dáil motion led by Opposition parties, calling for emergency action to address the deepening housing and homeless crisis. These actions include increased investment in public housing, stronger protections for renters, and an immediate reintroduction of the ban on no-fault evictions and a freeze on all rent increases. This is a crisis affecting every generation. Workers are being priced out of their communities. Young people are being forced to emigrate. Public services are struggling to fill vacancies due to housing shortages. This is not sustainable, and it is not acceptable. Join us on Molesworth Street at 6pm to demand secure, affordable housing for all. The protest will feature speakers and performances from artists including Lisa O’Neill, Martin Leahy, Meryl Streek, and others."