The Mercy Law Resource Centre (MLRC), a charity that offers free legal help to individuals at risk of homelessness, has raised concerns about the flawed implementation of local homelessness laws. They suggest that this issue predominantly harms the most vulnerable, like victims of domestic violence, especially those in the countryside where underreporting is a significant problem.
The charity’s annual report for 2023 has highlighted a surge of 157% in concerns related to emergency accommodation (a total of 139 cases), marking the first time over half of the clients were from outside Dublin. The charity noted poor judgement in the administration by local authorities, particularly in the reporting of homelessness. According to them, several authorities significantly underrepresent official figures despite the apparent rise in individuals sleeping rough in rural settlements.
MLRC solicitor Adam Boyle shed light on the immense challenges clients face when trying to access emergency accommodation. He emphasised that potential residents often face rejection, mostly without any specific grounds, even when they meet the designated criteria. This erratic application of rules increases the vulnerability of people at risk of homelessness.
In 2023, the charity received 2,740 calls from those in need and opened 758 new legal assistance cases. Besides their three solicitors, they work alongside A&L Goodbody on a non-profit basis regarding additional legal clinics. They also facilitate a telephone consultative service with Mason, Hayes, and Curran.
MLRC highlighted the ongoing issue of local authorities denying emergency accommodation to individuals who cannot prove a “local connection”. They stressed that this isn’t a mandated requirement for such accommodation. Additionally, the charity criticised authorities for consistently neglecting to provide individuals with a justification for their decisions, which is a compulsory procedure.
The cost of operating MLRC in 2023 reached €378,839. This sum was gathered from donations, grants, and settlements from legal expenses. It emphasised the push for reform in homeless law administration and increased transparency in local authorities’ decision-making processes.