Dublin-wide housing meetings

Robbie Sargent, Aengus Ó Snodaígh and Mary Lou McDonald

It has been said time and time again that the local elections in June are going to come down to a handful of issues, among them housing, health and service charges. In Dublin, housing is fast becoming the most important issue, and Sinn Féin has been quick to address this crisis in the capital city. As well as a citywide campaign, the party has been focusing efforts in individual communities, by holding local housing meetings where concerned members of the public can put their questions to their Sinn Féin representatives.

One such meeting took place recently in the Crumlin/Kimmage/Drimnagh area and the large attendance reflected how worried Dubliners are about the issue.

Local Sinn Féin candidate Robert Sargent, area TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh and Dublin EU candidate Mary Lou McDonald chaired a lively debate.

Sargent pointed out the issues relevant to young house buyers now — the need to restore the first time buyers' grant; houses and flats left idle in the area, and the lack of support for young couples who are being priced out of their own areas.

Ó Snodaigh outlined the government's failure in dealing with the housing crisis. He explained that homelessness in Ireland had increased a massive 274% with 48,000 citizens on the housing waiting list. McDonald said that housing should be put back on the agenda of government and that insufficient planning was the main cause of the problem. She called for housing to be enshrined in the 1937 Constitution, before the crisis got even worse.

Speaking after the meeting, Sargent said that individual councils should not be allowed to abandon their responsibilities to social housing.

"State property like Clancy Barracks should not be sold to prospectors who make huge profits while the ordinary citizen cannot get a roof over their head," Sargent argued. "Councils should have first option on these properties. It is time that they, and the government, realise that housing is a right."

He added that he was delighted with the turnout and he hoped that the series of meetings would act as an outlet for people frustrated with the housing situation.