NEWS: Tipperary town is set to welcome a new homeless accommodation centre

Tipperary town is set to welcome a new homeless accommodation centre, bringing hope to those in need. The Good Shepherd Centre from Kilkenny will oversee the project, aiming to open its doors by early 2027.

Noel Sherry, manager of the Good Shepherd Centre, stated that the property has not yet been purchased. The location will be announced once the acquisition is complete.

The centre will have staff available all day and night, providing a safe place to stay for 9 to 11 people. Each person will get their own private room, with spots reserved for people in County Tipperary who have been approved for social housing and need a small or moderate amount of support.

The Good Shepherd Centre says that places helping people who need a lot of support, such as those with mental health or addiction problems, need specially trained staff. The Good Shepherd Centre offers emergency places to stay, help to prevent homelessness, and supported housing. Good Shepherd Kilkenny also runs Tar Isteach, a group that buys and fixes up homes. Money comes from rent on over 400 homes and from government support.

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Recent figures show that 91 people in the county were in emergency accommodation as of January 31st. Mr Sherry notes the actual number is likely higher, as these figures do not include people sleeping rough, living in cars, or staying in overcrowded conditions. The January Homeless report states that 17,112 people nationwide are in emergency accommodation. Mr Sherry expects this number to rise as the Residential Tenancies Act, which took effect on March 1st, impacts the rental market. He urges the Government to increase social housing, ban evictions, and introduce what he calls “realistic rent controls.”

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