A fresh Tipperary County Councillor demands urgent action on the housing crisis

Labour’s newly elected County Councillor Louise Morgan-Walsh has expressed deep concern over the newly published homeless figures for May 2024, revealing a staggering 14,159 individuals without homes, including a devastating 4,316 children. This crisis underscores the urgent need for substantial state intervention in housing, a need Labour has long championed.

Cllr Morgan-Walsh said:

"The homeless figures are not just numbers; they are lives disrupted and futures jeopardised. Here in Nenagh and North Tipperary, the impact of homelessness is palpable, and it's clear that the current Government's 'Housing for All' plan has utterly failed. Despite their promises, house prices are soaring, homelessness is escalating, and evictions are on the rise. It’s time for a new approach, and Labour is ready to deliver.

“Labour has consistently advocated for increased state involvement in housing delivery. Our vision includes allocating an additional €1.45 billion in capital for housing, a comprehensive plan to protect renters, end speculative land hoarding, and double the state’s delivery of cost rental and affordable housing. These measures are crucial to ensuring every person has access to a safe, secure, and affordable home.

"The current Government has repeatedly demonstrated its inability to manage the housing crisis effectively. Without substantial state intervention, the housing market has spiralled out of control. This week the latest Daft report highlights this failure, showing that house prices across the country rose by an average of 3.8% between April and June compared to the previous quarter. This is unsustainable and unacceptable.

"Our plan is not just about numbers; it's about people. Protecting renters, cracking down on speculative land hoarding, and significantly increasing the supply of cost rental and affordable housing are essential steps to tackle this crisis. The Government’s much-fanfared ‘Housing for All’ plan has failed on all metrics. It’s time for real change.

"The Government’s inaction and failure to address the housing crisis have left too many families in Nenagh and across North Tipperary struggling. Labour’s plan is ready, and we are prepared to implement it to ensure every person has the right to a safe and affordable home. We demand urgent action now."