*Westbrook House. Photograph: Gary Collins
Westbrook House will continue to be used as a homeless facility.
Until December 2019, Westbrook House operated as a guesthouse. It was then acquired by Clare County Council and has been run by Mid-West Simon as a place of residence for homeless persons since then.
On Monday, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) detailed that complaints still existed regarding non-compliance with a ruling from An Bord Pleanála which overruled the Council on the status of Westbrook House.
Director of Service, Anne Haugh noted that several queries had been received in the past week on the matter. She stated that the continued operation of Westbrook House as a homeless facility would be regularised by way of a Chief Executive’s order using emergency powers under the planning legislation.
A meeting had taken place between Council Chief Executive Pat Dowling and members of the Ennis Municipal District where this was conveyed, Ms Haugh outlined.
Westbrook House has fifteen ensuite bedrooms and is staffed full-time by a Head of Operations, Case Manager, support staff and a night support worker to which residents have access on an on-call service. Its purpose is to support residents with the challenges facing them in gaining access to private rental or transition to other permanent housing.
