Craic On

Welcomed

Labour councillor, Martin Farren, has welcomed the announcement by his party colleague Minister Jan O’Sullivan that Donegal County Council is to receive €358,000 to make 56 council houses available for new tenants.

Minister O’Sullivan said, “I am delighted that this €15m funding steam will create homes for 952 families across the country. 

“There is significant pressure on social housing supply and I am determined that no suitable homes will be left empty when there are families in need of housing.”

“Long-term vacant houses can also become a focal point for anti-social behaviour or litter in an area, so this funding will not only provide additional housing units but will also enhance whole communities.

“This investment is also good news for the building industry as the work will be attractive to small and medium sized contractors based locally.”

Vacant Council Houses

Complimenting Ministers O’Sullivan and Howlin for establishing this initiative the Moville Labour councillor said thatvacant Council houses sitting boarded up when they should be providing a home for a family and rental income for the local authority are a blight on our communities. 

“Management practice in local authorities must be reviewed so that we avoid the build-up of long-term vacant units. Minister O’Sullivan will be meeting Directors of Housing of all local authorities in the coming weeks to address this issue so that our public housing stock is managed effectivly and with the maximum efficiency.

“In the meantime, I welcome this first tranche of funding which will allow Donegal County Council to put 56 much needed council houses back into use and provide much needed work to local contractors”