A CO DOWN priest who campaigns for Dublin's homeless has criticised the Disney shop over plans to erect a security gate outside its Grafton Street entrance to prevent rough sleeping.
Fr Peter McVerry, who was born in Belfast but grew up in Newry, said retailers should use their influence to put pressure on the Republic's government to take action on the homeless crisis instead of forcing people from their doorways.
The high-profile priest has been involved in housing rights for more than 40 years, with his charity, the Peter McVerry Trust, supporting almost 5,000 homeless people annually.
The Disney Store has submitted a planning application to Dublin City Council for a sliding, open-mesh retractable security gate at the front of the premises after staff members reported an increase in those sleeping overnight and reportedly taking drugs.
However, the council has sought further information from the US entertainment giant about its plans, according top RTÉ.
Planners with the local authority said they had a concern about the materials being proposed by Disney as it was important the security gate would not detract from the streetscape.
The council said: 'The Planning Authority has a concern with the materials proposed.
"The site is located in the Grafton Street ACA and scheme of special planning control and therefore a bespoke design together with high quality materials are crucial.
"The applicant is requested to address the concerns of the Planning Authority in this regard.
"The applicant submitted a photograph of the proposed security gate. The justification for the gate is that the doorway is the subject of anti-social behaviour."
Documents filed by consultants acting for the Disney Store claimed homeless people sheltering in its doorway was an "improper use" of the area.
“Staff members of the Disney Store have observed the recessed doorway as being used by the homeless for sleeping, alongside apparent drug use being reported,” they stated.
