Housing demand made on SF

A NORTHSIDE councillor has called on Sinn Féin to step up to plate on the modular housing project aimed at alleviating the homeless crisis.  

Cllr Naoise Ó Muirí, one of Fine Gael’s candidates in Dublin Bay North for the general election, said Sinn Féin must start making decisions on how Dublin City Council is to deliver housing.

As reported in Northside People last week, Cllr Ó Muirí was among a group of councillors and homeless charity staff who viewed a demonstration of the project on East Wall Road, faciliated by Dublin City Council.

“As the largest political grouping on Dublin City Council, Sinn Féin should be in the driving seat on this issue,” said Cllr Ó Muirí. 

“The party also chairs the Housing Strategic Policy Committee, so has a responsibility to deliver for the many families with young children who are in urgent need of an alternative to unsuitable emergency hotel/B&B accommodation.”

Cllr Ó Muirí pointed out that all Dublin City Council housing development proposals are subject to the planning process, and therefore, councillors will take the final decisions.

“I think it’s time for some backbone and for Sinn Féin to support an innovative project which can deliver tangible results in a short time,” he added.

Sinn Féin councillor, Micheal MacDonncha, who will also contest the Dublin Bay North constituency in the general election, said his party would be approaching the modular housing proposal with an open mind. 

“If it is to go ahead it will be as a temporary solution to the dire need for emergency accommodation for people on the homeless list, in preference to the scandal of families living in hotel rooms,” said Cllr MacDonncha.  

“It is no substitute for a major programme of social and affordable housing, with the Government providing proper funding to the council to construct and purchase homes. 

“We also urgently need rent control, as well as protection for tenants who are being made homeless as banks repossess properties.”