An Post has said the GPO is “totally unsuitable” for use as a soup kitchen.
Former Lord Mayor of Dublin Dermot Lacey had called for An Post to make their catering facilities at the GPO available for temporary use by homeless outreach services. New byelaws due to be drafted by Dublin City Council will see the regulation of on-street homeless services, many of which operate outside the GPO.
The Council said the draft byelaws are “not prohibiting these activities but ensuring they are provided in a safe environment for both operators and users of the service through the granting of a permit setting out operating hours, locations, restrictions and adherence to any other relevant regulations that apply to these services”. The introduction of the byelaws was a recommendation of the Taoiseach’s Taskforce for Dublin published last October.
This week, Cllr Dermot Lacey urged An Post to “explore the feasibility of opening the GPO canteen as an indoor soup kitchen”. He said: “Given that the majority of An Post staff have now moved out of the GPO and that An Post is looking for future use of the iconic building, it might be useful for An Post to consider making their catering facilities available for temporary use to the providers of soup kitchens, and related services, to those in need.
“The An Post Chief Executive has been vocal about moving essential services like food provision off the streets and into indoor spaces that provide dignity and support for people in need. The GPO, as a central and symbolic location in Dublin, has catering facilities that are underutilised and could provide an immediate, short-term solution. While we wait for permanent infrastructure to be put in place, opening these facilities even temporarily could serve as a vital bridge for the city to meet this demand.
“I’m calling on An Post to engage with community organisations and the City Council to explore the feasibility of opening the GPO canteen as an indoor soup kitchen. Let’s act now to provide immediate support while building for the future.”
An Post has dismissed the suggestion, with a spokesman telling Dublin Live: “The GPO, Ireland’s most important historical building is managed and maintained by An Post on behalf of the State. It is totally unsuitable for use as a soup kitchen venue.
“This is not a trivial issue. The Dublin Taskforce Report’s recommendation concerning soup kitchens, which was informed by experts in homeless support services, is for a professional approach and customised facilities.”
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