What shortage? New houses are boarded up

THERE is no housing shortage in Ballincollig, Co Cork. A few yards inside the East Gate entrance to the Powder Mills there are 16 brand new houses that have been completed for more than eight months. Recently the windows were boarded up.

Tue, 29 Apr, 2003 - 01:00

On the western side of the main car park behind the main street, and to one side of Time Square, there are nine new houses that were completed more than eight months ago.

That all of these homes are still vacant beggars belief.

Some say they are 'lost cost housing,' but I have been unable to discover why so many new homes are lying idle at a time when we are led to believe that families are in distress for want of proper accommodation.

It seems there is a need for a facilitator who regards homelessness as an urgent issue requiring immediate action not procrastination.

John A Cullinane,

14, Coolroe Heights,

Ballincollig,

Cork.