Sinn Féin TD for Waterford Conor D. McGuinness has warned that the housing crisis represents an existential threat to the future of Gaeltacht na nDéise, saying the Government must act to remove the barriers preventing young people from remaining in their own communities.

Deputy McGuinness raised the issue with Waterford City and County Council representatives when they appeared before the Oireachtas 

Gaeltacht Committee to discuss the housing crisis. He highlighted the plight of young people who want to live in the communities where they grew up, raise their families there and ensure that the next generation continues to speak Irish, but are increasingly unable to secure a home.

“House prices are putting ownership beyond the reach of many local people. Difficulties securing planning permission create further obstacles, while the wider affordability crisis continues to undermine the prospects of families across the country.

“This is about whether Gaeltacht communities can sustain themselves, whether young families can remain and whether the Irish language will have a living, everyday future in its own heartlands.

“It is unacceptable that people who want to raise their children through Irish in their own communities are being priced out of doing so.

“I will meet with the local authority to discuss developments in An Rinn, including the provision of affordable serviced sites, and the delivery of 12 social housing units in A Sean Phobal.

“We need practical solutions urgently, including affordable routes into home ownership, social housing and planning policies that recognise the particular needs of Gaeltacht communities.

“The Government must take responsibility for addressing this housing crisis and provide the funding, policies and supports needed to allow the next generation to remain in the Gaeltacht.

“Without meaningful Government action, the communities, families and language that make Gaeltacht na nDéise what it is will remain under threat.”