DELAYS FOR SOCIAL HOUSING
CONTINUING delays to the construction of up to ten social houses at Baile Eoghan, Gorey, have been highlighted as ‘a major cause of concern’ by Cllr Malcolm Byrne who said the delays threaten to result in one family becoming homeless.
The homes, many of which were designed so that they were specially adapted for families where a family member had special needs or a disability, were supposed to have been completed over a year ago.
‘These much needed homes were to be built, generally with specific families with particular needs in mind, and should have been occupied in 2016,’ said Cllr Byrne. ‘Families were told that they would be given the houses as they had very particular needs.’
‘In fairness to Wexford County Council, the officials have been trying to get a tender to build the properties over the line but the amounts approved by the Department are far less than the tender bids that have been submitted,’ he said.
‘The council is trying once more to get tenders in to construct the properties but even if the contract is awarded, the houses are not likely to be ready till 2018,’ he added.
‘I know of one family that were due to move into Baile Eoghan that are in a crisis situation as they have had to move out of the property that they were renting, and as they are having difficulty locating another, are at risk of having to be placed in emergency accommodation,’ he claimed.
‘The continuing delays are particularly difficult given that the families affected have specific requirements relating to disability or special needs,’ he said.
Cllr Byrne said he has been a councillor for eighteen years and the housing situation has never been as bad. ‘I don’t think the Government or senior officials in the Department really fully appreciate how challenging it is on the ground,’ he said. ‘I’ve been dealing with some horrific cases and with families who, in the past, would never have found themselves in this situation.’
‘Talking to other councillors, I know we are all swamped with queries,’ he continued. ‘Well over half of the representations we receive now relate to housing issues.’