Sligo must be prioritised in new housing funding plans
Sligo should be one of the areas prioritised for investment under the newly launched Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund, according to Fianna Fail Deputy Marc MacSharry.
€ 200m is being set aside to assist councils to build the infrastructure and facilities needed to ensure a sustainable housing supply.
Deputy MacSharry commented, “Sligo has suffered disproportionately as a result of debt issues. Even though the debt that the Council has accrued is low in comparison to other local authorities services have been crippled.
“Low rates levels, while necessary to ensure that businesses across the county can continue to trade, has left Sligo County Council will no breathing room when it comes to spending on infrastructure.
“This latest housing plan must result in real action, unlike the series of initiatives that have been announced before. There is a real need for housing development across County Sligo. There are hundreds of families on the social housing waiting list and the situation is deteriorating month on month. What was once a crisis is fast becoming an emergency and we need to see action taken as a matter of urgency.
“House building is not just about the homes themselves – it’s about the infrastructure and services needed to support these developments. Sligo County Council is facing an uphill struggle to ensure that these services can be provided given the existing debt situation.
“Services across the county are already suffering – with some libraries so short- staffed that they may be forced to close if one member of staff calls in sick.
“This Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund, if implemented swiftly, could provide a major boost for housing projects in Sligo.
“I will be liaising with local Councillors on the bids that they will be submitting and as well as pressing the Minister to ensure that Sligo is prioritised”.