On behalf of the Diocese, Crosscare has responded to a plea for assistance for the Roma families currently living on the Ballymun Roundabout in dreadful conditions.

 

Crosscare has arranged for a bus to collect the families each day from Monday to Saturday. They are being brought to Holles Row food centre where they are getting hot food and can avail of shower facilities. Yesterday (Tuesday) 50 children and adults from the makeshift camp availed of the offer. This included a number of young babies. Colin Thomson of the Crosscare Travellers Inclusion Programme is coordinating the effort which is being reviewed and modified on a daily basis.

 

Yvonne Fleming is liaising on behalf of Crosscare with the other NGO’s involved and is working to raise awareness on the issue and calling on state services to provide appropriate support for the families.

 

Crosscare’s director, Conor Hickey is working with directors from Focus Ireland and Simon with a view to taking a joined approach to sourcing alternative emergency accommodation for these families.