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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

Forest Ballymacool tenant purchase

Summary

Deputy Pringle described residents’ alarm after the Housing Agency halted a cost-rental tenant in situ purchase in Letterkenny without explanation. Minister O’Brien said he would contact the Housing Agency directly once given the details and said tenants should be told why a purchase will not proceed.

I have been contacted by a number of residents of The Forest, Ballymacool, Letterkenny, County Donegal. They originally qualified for the cost-rental tenant in situ scheme and were waiting for their home to be purchased by the Housing Agency, but then received an abrupt email from the Housing Agency stating it would not proceed with the purchase, with no explanation. Understandably, the residents are very upset by this situation and worried about being made homeless. In Letterkenny, as with everywhere else in the country, it is very difficult to get housing and prices for any that is available are exorbitant. Applicants should be given a reason for the refusal to purchase the properties and an opportunity to allay the fears, if any, within their control. The well-being of the families should be the top priority and any further delays are simply unacceptable. It is imperative that the Housing Agency acknowledges the severity of the issue and takes immediate and decisive action to rectify the situation. Will the Minister ensure that the Housing Agency responds to the residents as soon as possible and gives an explanation for its decision?

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Darragh O'Brien Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage Fianna Fáil

If the Deputy gives me the details, I will take it up directly with the Housing Agency. The tenant in situ scheme has been very successful, as has the cost-rental tenant in situ scheme. If a house is not going to be purchased, the tenants should be given an explanation for that. I am not aware of the details but if the Deputy gives them to me, I will engage directly with the Housing Agency and revert to him.

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