IN HIS first address to the Dail as an elected Limerick TD representing Sinn Fein in over 90 years, Deputy Maurice Quinlivan has called on immediate action to be taken in attempt to address a national disaster that is “homelessness”.
Speaking on Tuesday before the evening session of the Dail at Leinster House, Deputy Quinlivan said that “as a newly elected TD, I regret that today we are having a discussion on housing/homelessness which may lead to no action being taking in what is clearly a national disaster.”
Deputy Quinlivan echoed calls that the Dail should sit for three days to attempt to address the crisis and cited that a much poorer Ireland up to 30 or 40 years ago was able to deal with public housing adequately.
“The Moyross area in my own city of Limerick was once distinguished for having some of the finest public housing in the state in terms of design, comfort and overall quality.
“The neighbouring area of Ballynanty, where I was born and raised, was another area well known for generally good housing along with a great sense of community.
“Unfortunately, many of the houses in Moyross have been demolished as part of the so called Limerick Regeneration programme – which incidentally and by way of tragic irony, has been responsible for the demolition of way more houses than it has ever built.
“However, I cite these examples as testimony to the fact that this state in much poorer times was able to provide homes for most of its citizens.
“Indeed, in years gone by the state had a clear policy of providing public housing.
He said that the rate of homelessness in the State is “truly appalling”.
“Many of those affected are people we know, people we grew up with, went to school with. And while the state has failed to provide adequate housing for its people it has also failed to properly resource services for the homeless.”
As a result more and more people are sleeping on our streets or wherever else they can find shelter, Deputy Quinlivan said.
“All this in a supposedly modern civilized European democracy.
“The dire situation around housing and the homeless must be among the major priorities of this Dáil and for any incoming government.
“Of crucial importance is the need to begin building houses again on a scale adequate to meet the crisis that exists.
Deputy Quinlivan said that the Sinn Fein party has published proposals to deal with the housing and homelessness crisis which could deliver 100,000 new social and affordable homes and deliver security and certainty for tenants, and also support homeowners and buyers.
“All of us, however, should be open to any serious suggestion as to how to deal with this crisis. In this respect, I believe that the recent offer by the Irish League of Credit Unions to establish a €5billion housing fund is worthy of serious consideration.”
Deputy Quinlivan warned of the “over-reliance” on the private sector to provide housing on the scale needed
“Not only has it failed to provide the required amount of housing but it has also driven up prices in the private rental sector to an extent that leaves many unable to avail of this option.
The crisis relating to housing and homelessness according to Deputy Quinlivan “is nothing short of a national scandal,” as he warned that failing to tackle it “will be doing a very grave disservice to those who have placed their trust in us.”
