Faulkner critical of delivery on new houses

September 1976

PADRAIG Faulkner TD criticises the government’s housing performance and its refusal to raise the limits on SDA loans.

‘ The output of the construction industry at constant prices was £196 million in 1974 and is estimated to be 4% lower in 1976.

‘ The number of private houses built in the first six months of this year is 1,275 less than last year. The number of council and corporation houses built in the same period is 534 less than last year.’

Mr Faulkner continues, ‘ The number of local authority houses under construction at 30 June was 23.7% down on last year, while those at the planning stage were down 10%. ‘ The future looks bleak indeed.’ He adds the decline in house building is particularly regrettable when so many people are in such great need of housing, and so many building workers are unemployed.

Employment in the private sector of the building industry fell from 63,700 in June, 1974, to 48,000 in June, 1976 – a decline of almost a quarter.

The Louth deputy says the government’s refusal to increase the maximum SDA loan is depriving many young people of the opportunity to build or buy their own homes.

‘One can easily appreciate the difficulties of buying a home costing over £8,600 on average, when the maximum loan is £4,500 and the maximum income £45 per-week. ‘ These limits have not been changed since 1973. ‘ Those for whom SDA loans were intended – people in the lower income groups – are now being thrown onto the ever-lengthening queues for council housing.’

Mr Faulkner points out SDA loan applications in the first six months of 1976 have declined, compared to 1975, by 45% Louth county council, 56% Drogheda corporation and 21% Dundalk UDC.