Cork family slept in church after presenting as homeless, TD tells Dail

The Irish Examiner reported that Labour Party TD Eoghan Kenny challenged the Irish government in the Dail this week regarding gaps in emergency accommodation services. Kenny stated that a family of five spent five nights sleeping in a church in Ballincollig after presenting as homeless to Cork County Council in Annabella, Mallow. The family includes two children aged 16 and 12. [1]

According to the Irish Examiner, Kenny raised the issue directly with Taoiseach Micheal Martin. Kenny said he received a phone call from the family on Thursday of last week after they were repeatedly passed between State services without receiving immediate emergency housing support. [1]

The historic town of Ballincollig features the Ballincollig Royal Gunpowder Mills, which were originally opened in 1794 as a private enterprise before being acquired by the British government. Industrial history in the area dates to the 13th century, beginning with a settlement established by the Cole family. [3][4]

The incident comes amid wider housing developments in the area. Cork Beo reported that planning approval has been granted for more than 150 new homes in the fast growing town of Ballincollig. [2]