Concern as construction begins on Wicklow hostel

Residents in Wicklow town have been left outraged after it appears work has begun on a wet/dry hostel .

A construction notice has been placed in the front window beside the planning notice.

The hostel which is expected to be operated by the SIMON community on Kilmantin hill is do to be operational later this year.

Residents voiced their anger last week when it appeared construction work had already began prior to planning permission.

One resident on the road said "The place is being ripped apart and a skip was place outside, there is a committee in place that informs us of what will be happening but no one knew about this."

Another resident said " I thought the SIMON community were all for looking after the homeless, if they are ? Why are they throwing out the best of bedside lockers and wardrobes, seems a bit wasteful to me." "Regardless of what people say or their feelings it looks like the project is going ahead, so much for people power, I only hope the people and parents remember when the next election comes around."

It is understood there are presently two homeless people in the area of Wicklow town, the opening of the facility would see the closing down of the hostels in Bray and Rathdrum.