Homelessness is on the increase among drug users in County Wexford, according to figures compiled by the Cornmarket Project which offers counselling and support services to addicts and their families.
Co-ordinator Paul Delaney said the service is currently dealing with 27 clients who are homeless compared to six in 2010.
'It's the most prominent feature of the figures this year. It's shocking for us. We are not unique in that regard as other areas are showing a similar picture but it's still a shocking statistic for a relatively small town like Wexford,' he said.
Mr. Delaney was speaking at a press conference organised by County Wexford Drugs and Alcohol Task Force to highlight the urgent need for more Government investment in prevention, rehabilitation and support services for people engaged in substance mis-use.
'If someone doesn't have a roof over their heads it's very difficult for them to begin to tackle their problems,' he said.
Mr. Delaney said the Cornmarket Project is working with other agencies on behalf of clients to try and address the issue of homelessness.
Recently-appointed Task Force chairman Declan McPartlin said drug and alcohol abuse has multiplied in County Wexford against a background of funding cuts to agencies in which staff are being asked to 'achieve the impossible.'.
Source: Irish Independent, 06/12/2014
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