Concern for woman living in caravan in Athy estate

RESIDENTS of Coneyboro housing estate in Athy have expressed concern for a woman living in a caravan in the estate.

Kildare County Council was in contact with the woman, delivering her an eviction notice at the end of January, and later met the lady, offering her alternative accommodation which she is reported to have “refused”. Since then, the council’s Homeless Team have met her again to find the best solution, but no significant progress has been made up to this point.

While not wishing to comment on an individual case, Kildare County Council said: “When individuals present as homeless, an assessment is carried out by the homeless team. Each case is considered on its own merits at the time of presentation and is dependent on the complexities or needs of the person or family presenting.

“Every effort is made by the Homeless Team in Kildare County Council to assist applicants and determine their needs.”

A concerned resident of Coneyboro estate spoke to the Kildare Nationalist about the situation and said: “I don’t know how she has been surviving. She has no electricity, no cooking facilities, heating or toilet. It’s a very, very difficult situation.

“She seems content to stay here. This must be somewhere she feels like is her safe place,” they continued.

Residents have made contact with the woman to explain that she cannot park there, offering solutions and alternative locations to park the caravan.

One resident explained: “She said she spoke to the police and they told her she was allowed to park here.”

“I would love to see her in safe accommodation in harmony with everyone around her. There’s better things out there for her. She doesn’t have to live like this,” said the resident.

“We [the residents] are fairly considerate – we understand. The council needs to step up their game. The last thing we need is another person homeless on the street,” they concluded.

Cllr Mark Leigh, who has been assisting the woman, said: “This is an ongoing issue that I was made aware of in January and have been trying to deal with in a compassionate manner, as have the council.

“The residents of Coneyboro have been incredibly patient and only want the best outcome here. However, having an illegally-parked caravan in an estate which has been taken in charge by the council a number of years ago is unacceptable.

“There is no running water and no toilet facilities in the caravan and the issue needs to be resolved as soon as possible.”