THE Limerick Sinn Féin TD, Maurice Quinlivan, has called on Limerick City and County Council to take immediate steps to address the number of vacant homes across the county.
Speaking today, the Limerick TD stated:
“The number of vacant homes in Limerick continues to rise. In Quarter 4 2020 there were 3,904 homes categorised as vacant. The numbers for Q1 2021 demonstrate that the number has increased to 3,919. This really is inexcusable when you consider that the Housing Waiting List for Limerick in July 2021 stood at 2,319 people.”
The Sinn Féin TD noted that a quicker turnaround on these vacant homes would allow for at least some of those on the housing waiting list to be housed more promptly.
“My office receives countless calls from people who are experiencing a difficult housing situation. Many have been waiting on the housing waiting list for years, others due to personal circumstances have been forced to seek affordable accommodation as their living circumstances have changed. Many of those on the housing list have children and the uncertainty of the housing situation can have a detrimental impact on their advancement.”
“One of the most frustrating things for people trying to get a home of their own to see is dozens of boarded up houses across Limerick, some of which are owned by Limerick Council while they are desperate to get a home for their family.”
Deputy Quinlivan continued: “There was one vacant homes officer with Limerick City and County Council in 2020. Appreciating the number of homes categorised as vacant, further resources are needed to ensure the turnaround of these homes.
Earlier this year I highlighted the number of voids across Limerick. The majority of these remain uninhabited although some of them needed major structural repairs. The officials in the Councils housing office are doing their best and have had some success in housing those most in need. But at the current pace of the social housing application and allocation processes, we will continue to have people waiting on the housing waiting list for periods of years at a time.”
