Carrickmines families are ‘desperate’ for housing

The families bereaved by the Carrickmines fire are “getting desperate” to be rehoused, it has been claimed.

The 15 people left homeless by the fire that claimed the lives of 10 people on October 10th have been staying in the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation in Co Wicklow.

However, that accommodation will no longer be available after Wednesday.

Attempts to move the families to a temporary halting site in Rockville Drive in Co Dublin have failed because of residents’ opposition.

The council said it is currently building permanent accommodation for the families, but it will not be ready for six months.

The Southside Travellers Action Group, the group supporting the families, met Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council officials on Monday to press for a resolution of the problem.

Sense of urgency

The talks broke up without a decision. Group director Geraldine Dunne said there was now a sense of urgency about finding alternative temporary accommodation for the families involved.

“The families are getting desperate to know what will happen to them when the funerals are over on Friday.

“This situation has gone on for 10 days and a decision is necessary immediately to provide these families with a safe place to live.”

The funeral of Willie Lynch and Tara Gilbert, their children Jodie and Kelsey, and Willie’s brother, Jimmy Lynch, will take place at the Church of the Holy Redeemer in Bray, Co Wicklow, tomorrow at noon.

The remains of Thomas Connors, his wife Sylvia, and their three children, Christopher, Jim and baby Mary, will be brought to the Church of the Ascension of the Lord in Balally, Sandyford, on Wednesday at 5pm.

A funeral Mass will be held there on Thursday at 11.30am, after which their remains will be brought to the Church of the Assumption, Bride Street, Wexford town, arriving at 5pm.

The family will be buried in Crosstown cemetery, Wexford, following a prayer service in the church at noon on Friday.