Emergency accommodation has been secured for two homeless men in Co Clare, who have been sleeping rough in public toilet buildings in the town of Ennis.
Czech national 55-year-old Joseph Pavelka and Peter Baram from Poland have been sleeping in the toilet building in the market area of the town for the past two months due to a lack of money and chronic alcohol problems.
The plight of the two men - who have been living rough in Ennis for a number of years was raised at a recent sitting of Ennis District Court.
Joseph Pavelka was before the court for offences relating to his drunken behaviour, but Judge Patrick Durkan described his living conditions as a scandal and expressed hope that the court services to help him.
However, following a case conference by the Society of Saint Vincent De Paul at Laurel Lodge in Ennis, temporary accommodation has been secured for both men with immediate effect.
In a statement, the centre manager Pat Cahil says they will be able to remain there until May 7 and this will allow both Pavelka and Baram to attempt to establish benefits, address their immediate issues and make plans for the future.