Harmon calls on Cork to Raise the Roof
Harmon calls on Cork to Raise the Roof - The Labour Party
- 24% increase in homelessness in Cork in one year
- Rents up 11.8% year on year
- Average price of home in Cork city up 7.4% in one year
Labour Senator Laura Harmon has urged attendance at a Raise the Roof protest tomorrow, Saturday 4th October, in Cork.
Senator Harmon said the failure of this Government to so much as produce a new Housing Plan shows the lack of action at the heart of housing delivery.
Senator Harmon said:
“Without question, housing is the number one issue facing people of every generation in Cork. Earlier this week, the latest Daft report showed that the gap between asking and selling prices nationwide is now 7% – meaning that there is greater uncertainty for any prospective buyer and an even steeper climb to secure a home. It’s out of control, leaving so many hard working people squeezed and locked out of the hope of owning a home of their own.
“The cost of a three-bedroom semi-detached home in Cork city now costs an average of €408,000, a 7.4% annual increase. The prices are out of control. Meanwhile, people who are renting but want to buy are unable to save for a mortgage given that rents in Cork city are an astronomical €2,241 per month – 11.8% higher than this time last year.
“Labour has repeatedly set out clear measures: a ramping up of public housing delivery and stricter regulation of the private rental market among others. But this Government lacks the political will. Where is the much-trumpeted housing plan?
“The Minister said it would be published over the summer, but we still don’t have it. Government keep kicking the can down the road — we need action.
“The crisis in housing is not inevitable and Cork cannot be left behind in any measures to boost supply and tackle homelessness. It is the result of political choices. It is time for this Government to finally make the right choice — to invest in public housing, and to bring fairness back to the market. Government must act, and act now, to bring affordable housing within reach of working people across Ireland. Join us on the streets of Cork tomorrow, and let’s Raise the Roof together.”