Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has urged the Minister for Housing to do all in his power to avoid delays in progressing a number of housing developments in the Dungarvan area. He made the comments following the April meeting of the Dungarvan-Lismore district council.
McGuinness said:
“While its positive that the Department of Hosuing has given ‘approval in principle’ to the developed of a mixed housing scheme at Fairlane, we all know that the overall approval and funding process can take an inordinately long time.
“This land was initially to be sold by the Council and I requested that it instead be used for a flagship affordable and cost-rental housing scheme for the town. I am glad that following back and forth discussions with officials that we will also include a measure of social housing and homes for older people that may wish to downsize.
“I am calling on the Minister to discover a sense of urgency, given the dire hosuign situation in Dungarvan. I have urged him to do all possible to avoid delays and to expedite the process of approving and funding this project.
“Similarly I have been very keen to see Council owned land at Shandon brought into use, and I am glad that this process has now begun. I understand the application for funding is still with the Department but I am hopeful that the Council will be able to progress to tender stage very soon.
“The social housing list in Dungarvan is far too long and the lack of urgency from Government has allowed this situation to worsen. Similarly, there has been no development of affordable housing outside of Waterford City and our town is crying out for this option, particularly for younger couples and families. These schemes cannot come quickly enough.”
Conor D. McGuinness TD 