Alan Murphy and Kelly Gilenan are a homeless couple who have said they would rather sleep in a tent that in some of the accommodation offered to them by the council.

Gilsenan and Murphy lost their home, in Clondalkin in Dublin, when their landlord sold the home and they were unable to find alternative accommodation. The emergency accommodation offered by the South Dublin County Council was so poor the couple felt they couldn't allow their six-year-old son to stay there. There appeared to be traces of urine, feces, vomit and mold in several apartments they were offered. Sleeping rough "was horrible but cleaner than some of the hostels and emergency accommodation", Kelly said.

The couple slept in the offices of South Dublin County Council in protest, after which the Council brought them to the High Court to seek an injunction against them.

With Murphy suffering from severe epilepsy and Gilsenan needed to work as his full-time carer, they are unable to work full time jobs and worry about where they can house their six-year-old son.

They spoke to Newstalk reporter Nadine Maloney, telling her about the conditions they are currently living in, and how they are fighting to have their case resolved.

South Dublin County Council have responded to Newstalk following the airing of the report. In a statement they said:

“This couple initially occupied South Dublin County Council, Head Quarters in County Hall, Tallaght and the Council obtained a High Court injunction to remove them from the premises.

“However the family have been assessed as homeless and because of a court order granting overnight access to Mr Murphy’s son they have placed on the Family List. Due to their circumstances they have been prioritised and have been offered emergency accommodation by the Council.”

Kelly Gilsenan sent Newstalk the following photos, showing the conditions of the accommodation they are staying in.

Images from inside County Council emergency accommodation

 Images: Kelly Gilsenan