26 April 2013 Housing Crisis in Dublin Central - 90% Private Flats Inspected Deemed 'Unfit' PRESS RELEASE

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Maureen O’Sullivan TD
In response to a Department of Environment Report confirming that more than 90% of private flats inspected by Dublin City Council are unfit for habitation, Maureen O’Sullivan, Independent TD for Dublin Central states ‘I have been raising this issue regularly. It has now reached crisis point.’
‘I have constituents who regularly contact me saying they live in cramped, damp apartments; waste disposal is a huge problem.’
She continues, ‘there are also high numbers of vacant households across the area.’
‘This year marks more than 30 years since the ‘Gregory Deal’, which led to action- a construction programme of adequate social housing, training opportunities & job creation. It is shocking that we are revisiting this type of crisis again in 2013. Austerity measures have led the Government to outsource the housing issue to the private sector while simultaneously cutting rent allowance and other social supports. These circumstances are putting people at greater risk in desperate conditions.’
‘The private sector cannot and is not addressing the social needs for many of these tenants. People are experiencing poverty & unemployment. Some of them have alcohol, drug and mental health issues that require proper supports.'
‘Profit-driven landlords are not the solution, accessible adequate social housing is the solution and this requires an immediate investment of state resources.’
In response to a Department of Environment Report confirming that more than 90% of private flats inspected by Dublin City Council are unfit for habitation, Maureen O’Sullivan, Independent TD for Dublin Central states ‘I have been raising this issue regularly. It has now reached crisis point.’
‘I have constituents who regularly contact me saying they live in cramped, damp apartments; waste disposal is a huge problem.’
She continues, ‘there are also high numbers of vacant households across the area.’
‘This year marks more than 30 years since the ‘Gregory Deal’, which led to action- a construction programme of adequate social housing, training opportunities & job creation. It is shocking that we are revisiting this type of crisis again in 2013. Austerity measures have led the Government to outsource the housing issue to the private sector while simultaneously cutting rent allowance and other social supports. These circumstances are putting people at greater risk in desperate conditions.’
‘The private sector cannot and is not addressing the social needs for many of these tenants. People are experiencing poverty & unemployment. Some of them have alcohol, drug and mental health issues that require proper supports.'
‘Profit-driven landlords are not the solution, accessible adequate social housing is the solution and this requires an immediate investment of state resources.’