MEP for Ireland South, Kathleen Funchion, has criticised the government for failing to resource local authorities and for allowing public homes to lie empty in the midst of a housing emergency….
Freedom of Information data received by Sinn Féin has shown that there are a total of 2,749 council homes boarded up across the state, with over 1,000 of these boarded up council houses being in Ireland South.
Figures show over 300 of these council houses in Ireland South have been boarded up for over a year. This figure is likely to be higher as not all counties have reported their numbers.
Ms Funchion said this is the result of a “lack of investment in the public housing stock”
Speaking from Kilkenny, MEP Funchion has said:
“These numbers, although disgraceful, should come as no shock to people living in our cities, towns, and villages. The dereliction in many places is chronic and in the case of council houses, it simply comes down to a lack of government funding to return them to use.”
“At a time when there are so few houses available to rent or buy in rural towns and villages in particular it is seriously concerning that the government has allowed these properties to lie empty. It undoubtedly contributes to many villages looking increasingly run down, as boarded up houses begin to show signs of disrepair.
“In such a wealthy country we deserve better than a government leaving houses to go lie boarded up for a want of money and investment.”
“A Sinn Féin government would not stop until long-term vacancy in council homes has ended. We would cut the red tape and end the bureaucracy. We would do everything to ensure that nobody watches homes rot, while they cannot access secure accommodation,” she said.
Jason Redmond
From Gorey, Jason is the owner of Wexford Weekly. He is also a post-primary English and History teacher.
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