11/03/2019

SF Call For New Approach To 'Failing' Rebuilding Ireland

Sinn Fein politicians are calling for a renewed approach to Ireland's housing crisis as they believe Rebuilding Ireland, the Government's action plan for housing and homelessness, is failing.

Speaking after a coalition rally on the matter on Saturday 09 March, Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh said that "Rebuilding Ireland is failing" and the "Government must adopt a new approach if they are to end the housing and homeless emergency".

Deputy Ó Snodaigh explained: "Every month the housing and homeless crisis is getting worse. The numbers of people in emergency accommodation is rising. Delivery of social housing is glacial. Not a single affordable home was delivered from any Government scheme in 2018 and none will be delivered in 2019.

"Meanwhile, rents and house prices continue to rise, locking ever more people out of secure and affordable accommodation. Rebuilding Ireland has failed and will continue to fail. It's under-investment in public housing to meet social and affordable need, coupled with its over reliance on the private market is a recipe for disaster.

"Government must accept that its plan is part of the problem. They must adopt a new approach if they are to end the housing and homeless emergency.

"We need capital investment in pubic housing to double. We need an emergency rent freeze and refundable renters tax relief. We need emergency measures to stop the flow of people into emergency accommodation. And we need a referendum to enshrine the right to housing into the constitution.

"Today's demonstration in Dublin shows that people are not happy with the Government and we will keep marching and protesting until either the Government changes its policy or the people change the Government."



(JG/MH)

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