Taoiseach to Open First-of-Its-Kind Health and Addiction Care Facility for People Experiencing Homelessness 

Dublin, 9th of February: An Taoiseach Micheál Martin will officially open this Monday, at 11:30 am, Dublin Simon Community’s Health and Addiction Care Facility for those experiencing homelessness at Usher’s Island, marking a major milestone in Ireland’s response to homelessness and drug addiction. 

The purpose-built facility is the first of its kind in Ireland to bring together homeless-specific addiction treatment, recovery and healthcare under one roof, funded by the Departments of Housing and Health and supported by Dublin City Council and Health Service Executive. 

Developed and operated by Dublin Simon Community, the 100-bed facility responds to the growing complexity of homelessness, where addiction, health, social issues, and financial and housing instability intersect. This facility will serve as a vital resource for adults experiencing homelessness, providing critical services such as detox, step-up and step-down intermediate care, and stabilisation treatment.   

The opening will be attended by Lord Mayor of Dublin Councillor Ray McAdam, Taoiseach Micheál Martin (TD), Minister for Housing James Browne (TD), Minister of State at the Department of Health with special responsibility for Public Health, Well Being and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor (TD), alongside representatives from the Departments of Housing and Health, HSE, Dublin City Council and the Dublin Region Homeless Executive. 

The facility has been delivered through €38 million in capital funding from the Department of Housing under the Capital Assistance Scheme, with over €10 million in annual funding provided by the Department of Health. It is being opened on a phased basis, with 75 beds operational and capacity to expand to 100 beds. 

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam said: “This new Health and Addiction Care Facility is a line in the sand for the kind of capital city we choose to be, one that refuses to look away from homelessness and meets addiction with treatment and recovery, not stigma. It turns compassion into delivery and gives people a real chance to rebuild their lives with dignity. I want to congratulate Dublin Simon Community and every partner involved for bringing this long-held vision into reality. May this be a place of safety, care and recovery where, every day, someone gets the chance to begin again.” 

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin (TD) said: “I’m delighted to officially open this Health and Addiction Care Facility and to see first-hand the services being delivered here at Usher’s Island. This unique, purpose-built facility enables dedicated homeless-specific treatment for some of the most vulnerable people in our society. It stands as a strong example of cross-departmental collaboration and of commitments made under national housing plans and drug strategies being translated into action. I want to acknowledge the leadership of Dublin Simon Community, and to thank the Department of Housing, the Department of Health, Dublin City Council, the HSE and all those involved in bringing this facility to life.” 

Catherine Kenny, CEO of Dublin Simon Community, said: “Homelessness today is more complex than ever. For many people, it is shaped not just by the absence of housing, but by trauma, addiction and long-term health needs. Addressing that reality requires more than emergency responses — it requires integrated, specialist solutions. 

Usher’s Island is the result of Dublin Simon’s decades of frontline experience in the provision of homeless-specific treatment services. It is a gamechanger for both the health sector and the homeless community. I am grateful to our staff and stakeholders who recognise the crucial role this facility will play in improving health outcomes for vulnerable people.” 

Kathryn Holly, Chair of the Board of Dublin Simon Community, said: “Usher’s Island represents what can be achieved when strong governance, public policy and frontline expertise align around a shared goal. 

The opening would not have been possible without the unwavering support and funding provided by the Department of Housing and Dublin City Council for capital and the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive (HSE) on operational costs. On behalf of the Board, I want to pay tribute to the current and past management team in Dublin Simon, who worked diligently with our partners to bring this to fruition.”   

Minister for Housing James Browne (TD) said: “Tackling homelessness is my number one priority. Homelessness it not just about putting a roof over someone’s head as people experiencing homelessness often face complex challenges. This new facility, backed by €38m investment from my department, will pioneer specialist addiction treatment designed to specifically support people dealing with homelessness.”   

Minister of State at the Department of Health with special responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor (TD) said: “I’m delighted to return to the Usher’s Island facility for the official opening and to see how our investment of more than €10 million this year is supporting the recovery of homeless people dealing with addiction. It is important that this public investment supports their recovery and access to permanent accommodation. I want to thank the brilliant teams involved in this project, including in the HSE, for their dedication.” 

Originally established as an emergency accommodation service in 1989, Usher’s Island has evolved over the decades in response to changing needs. Once fully operational, the facility will support 1,200–1,400 adults each year, providing health-led pathways out of homelessness while easing pressure on acute hospital and emergency services.