What are we doing about county’s housing crisis?
AT THE RECENT meeting of Wexford County Council, Cllr Malcolm Byrne sought some long-awaited answers to his questions concerning Wexford’s housing crisis – an issue which was discussed at length in previous meetings.
‘It was agreed we would have a full meeting regarding the regional housing strategy.’
‘In July, I sent in a series of questions concerning the council’s policy in this area,’ he said, adding that he has yet to receive any answers.
Cllr Byrne reiterated some of his questions at the meeting. He asked whether the €3m loan that had been drawn down for social housing had been received following an earlier delay. Director of Services John Carley said it had. Cllr Byrne also queried whether compulsory purchase orders on derelict land or houses had been made in recent times. He said that some properties have been identified (by the councillors) and that he would like to see the local authority address the problem. Mr Carley said that analysis had to be carried out before action was taken.
The housing crisis was mentioned again later by Cllr Keith Doyle.
‘ There are hordes of empty houses in the town centre that could be purchased to create housing and rejuvenate urban areas,’ he said.
Mr Carley said they are actively pur- suing this matter.
Cathaoirleach Paddy Kavanagh said that councillors in all districts are in agreement that a lot of property in town centres could be used.
Director of Services Tony Larkin said that they are pursuing 12 sites that we have identified as suitable.
County Council chief executive Tom Enright said that he agreed that housing is a problem but said that there is a timeline for trying to acquire properties.
‘ The biggest challenge is getting the private sector to build again,’ the chief executive said.
The issue of derelict housing had been raised at previous meetings by many of the councillors, including Cllr Davy Hynes, who called for action to be taken regarding houses in Bride Street in Wexford that had been left vacant for almost two decades. Although these houses are now in posses- sion of the council, Cllr Hynes said at the June meeting that there are many other empty houses elsewhere.
Cllr Johnny Mythen said that he agreed with Cllr Byrne for the need on a special meeting concerning housing.
‘I don’t think the housing plan is adequate considering the amount of repossessions and increasing rents,’ he said.
Cllr Mythen went on to say that they don’t necessarily need to build new houses to address the issue.
‘A lot of people want an extra bedroom. We should increase grants for house extensions,’ he said. Cllr Kavanagh agreed, saying that extensions could solve the problem faced by, for example, a young couple.
Cllr Lisa McDonald later said that she has been inundated with calls about housing. ‘If we don’t stop having housing inquiries, we are never going to solve the crisis,’ she said. After much discussion, it was agreed that the members would request a meeting with the Minister to discuss Wexford’s needs.