A resident of Ashford Court Hotel has raised their concern over fellow residents while criticising the input of Clare County Council.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, the resident voiced their frustration at attempts to have a meeting with Clare County Council in light of safety concerns at Ashford Court Hotel, “I tried to go to the County Council but nobody is listening”.

Up to eight families are living at Ashford Court Hotel with their children ranging in age from one year old to nineteen.

Prior to Christmas, a winter initiative project was introduced by the local authority following “many representations and to address concerns re (sic) rough sleeping in Ennis”. Extra supports were added to Ashford Court Hotel to facilitate and accommodate rough sleepers.

One individual living at the Ennis hotel criticised the addition of extra residents as part of the winter initiative project citing criminal records and addiction issues, “Those people should be getting help not a hotel”.

Insufficient assistance has been forthcoming from the local authority, elected representatives and Mid-West Simon, the resident claimed. “There is nobody listening to us, it is mind boggling what is going on”.

“This project has been most beneficial to the individuals as they have a safe space and supports available to help them in this pandemic and to manage the intense period of cold weather we have been experiencing. Essentially it is fair to say the availability of this facility has saved lives,” senior executive officer in the housing section of the Council Siobhán McNulty told the March meeting of the Ennis Municipal District.

McNulty highlighted the winter initiative project was not a long-term solution. “It is expected that the roll out of Housing First and the re-orientation of existing facilities will lead to vulnerable clients being facilitated in alternative settings with the appropriate wrap around supports over time”.