HOUSING Action Kildare claim there are between 15 and 20 people sleeping rough in Newbridge, along with the hidden homeless sleeping on the floors and sofas of friends and family.

In light of this, they are holding a homeless awareness event in Newbridge and have issued an appeal for sleeping bags.

Councillor Joanne Pender – who is a supporter of Housing Action Kildare – says the rough sleeping figure is “substantial”.

She said: “We’ve heard small figures here and there in different places. We haven’t had a substantial figure like that said before. To me that sounds like a high figure.

“Sleeping bags are not the answer by any means but if it’s the case that there are people sleeping rough then some small gesture would help or to help them get access to emergency accommodation.”

The event will be held this Saturday 27 May, outside Newbridge Town Hall at 1pm.

They are appealing for local support, and asking people to donate a sleeping bag.

For more information you can email: housingactionkildare@gmail.com, or phone 087 6704096.