Fianna Fáil TD for Wicklow Pat Casey say the Government needs to act on the recommendations contained in the report published by the Dáil Housing Committee on Housing and Homelessness. Deputy Casey, who is the Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Urban Renewal and Housing, says the report can’t be allowed sit on a shelf gathering dust.
Deputy Casey said, “The Dáil housing committee has made a series of in depth recommendations including a proposal to build 50,000 new social housing units, measures to achieve rent certainty and a realistic plan to help families in mortgage arrears. It’s a comprehensive report which sets out what the Government needs to do in order to get to grips with what is a national housing crisis.
“The Government needs to put in place the necessary funding to achieve the recommendations set out by the report. Issues identified with the planning process also need to be overcome to help kick start housing construction in areas where there is a severe shortage of accommodation. The Housing Procurement Agency also needs to be established without delay as recommended in the report. This agency will help cut through the complexity of multiple agencies, draw down finance and ensure home building targets are met.
Fianna Fáil will be bringing forward robust legislation based on the proposals contained in this report. As Spokesperson on Urban Renewal and Housing I will be working with my colleague Barry Cowen to ensure the Government meets its housing targets. This report can’t be allowed sit on a shelf to just gather dust,” said Deputy Casey.