Local TD says report shows State ‘continues to breach council tenants’ rights in Balgaddy’

Dublin Mid-West Eoin Ó’Broin says he welcomes the publication of a report by the European Committee of Social Rights (ECSR) which has shown that the State is still in breach of their Article 16 obligations under the European Social Charter. 

The Sinn Fein Deputy said the Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien must now explain and outline how funding will be made available to bring homes in Balgaddy up to standard.

“The Report is welcome, but it makes for disturbing reading,” Deputy O’Broin said.

“While progress is reported with respect to social housing maintenance, the Government is still clearly in breach of their Article 16 obligations under the Charter.

“The Minister for Housing must outline what additional funding will be provided to Councils to bring the housing estates referenced in the report, including Balgaddy, to an adequate standard for residents.

“Unfortunately, in Balgaddy many homes were built to a very poor standard during the boom and as the report acknowledges consideration was only been given earlier this year to moving families from the flats ‘suffering from exceptional maintenance issues’ to the ‘next available suitable property”.

“We also need regular standards inspections followed by remediating programme to ensure once the homes are brought up to standard it maintains that standard.”

“I will be raising the issues which have been raised in the report with the Minister for Housing and Local Government and South Dublin County Council to make sure the issues in the report are dealt with”.