New Meath policy includes unannounced inspections of private emergency accommodation
A new policy introduced by Meath County Council will see both announced and unannounced inspections carried out on private emergency accommodation, as part of a drive to improve standards for people experiencing homelessness in the county.
The Policy Statement on Standards of Emergency Accommodation Supplied by the Private Sector, presented to councillors at the November full meeting of the council, outlines strict requirements for privately operated emergency housing, ensuring that all facilities meet defined standards of safety, cleanliness, privacy and comfort.
Meath County Council said that while homelessness prevention remains at the core of its services, emergency accommodation “becomes a necessary intervention” when prevention is not possible.
The new policy sets out a system of continuous review through regular site visits, service user feedback and defined physical standards to ensure accommodation remains safe and fit for purpose.
The measures are based on the National Quality Standards Framework (NQSF) for Homeless Services in Ireland, first introduced in 2019. That framework, originally designed for NGO-run services, is now being extended locally to include private providers who regularly supply accommodation under contract to the council.
Under the new standards, all emergency accommodation must be “safe, well-maintained and in good repair”, with appropriate sanitary facilities, adequate heating, lighting and ventilation.
Providers must ensure safe electricity and gas installations, access for people with physical or sensory disabilities, and suitable furniture and laundry facilities.
Privacy is also prioritised. Where feasible, each person should have single-room occupancy, while shared rooms must include locks and screening for personal care.
Families are to be accommodated together, with access to cooking facilities, meal space and, where possible, outdoor play areas for children.
Both scheduled and surprise inspections will be carried out by council staff to assess conditions. Each visit will include a review of the building, interviews with owners and direct engagement with service users.
Residents will be encouraged to report any concerns “safely” and without “adverse consequence”, and may use an advocacy service of their choice.
Welcoming the policy, Independent Councillor Alan Lawes said: “We can see that there’s a major effort being made by the council to improve the standards of emergency accommodation.”
Cllr Lawes, who provides an out-of-hours and weekend outreach service to people who are homeless in the county, added: “This is now a document that we can look at and hold providers to these standards.”