Exploring the Impact of Homeless Accommodation Policy on the Community in North Inner-City Dublin
Exploring homeless accommodation policy, service pressures and community experiences in North Inner-City Dublin.
- Service
- Research
- Commissioned by
- North Inner City Dublin Drug and Alcohol Task Force, Dublin, Ireland
About the project
Most of the people experiencing homelessness in Ireland live in Dublin. There has been an increase in emergency homelessness accommodation, particularly in the North Inner City (NIC) area. It is estimated that 7 out of 10 consecutive properties on Lower Gardiner Street are now used for homeless accommodation, most of which are privately owned and operated. Emergency accommodation policy is recognised as a requirement, however, the level of concentration in NIC has had unintended consequences for all stakeholders. There is a perception that the current policy is failing both vulnerable populations and local communities. This area has historically experienced and continues to experience disadvantage and marginalisation. It includes a series of communities that experience relatively higher levels of disadvantage than Dublin City and nationally.
The NIC Dublin Drug and Alcohol Taskforce commissioned EduRelate to explore the relationship between the concentration of homeless accommodation in NIC Dublin and patterns of substance use, demand for services, and wider impacts on the local community. The study examined associations and systemic interactions rather than attempting to establish direct causality. The research sought to identify key system pressures, explore stakeholder experiences and perceptions, and generate evidence-informed recommendations to support future policy, service planning, and community responses.
The methodological approach prioritised qualitative depth through stakeholder engagement, focus groups, interviews, and participatory workshops. This design was appropriate to the exploratory nature of the study and aligned with its participatory and action-oriented aims.