DESPITE BIG EFFORTS over the past number of months to provide more beds for the homeless – there remains a population of rough sleepers across Ireland.
People can choose to sleep out for a number of different reasons. These can be because of conditions in hostels, problems with addiction or a person’s personal preference.
This brings with it a number of problems. Rough sleepers are vulnerable and find themselves exposed to a number of dangers.
Emily Duffy, a student at Desmond College in Limerick came up with the idea of a ‘Homeless Wrap’ after volunteering with homeless services in her local area.
The wrap itself is waterproof, non-flammable, retains heat and has reflective strips to make it more noticeable.
Displaying her idea at this year’s BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, Duffy stated that her hopes of going forward with it would “not necessarily mean winning a prize” but seeing the product become more widely available.
As her next step she plans to bring the idea forward for mass development. This would be done on a not-for-profit basis and is currently seeking sponsorship from local businesses.
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