Wexford County Council briefs

Pension cuts

A call was made for women across Co Wexford who saw their pension cut in 2012 to have it restored.

In a motion Cllr Michael Sheehan requested the council to call on the Minister for Social protection to abandon the costly piecemeal practice of reviewing all those affected by the 2012 pension rules changes and to reinstate the old criteria of the pre-change State pension, while developing a mechanism to backdate the full arrears to affected Co Wexford pensioners.

Cllr Sheehan said 67,000 pensioners have been affected nationally. He called on the council to seek the Government to backdate the payment owed and was supported in his motion.

No consent, no sale

A motion calling on the council to urge TDs to facilitate the speedy passage of the No Consent, No Sale legislation through its remaining legislative stages in the Dáil. Cllr Fionntáin Ó’Suilleabháin brought the motion. He said: ‘ This council acknowledges the large number of home owners in Co Wexford who are currently experiencing mortgage distress. It welcomes the passing of the first stage of the ‘No Consent, No Sale’ legislation in Leinster House which prevents banks from selling home mortgages to vulture funds without the consent of the borrower/home-owner.’ The motion passed by majority vote.

Housing aid grant

A motion calling for changes to the Housing Aid for Older People Grant to allow applications from people who ordinarily meet the criteria, but who are also caring for a resident dependent, or family member under the age of 66, who are in receipt of a long term disability payment or someone incapable of living alone requiring full-time care of the applicant.

Cllr Sheehan said: ‘If you have an adult living in your house it automatically precludes you as the family member is deemed to be able to live independently.’

The motion was unanimously supported

Tagoat housing

The move to build 12 houses in Tagoat as part of the council’s ambitious house building strategy, was welcomed by Cllr Ger Carthy. He called for public realm works to be carried out near the estate, which is to be located opposite Pugin Park, on the basis that it is a high density populated area.