The Chair of Clare County Council’s Housing Committee is accusing Minister Darragh O Brien of a ‘knee jerk reaction’ by bringing vacant homes back into use.
The Housing Minister is briefing his cabinet colleagues today on a series of measures to accommodate refugees, including the conversion of vacant buildings.
More than 25,000 Ukrainian refugees have arrived here to date, including more than 2,000 in Clare.
It’s led to significant pressure on accommodation here, with Ministers having been warned that hotels and b&b’s are now taking as many people as they can.
Cabinet is being updated on plans from the Department of Housing and Local Government to address the situation in the medium to long term.
An expanded voids programme that brings vacant social housing back into use is among the proposals being brought forward by Housing Minister Darragh O Brien.
He has also told colleagues a cross-sectoral and cross-department taskforce has been set up for longer term planning.
Local authorities, including Clare County Council, will have to submit the numbers of each type of property available in each area of the county, along with the extent of work that is required.
Lisdoonvarna-based Fine Gael Councillor Joe Garrihy says any speeding up of the current process would be a welcome move.
However, Clare’s Social Development SPC Chair isn’t as optimistic about the proposals, saying they lack ‘substance’ and ‘fairness’.
Shannon-based Independent Councillor Gerry Flynn is fearful that the measures may actually lead to more red tape for Council officials rather than less.
A West Clare mother who’s been on the social housing list for a number of years is questioning why emergency housing measures weren’t put on the table sooner.
Kilkee woman Simone McGreene, who’s living in her mother’s home while sharing a bedroom with her five-year-old son, says the current system means applying for housing is an arduous process.
