Clare Co-Op scheme a rare good news story in Housing

Labour Housing spokesperson, Jan O’Sullivan TD, has said the Co-op social housing scheme in County Clare highlighted on Morning Ireland today, in which up to 51 families are to be housed before Christmas, highlights the benefits of this type of system in tackling the housing crisis.

The houses in Ennis and Sixmilebridge are being provided as part of the joint scheme between Co-operative Housing Ireland and Clare County Council, along with involvement from NAMA.

Deputy O’Sullivan said:

“This morning’s story was a rare good news story in the housing crisis, which I’m sure would have uplifted anyone who heard the joy expressed by the mother of four, who, after being on the social housing list for several years, is to be given the keys to a new home for her and her family before Christmas.

“The woman’s story of how the family struggled to pay rent, while falling below the threshold to buy a home is typical of many families around Ireland today.

“The successful outcome is also another example of how Co-op housing schemes in partnership with the local council can be really effective in providing social and affordable housing schemes to those that need them.

“We’ve also seen this work successfully with the Ó Cualann Housing Alliance in Dublin, which serves as a good model to follow.

“The involvement of NAMA in the provision of social and affordable housing is also something Labour has been advocating for some time. The agency is well placed in terms of existing expertise and resources, to provide a framework for the construction of these desperately needed homes.

“There is scope to drive these Co-op schemes forward in other parts of the country. 700 publicly owned sites have already been identified for mixed tenure development, and the State must ensure they are used to deliver social and affordable housing.

“For the 51 families in County Clare who will finally be in their own homes for Christmas, this is a welcome and happy ending, and shows there are concrete measures available to tackle the housing crisis.

“We mustn’t forget the other families and homeless people who right now are in a dire situation, particularly in the current freezing conditions, and get about building homes that are affordable to rent or buy.”