The frightening scale of the homelessness crisis faced by Dublin City Council has been graphically illustrated by the serious consideration given to a proposal that a cruise ship should be acquired to ease waiting lists.
Berthing such a vessel on the Liffey hardly represents a long-term solution to the problem but officials have said that, with almost 1,500 families in emergency accommodation in the capital, it is an option which remains under review.
As the Irish government was defeated yesterday in a vote on a cross-party motion to declare housing and homelessness a national emergency, it is clear that alarm is growing.
The issues involved are complex, and centre on the planning and decision making process as much as the availability of funds, but addressing them must be regarded as an urgent priority.
