Deputy Niamh Smyth attends briefing to address housing issues in County Cavan with Damien English TD
Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan Niamh Smyth says she is very concerned to see that the numbers of people affected by homelessness in County Cavan has doubled in two years.
Deputy Smyth said, “One person presenting homeless in our county is one too many. According to Cavan County Council, this year to date 126 adults and 107 children sought support from the local authority in Cavan after becoming homeless. 28 people presented as homeless in the county in 2013; 115 in 2014; 172 in 2015 and 233 this year todate. The increases occurring year on year in County Cavan are frightening.”
“Investment in housing and construction of housing has been lacking now for years and funding within council departments is really stretched. We’ve been told that 20 new social houses are to begin construction in Cavan next year, but it’s only a tip of the iceberg. It doesn’t go far enough.”
Deputy Smyth said, “At present, Cavan County Council have reported that they have 959 applicants on the social housing waiting list. The majority of these applicants, 390 to be precise are waiting for a house in Cavan Town; 88 are waiting on a family home in the Virginia area; 71 in Bailieborough and 50 in Kingscourt. These are the areas with the highest waiting lists – Cavan town and all the commuter towns located towards Dublin.”
“At the briefing with Minister of State at the Department of Housing Damien English in recent weeks, we were told that, in Butlersbridge, €582,474 has been allocated for the construction of 4 Housing Units. Architects have been appointed and design drawings and been prepared with construction expected in February 2017. 10 people are currently on the waiting list for social housing in Butlersbridge.”
Deputy Smyth continued, “€1.28 million has been allocated for the construction of 8 new social housing units in Ballyhaise. Architects have been appointed; design drawings are being prepared and construction is expected to commence in April of next year. 23 applicants are on the social housing waiting list in Ballyhaise.”
“Meanwhile, in Mullagh, over €901,000 has been allocated for the construction of 8 social housing units in Rosehill, Mullagh. I understand that the procuring an architect Led Design team is in progress.”
“These units are welcome in the respective areas but they won’t go anywhere near the numbers of houses required. The government need to allocate further funding so that towns with high waiting lists can be targeted also for new social housing. Otherwise the lists will continue to grow. “
“You have to remember, this not only affects people waiting on social housing but also people living in social housing who may want to transfer to a smaller or larger home. They cannot do so until a unit that fits their needs becomes available and that isn’t going to happen until more social housing is built.”
“Within the voluntary housing programmes, 12 new units have been provided under the Capital Advance Leasing Facility in Cavan Town and approval has been obtained for 28 in Kingscourt and Cavan. Not only this, but 19 units have been provided by approved housing bodies in Cavan Town for disabled, elderly and homeless people.
Deputy Smyth continued, “Just looking at all these factors combined, we cannot tackle this issue unless more funding is provided to purchase land and build new housing. This ‘robbing Peter to pay Paul” government mentality where funding is concerned has been going on for way too long to try and ease the burden of financial cuts. Well I’m telling the government again it has well and truly caught up with them and the 233 homeless people in our county and the 959 people waiting on the social housing list know all about it. Cavan County Council is doing their best within the resources they have. More funding is needed. That is the bottom line.”
“The Government has failed to address the high cost associated with construction and until that is addressed the lack of supply of housing will continue. This is the main problem.”
Deputy Smyth concluded, “As we approach Christmas and everyone’s minds are on what we are buying, receiving; thinking of our family members returning home – spare a thought for those who don’t have a place to call home this Christmas and New Year. Please reach out and support them in whatever way you can. I would also appeal to people who find themselves homeless to reach out to family member or friend for help.”