THE Minister of State for Housing has told a meeting of Limerick County Council that the country is in “a very different landscape” than it was in recent years as there is no longer money available for building. “We need to make provisions for the future that will sustain our communities”, Junior Minister Jan O’Sullivan, told a meeting of the housing and planning SPC’s (Strategic Policy Committees). She said that opportunities as well as constraints were being made available during the current climate.
“There are no longer huge numbers of planning applications being made so we need to set a good example to the rest of the country in sustainable planning.
“I’m aware that the retail planning guidelines are ready to launch, particularly relating to protecting retail in city centres and we are putting a structure in place for planning so that local authorities will have a level of flexibility”.
Speaking about the proposal to move the responsibility for rent supplements to local authorities, from the Department of Social Protection, Minister O’Sullivan said it would have to be done with care.
“We’re trying to encourage councils to work with tenants so they don’t have anti-social behaviour problems and we will ensure that local authority houses are brought up to a standard to be re-let”.
She added that the RAS (Rental Accommodation Scheme) is working well and gives people means to pay rent while also using the housing supply well.
Concern was raised by Cllr James Collins FF in relation to the taking over of rent supplements by the council.
“We all know of issues with anti-social behaviour and rent not being paid.
“Our housing department is already stretched to the limit; I question whether we have the resources to manage this”.
