Mayo councillor calls for urgent plan for people sleeping rough in Castlebar

Independent councillor Harry Barrett has called for an urgent plan to help people sleeping rough in Castlebar.

Cllr Barrett said he was "very concerned" about reports of vulnerable people sleeping rough in the town.

Some may be struggling with addiction and mental health difficulties, he said.

"These are people who need help, not judgement," he said.

He is calling on Castlebar Municipal District and local HSE services to come together urgently and put a proper plan in place to engage with people sleeping rough.

Emergency accommodation is important, Cllr Barrett said.

But outreach and access to addiction, mental health and social supports are also needed.

He acknowledged that some people may refuse help when it is first offered. "We cannot simply give up on them," he said.

With colder weather approaching, he said action is needed now.

"We should not wait until something terrible happens before asking what more could have been done," he added.