Dublin councillor Anthony Flynn has slammed the lack of service provisions in place for the homeless during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The CEO of Inner City Helping Homeless says the number of people sleeping rough has not been reduced despite a higher bed capacity.
Anthony Flynn said an influx of people such as students evicted from student accommodation and being homeless for the first time has contributed to these numbers.
He noted: "There are still up to 90 people per night who are sleeping rough, and with the reduction in day services right through the system people cannot access showering facilities, nor are they able to wash clothes nevermind wash their hands as per HSE guidelines.
"Many services have been reduced because of the threat of Covid-19, which means those who are most vulnerable cannot simply wash their hands.
"With many cafes, shops, bars or libraries not open simple toilet facilities are unavailable. More needs to be done to ensure that proper access to washing and sanitation is widely available for all those require it.
"Outdoor showers, sanitation devices need to be implemented without delay as it could save lives.”
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