THE chance discovery of this makeshift shelter in a wooded area off a busy main road in Killarney had led to an investigation by Gardai as well as emergency accommodation services.
The rough, damp shelter, made up of blankets, cardboard, plastic and other materials, was found yesterday by a local photographer who was walking in a public area just off Muckross Road.
There was nobody in the vicinity at the time and when he returned later on Tuesday evening, the shelter was still unoccupied.
The photographer shared the image on social media to voice his concern and the matter was taken up by Killarney Municipal District councillor Niall Kelleher.
He alerted the council’s accommodation services who are conducting an investigation into the matter and the site has also been visited by Gardai.
There is some suggestion that the person that had been using the shelter had been offered more suitable accommodation but may have declined.
“I’ve spoken to the homeless service and to other authorities who are looking into it and should assistance be required, the services will be given immediately,” Cllr Kelleher said.
“I’ve assisted many people who find themselves homeless but there is no need for anyone to be sleeping out as there is emergency accommodation available,” he added.
Cllr Kelleher has championed the cause of the homeless in the recent past and joined former Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce President, Kate O’Leary, in an overnight sleep in the outdoors to raise funds and awareness for Focus Ireland.
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