Housing an issue in bringing new employment

Housing the workers employed in the companies supposed to locate on the M1 Corridor has to be a major factor for the government, Sinn Féin councillor Ruairí Ó Murchú said following the launch, by Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy, of the Dundalk and Drogheda Chambers of Commerce initiative.

Speaking after the launch, which took place at Bellingham Castle, the Louth Councillor said: ‘While I welcome the hard work and research that has been done by the Chambers of Commerce, along with Oriel Hub and The Mill, the housing crisis remains acute in Louth and across the State.

‘ The idea of the linear city of Dundalk and Drogheda as a driver for economic development is going to be hampered by the reality in Louth: co- lossal rents and insufficient affordable houses to rent or buy.’

He added: ‘ This doesn’t look like it’s going to change any time soon, with the government housing strategy in disarray and companies have highlighted the chronic housing shortage in this county in the recent past.’

‘And while the M1 Corridor idea is to be welcomed and supported, the gov- ernment can’t just pay lip service to it.’

‘Sorting out the housing problems will help ensure this welcome initiative reaches its full potential’.

Minister Eoghan Murphy said that improvements were being made in the development of new housing, citing the latest CSO figures which he said indicated an increase in the number of new homes.

He added that the Rebuilding Ireland progamme was centred around creating new houses for the future.

He said that the government were working to do more, particularly in the provision of more social and affordable housing.