Rental shortage in Louth
Deputy Fitzpatrick described severe rental scarcity and soaring rents in Dundalk, especially for HAP tenants. The Minister said the answer is increased supply and pointed to new housing delivery and emergency accommodation.
In the 14 years I have been a TD, the current lack of availability of rental property is without doubt the worst I have seen. I live in Dundalk. I hold my clinics every Monday and Friday, and for the last number of months, the increased footfall has been unreal. People just cannot find affordable properties, especially if they are on HAP. There is a stigma to HAP. The number of people coming in and paying cash is unreal. A lot of properties in my area have risen to over €2,000 per month. Only for families and friends, a great many more people would be homeless. Last week, I visited a family of eight living in a two-bedroom apartment. If the Minister could see the condition of the apartment, the dampness, the windows and doors - it is an absolute disgrace. I ring the local authorities and all the rental companies. I ring around every Monday and Friday. The Simon Community is full, Women's Aid is full, emergency accommodation is full - everything is full. I have never, ever, in all my life, seen the situation as bad. What are the plans? I am not saying it is the Minister's fault, but the situation is getting worse and worse.
Comment on this
We had a good debate this morning and during the week about housing output. The solution is supply, and we are increasing supply substantially. In Louth, the Deputy's county, he sees that and he sees the new builds, cost-rental and affordable homes for the first time and very impressive social housing output. I want any specific example the Deputy has. There is capacity in our emergency accommodation, and it is good-quality emergency accommodation. I do not want people to be in it, but when they are I want them to be in it for as little time as possible and then we can exit them into permanent housing supports. We have built 125,000 new homes since this Government came into office, a lot of it in the Deputy's constituency. He will see that supported by this Government. Challenges still remain, however, and the number one focus is on those who do not have a home and ensuring they have a safe and secure home.