It’s emerged a man who has been homeless in Ennis for over five years is currently living in a public toilet in Clare’s County Town.
Each night, Czech national and chronic alcoholic, Joseph Pavelka shares the Council-owned facility on Market Street with friend, Polish national, Peter Baram.
The situation’s been described as a scandal by Ennis District Court Judge Patrick Durcan.
The details emerged during a District court hearing yesterday where Joseph Pavelka appeared on offences relating to falling down drunk in public places in Ennis on different dates this year.
Judge Patrick Durcan was told the 58 year old’s habitual residency has lapsed so state agencies couldn’t provide him with assistance and that without the Church in Ennis, he would be dead.
The Czech national arrived in Ireland in 2007 and initially worked in construction but hasn’t been employed since sustaining a leg injury coupled with the collapse of the building trade.
His solicitor says he now drinks two bottles of vodka daily and pays for it through begging.
The Judge described as "a scandal"the fact that Mr Pavelka was now living in a public toilet and expressed his hope there were sufficient services in the courtroom to help the Czech national.
He adjourned the case until May 1st.
