Council plan hub for families experiencing homelessness

Meath County Council has announced that it is progressing plans to establish a new family hub at Ma Dwyer’s B&B in Navan, for families experiencing homelessness.

Working in close collaboration with the property owners, the Council says it will provide safe, stable and supportive accommodation for families with children experiencing homelessness.

The proposed family hub will offer family-centred accommodation for households with one or two children, with a strong focus on creating a calm, supervised environment that supports children’s wellbeing while families work towards securing long-term housing solutions.

Designed to replace less structured forms of emergency accommodation, the Hub will provide consistent, organised and child-focused supports, helping to reduce disruption and stress for families during an exceptionally challenging period in their lives.

A range of on-site and visiting services will be available to residents, ensuring families receive the practical and emotional support they need in a safe setting. The location of Ma Dwyer’s B&B offers good accessibility to local and regional public transport, allowing families to remain connected to schools, services and the wider community.

Speaking about the initiative, Meath County Council Chief Executive Kieran Kehoe said: “Family Hubs play a vital role in how local authorities respond to homelessness by providing a safe, structured and child-centred environment at a time of real vulnerability for families.

“In line with Meath County Council’s ongoing housing priorities, this facility at Ma Dwyer’s represents a compassionate and practical response, focused not just on emergency accommodation but on actively supporting families to move forward into secure, long-term homes.”

The Hub will operate 24 hours a day, with staffing provided by the property owner.

Meath County Council will also assign a Settlement Officer, who will be present daily to oversee case management, coordinate supports and work directly with families. Each household will be supported through an individualised housing plan, with pathways towards social housing allocations or appropriate schemes such as the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) or the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS).

The approach aligns with national and regional homelessness policy, including the move away from reliance on private emergency accommodation towards more stable, supported models. It also reflects the principles of the National Quality Standards Framework, which prioritises child-centred services, safety and effective support planning.

The Kerrigan Family, of Ma Dwyer’s B&B, said: “We are very aware of how difficult it is for families with no homes, particularly for children. By working with Meath County Council, we want to provide a safe, respectful and supportive environment where families can experience some stability while they plan their next steps. It’s important to us that this is a place where people feel supported and treated with dignity.”

It is anticipated that the Family Hub will reach full occupancy by the end of June, supporting families during their transition towards permanent housing solutions.