Menu
09/09/2019
Homelessness Crisis 'Most Glaring Example Of Inequality In Ireland'
The housing and homelessness crisis has been described as the "most glaring example of inequality in Ireland today".
Labour Housing spokesperson Jan O'Sullivan accused the Government of failing to deliver adequate affordable and social housing. She said that a new approach to the problem is needed.
Speaking at the Labour Party's national Think-in Cork today, Deputy O'Sullivan continued: "It's now over three years since Simon Coveney and Enda Kenny first launched 'Rebuilding Ireland' and pledged to make the housing crisis the Government's number one priority.
"Yet here we are, just about to start another Dáil term and the situation is getting worse rather than better.
"The latest homelessness figures show more than 10,000 people are now without a roof over their heads in this State- that's an extra 3,750 people on the same period three years ago.
"What is so tragic is that this figure also includes nearly 4 thousand children; a shocking indictment of this Government's record.
"No child should be living in a hotel at any stage of their lives and the impact on their emotional and physical development can't be overstated.
"The private rental sector is continuing to virtually bankrupt families, forcing many into homelessness and making it practically impossible for others to save for a deposit for a house.
"Research has shown it's now cheaper to pay a mortgage than to rent a starter and family home everywhere throughout Ireland, and it's no surprise that seven in 10 renters believe they'll never be able to afford to buy a home.
"The simple fact is that this Government is not building enough social and affordable housing to meet the demands of its citizens. There are still vacant properties littered around the country which could be turned around and made into suitable accommodation. And there is still land being hoarded by speculative developers looking to make an easy buck.
"We are not in ordinary times when it comes to the housing crisis and the State needs to take the lead in the provision of homes.
"Housing is a basic human need, not something optional. As such, a market approach to housing will inevitably fail, as it has failed in Ireland and elsewhere, again and again."
Labour Housing spokesperson Jan O'Sullivan accused the Government of failing to deliver adequate affordable and social housing. She said that a new approach to the problem is needed.
Speaking at the Labour Party's national Think-in Cork today, Deputy O'Sullivan continued: "It's now over three years since Simon Coveney and Enda Kenny first launched 'Rebuilding Ireland' and pledged to make the housing crisis the Government's number one priority.
"Yet here we are, just about to start another Dáil term and the situation is getting worse rather than better.
"The latest homelessness figures show more than 10,000 people are now without a roof over their heads in this State- that's an extra 3,750 people on the same period three years ago.
"What is so tragic is that this figure also includes nearly 4 thousand children; a shocking indictment of this Government's record.
"No child should be living in a hotel at any stage of their lives and the impact on their emotional and physical development can't be overstated.
"The private rental sector is continuing to virtually bankrupt families, forcing many into homelessness and making it practically impossible for others to save for a deposit for a house.
"Research has shown it's now cheaper to pay a mortgage than to rent a starter and family home everywhere throughout Ireland, and it's no surprise that seven in 10 renters believe they'll never be able to afford to buy a home.
"The simple fact is that this Government is not building enough social and affordable housing to meet the demands of its citizens. There are still vacant properties littered around the country which could be turned around and made into suitable accommodation. And there is still land being hoarded by speculative developers looking to make an easy buck.
"We are not in ordinary times when it comes to the housing crisis and the State needs to take the lead in the provision of homes.
"Housing is a basic human need, not something optional. As such, a market approach to housing will inevitably fail, as it has failed in Ireland and elsewhere, again and again."
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 January 2020
Charity Hits Out As More Families Enter Homelessness
A Dublin based homelessness charity is urging political parties to unite to address the housing crisis. Focus Ireland made the call as it was revealed that at least three families enter homelessness everyday in Ireland.
Charity Hits Out As More Families Enter Homelessness
A Dublin based homelessness charity is urging political parties to unite to address the housing crisis. Focus Ireland made the call as it was revealed that at least three families enter homelessness everyday in Ireland.
12 March 2024
How Much Gambling Takes Place in Ireland?
When we think of Ireland, we may think of many things ranging from lush green landscapes to Guinness and Irish dancing, but it may be surprising to learn that the country has a passion for gambling.
How Much Gambling Takes Place in Ireland?
When we think of Ireland, we may think of many things ranging from lush green landscapes to Guinness and Irish dancing, but it may be surprising to learn that the country has a passion for gambling.
15 January 2019
Sinn Fein Call For Taoiseach's Housing Plan To Be Scrapped
Sinn Fein is demanding an overhaul of the Government's housing policy due to the increasing number of homeless people and growing demand for social housing across the nation.
Sinn Fein Call For Taoiseach's Housing Plan To Be Scrapped
Sinn Fein is demanding an overhaul of the Government's housing policy due to the increasing number of homeless people and growing demand for social housing across the nation.
28 August 2015
Sinn Féin's Opposition To Housing Plans 'Almost Beyond Belief' - Dowds
Sinn Féin's opposition to a proposal to build 50 new social housing units in Clondalkin has been described as an "absolutely disgrace and almost beyond belief". Labour TD Robert Dowds accused Cllr Eoin Ó Broin of "complete political cowardice", and that it was people on the housing waiting list that would suffer as a result.
Sinn Féin's Opposition To Housing Plans 'Almost Beyond Belief' - Dowds
Sinn Féin's opposition to a proposal to build 50 new social housing units in Clondalkin has been described as an "absolutely disgrace and almost beyond belief". Labour TD Robert Dowds accused Cllr Eoin Ó Broin of "complete political cowardice", and that it was people on the housing waiting list that would suffer as a result.
07 August 2014
Govt Accused Of Ignoring Scale Of Housing Crisis
The government has been accused of maintaining policy that ensures a "huge" housing shortage, Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has said. Mr Adams also accused the government of failing to "face up" to the scale of the housing crisis, particularly in the Greater Dublin area.
Govt Accused Of Ignoring Scale Of Housing Crisis
The government has been accused of maintaining policy that ensures a "huge" housing shortage, Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has said. Mr Adams also accused the government of failing to "face up" to the scale of the housing crisis, particularly in the Greater Dublin area.
-
Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Scattered showers and clear spells continue through this evening, becoming dry with clear skies developing in places for a time overnight. Clouding over again from the west by sunrise. Minimum temperature 3 °C.
