Last night’s action by Cllr Allan Lawes and a woman living without a home has finally secured emergency accommodation this morning. Meath Live carried an article (see below)outlining the grave situation the woman found herself in. Despite six months of representations of the independent councillor no help had been forthcoming to the individual. He refused along with the woman to leave the head office at Buvinda House in Navan. When the Gardai called he explained in detail the circumstances the woman found herself, the Gardai left and they stayed the night. This morning common sense prevailed and the lady was offered emergency accommodation.

As Lawes said ” Why did it have to come to this. the woman told me when she woke this morning it was the first night in ages she felt safe and warm.” He also pointed out he had dealt with another homeless woman in Cavan earlier in the week and she was offered support and accommodation within 24 hours by Cavan County Council, which he said was acceptable in the circumstances. ”They don’t even know me there but they listened”. He stressed the need for Meath County Council to examine how they are dealing with emergency cases like this. ”It shouldn’t have come to this, but thankfully we have sorted the woman out with support” he acknowledge. 

Yesterday Story

Cllr Lawes And Woman Living Rough Refusing to Leave Council Office

The tarpaulin sheet where the lady had slept under on a number of nights in Navan. A Lithuanian lady speaking to her as she prepared to spend the night earlier in the week helped Cllr Lawes with interpretation over the issues she faced as her English was poor.

A woman who has been living in Ireland for the last 14 years is currently living rough in Navan. She has failed to secure emergency accommodation since December 2025. This evening Cllr Lawes and the distressed woman have refused to leave the offices at Buvinda House protesting, he cannot accept the undue delay in processing her application.

Despite the best efforts of Cllr Alan Lawes to help the Lithuanian lady since December of last year and now over six months, she has failed to get support from the council. This evening a member of the executive offered a meeting tomorrow but Lawes is refusing to leave, insisting they are only proposing a meeting. Meath Live understands that the Gardai will be called.

In December of last year Lawes helped her fill in her application for support but now six months on and constantly working with the Housing Section there has no sign of help. The woman, first name Loreta is at her wits end and is losing all hope. A fellow native spoke with her ”All she wants is somewhere to sleep  and have basic human rights”.

Cllr Lawes is refusing to leave Buvinda House with Loreta who has been homeless for six months. Above Lithuanian native speaks to Loreta who has slept rough in a wood in Navan.

The lady that assisted her said ”She has fallen on bad times but she has held down a job, is a fantastic cook, has worked in Ireland and paid her dues, she is unwell and suffering with a bad foot, badly swollen suffering with allergies and has difficulties with breathing.” I am heart broken I don’t know how I can go back in  and sleep in my bed. Its unbelievable that she can be left like this.  She is a human being! ”

Cllr Lawes cannot accept the manner in which she is being treated, he points out the time delay  ”Over six months ago Meath county Council were notified about this lady.” he remarks. Something needs to be done, she’s a human being.” are the comments of her fellow native.