A man with psychiatric problems and homeless for over 20 years has been remanded in custody for a week as no suitable accommodation is available for him.
Thomas Corrigan (65) appeared before Dublin District Court yesterday, having been arrested "for his own safety".
Garda Mark Fay, Bridewell station, told the court he had found Mr Corrigan lying on Luas tram tracks in Benburb Street at 11.45pm on Thursday last week.
He charged Mr Corrigan with intoxication in a public place. Mr Corrigan had failed to appear in Kilmainham District Court on a number of non-violent charges.
He said Mr Corrigan had been barred from a number of hostels due to his behaviour. These included the Back Lane hostel in the Liberties, where he had been resident since 1984.
Liz Walsh, representing Mr Corrigan, said there were "serious concerns" about him. His case was receiving attention "at the highest levels". There would be a "high-level" meeting in the HSE South Western Area about him next Wednesday.
During the brief hearing, Mr Corrigan wailed: "I want to go back to my home in Back Lane. They are my friends."
Ms Walsh said a bed had been made available for him in the psychiatric unit of St James's Hospital, "but it is not a secure unit".
Mr Corrigan was remanded in custody until next Friday, when he is to appear in Kilmainham District Court.
