Dublin Lord Mayor Eibhlin Byrne has welcomed the opening of Sundial House homeless facility in the city.

She said: "Services like this are the key to eradicating long term homelessness. It represents that joined up service that is so vital and I particularly welcome the concept of onsite medical care."

The Lord Mayor called on the Health Service Executive to consider its approach to homeless services and perhaps re-look at some priorities.

Ms Byrne lauded the work of the Depaul Trust, which she said has been pioneering in its work with low threshold services.

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"We have yet to deliver on low threshold/wet shelters in the city in sufficient numbers in the city. I am committed to this and I know that Dublin City Council officials are deeply committed to moving on this," said the Lord Mayor.

Ms Byrne said now is a critical time for homeless services, and added: "It will take courage and integrity for all of us now to re-evaluate where we are and what route best supports those we hope to serve."

"For my part, I do not believe that solving houselessness is an answer to homelessness. Emergency accommodation must be replaced by supported housing and services like those on offer at Sundial House," she said.

The Lord Mayor added: "Many of our homeless community, with the right supports will be able to establish their own homes, others will require long term support. In either case we must not be found wanting, regardless of the economic climate."

(PR/JM)