Conor D. McGuinness, Sinn Féin TD for Waterford, has sharply criticised the Government for failing to advance critical housing projects across the county, pointing to long-running delays in An Sean Phobal, Dungarvan, and Ardmore as evidence of “a total absence of urgency or political commitment from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.”
Deputy McGuinness said the Government is “full of talk when it comes to housing but completely absent when it comes to action,” and warned that families across Waterford are being left to suffer the consequences.
Speaking during a Dáil debate on housing, McGuinness said:
“We’ve homes sitting vacant while children grow up in cramped, unsuitable conditions. All over Waterford you’ll find boarded-up council houses, while thousands remain stuck on housing lists.
“In An Sean Phobal, a social housing development was entered into the Department’s so-called fast-track process back in 2021. It’s now 2025 — and not a sod turned. That speaks volumes.
“In Dungarvan, an affordable and cost rental scheme I put forward in 2022 remains in limbo. The Department now claims it won’t be delivered until 2028 — and that’s the optimistic version.
“In Ardmore, the rise of short-term lets and holiday homes is pushing local people out. A vibrant community is being emptied out while the Government refuses to introduce affordable housing measures.
“In Gaeltacht na nDéise, the housing crisis is becoming an existential threat. Young families can’t buy, build or remain in the area. And the promised Gaeltacht planning guidelines have yet to appear.
“Local councils are telling us there simply isn’t funding available for affordable serviced sites. That means people can’t build in their own localities — even where land exists and families are ready.”
He concluded:
“This is failure — nothing more, nothing less. Waterford needs housing: social, affordable, and cost rental. The Government’s inaction is costing communities their future.”
Conor D. McGuinness TD 