Man found dead in Dublin doorway was not homeless

A man assumed to be homeless when he was found dead in the doorway of a Dublin cafe at the weekend lived in Co Wicklow and was from what sources described as a "comfortable" background.

The body of Jed Eddison was found in the doorway of Starbucks in the former Bewley's Café premises on Westmoreland St in the city centre.

The 30-year-old was originally from Naas, Co Kildare, but had been living in Co Wicklow with his mother.

He had been driven from his home in Grangecon by his mother into Dublin city on Friday. It appears he intended to spend the weekend in the city socialising. He was found dead just before 7.30am on Sunday.

The results of toxicology tests are awaited to determine whether alcohol or other intoxicants caused his death. Efforts to contact Mr Eddison’s family were not successful.

Difficulty

Campaigner on homelessness Fr Peter McVerry said the case highlighted the fact that once any rough sleeper found themselves in difficulty on the streets, there was “nobody there to pick them up”.

“If you are indoors – in emergency accommodation like a hostel – there is more chance of you being spotted and an intervention being made,” he said.

However, he said groups of homeless people, rough sleepers or occasional rough sleepers found the streets a better alternative.

“Hostels suit drug users because you can go in and close the door and share your drugs with other users,” Fr McVerry said. “You won’t even need to leave the hostel to buy drugs. These places are frightening and are full of intimidating people.”