New approach needed to solve housing crisis
In the wake of June’s local elections the political will to devise a strategy that would begin reducing this number seems non-existent.
The fact is that despite all the glossy leaflets and promises uttered during the course of the campaign thousands of people continue to live in despair due to the inefficient housing policies of the Government.
I’m not disputing the fact that houses are being built all over the country. But are they houses that people can afford? I think not.
The newly-elected councils have a responsibility to implement housing strategies that are seen to work.
Local authorities should consider these suggestions with the aim of making the allocation procedure transparent and accountable
The drafting of a publicly accessible set of criteria by which applicants are assessed
The establishment of consultation guidelines for the processing of applications.
The issuing of official explanations based on the criteria if an offer is not made.
The establishment of a fast-track system to facilitate cases of considerable hardship.
The reinstatement of the first-time buyer’s grant. This should cover those buying new homes and those purchasing second-hand houses
Irish society seems even yet to be structured in a way that preserves social inequality.
This is particularly true of the housing crisis.
It is a system that benefits only property speculators and unscrupulous landlords.
In order to change this system I believe that the right to housing should be inserted into the constitution.
Increased accessibility to affordable, high-quality accommodation should be high on every local authority’s list of priorities.
Darren O’Keeffe
44 Leesdale
Model Farm Road
Cork
