Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach spoke about Cork and the challenges that exist. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of affordable accommodation. The Government has made much of the Rebuilding Ireland home loan. According to a reply to a parliamentary question that I received, of 262 loan applications assessed by Cork County Council, only 25 have been approved. Of 112 loan applications assessed by Cork City Council, only a single loan has been approved, in an area which one would imagine has the greatest demand. Many people cannot afford to get a deposit for a commercial mortgage and do not qualify for social housing. Very little is being done for them and the current mess with the Rebuilding Ireland home loan scheme is creating a lot of uncertainty and anxiety for many people who need help to get accommodation.

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