The President Michael D Higgins has opened a new facility for the homeless in Co Wicklow. The homeless accommodation facility at Kilmantin Hill in Wicklow town can accommodate 17 people.
It is currently being operated by the Simon Community, on behalf of Wicklow County Council.
It includes 12 bedrooms, a commercial kitchen, laundry room and a small room for one-to-one meetings.
The service operates on a 24-hour basis and supports people experiencing homelessness from the county of Wicklow.
Pat Greene from the Simon Community said "At a time when the task of tackling, eliminating and preventing homelessness in Wicklow town, and throughout the whole country, is huge and frightening, this service responds to the critical demand for much needed shelter and support."
"This valuable service is here for the growing number of vulnerable people who find themselves without a roof over head. It provides immediate support and stabilisation 24/7 and since opening, the service has been fully utilised with a waiting list to fill vacancies as soon as people can be moved into permanent accommodation," he added.
