A Dublin homeless charity is calling for outdoor showers and sanitation facilities to be made available for people sleeping rough in the city.

Inner City Helping Homeless said there has been no reduction in the number of people sleeping out – despite an increase in homeless services’ bed capacity.

More than 350 self-contained apartments and en-suite hotel rooms have been made available to the city’s homeless services following the collapse in tourist bookings.

However, ICHH Chief Executive Councillor Anthony Flynn said the temporary release of prisoners and eviction of students from college accommodation has seen an influx into the system as the country battles the COVID-19 outbreak.

He said more than 90 people are still sleeping on the streets each night – with no access to sanitation now that cafés, shops, bars and libraries are closed.

“Many that normally access homeless day services, some of those day services have closed,” he said.

“Some of those day services are only offering pre-served meals or takeaway meals through the system.

“We are in a situation where many can’t wash their hands, they can’t access showers, they can’t access fresh clothing or even wash the clothing that they have.”

He said outdoor sanitation facilities need to implemented in order to save lives on the city’s streets.