HOMELESS people are being forced to sleep rough because a hostel in Newbridge remains closed. One man was discovered sleeping in the porch of the parochial house and the volunteers who formerly manned the hostel believe he is not the only one.

A public demonstration is being organised to protest against the continuing closure of Michael Garry House this Saturday

The former members of the local St Christpher’s Conference of the St Vincent de Paul Society, who managed Michael Garry House for 16 years, are organising the protest for this Saturday, 20 September, at 11am outside the hostel.

“St Vincent de Paul and Kildare Co Council are still in talks. It is ridiculous that they haven’t sorted something at this stage. In the meantime, homeless people in our community are being forced to sleep rough,” said Tim Gallagher.

Following back lash from a proposal to change the use of Michael Garry House in Newbridge from emergency accommodation to long stay accommodation the charity said they would be willing to hand over the building to Kildare Co Council.

But the building has remained closed and locked in recent weeks while both parties involved have been engaged in talks about the future of the premises.

“Despite what St Vincent de Paul says we are quite definite that there are people sleeping rough because the hostel is closed. I was speaking with our parish priest just recently and he said a man had been sleeping in his porch,” he added.

“We just want the hostel back open and we plan to whip up some energy around this protest. We are asking everyone to get involved and to come along and show their support.”