Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We have a perfect storm in housing, particularly in north Donegal. Issues arise owing to the cost of rent and the cost of new homes, but when you throw in concrete blocks it really is a perfect storm. There are several factors, including the fact that many people cannot sell the houses they are in. Donegal County Council cannot purchase homes because they have defective concrete blocks and are subject to tests, freezing the housing market. I am referring to the existing houses. Rents are increasing year after year. The most recent figure is 13.3%. I estimate that the cost of rent for families and others in Donegal has doubled in the past five years. This has disastrous consequences.

On the cost of new homes, a family seeking to purchase a three-bedroom semi-detached house in Donegal's main town, Letterkenny, would have to pay about €360,000 or €370,000 to €400,000.

That is the price for what we would have called a starter home back in the day. It has no relationship with what people earn. Earlier today, I spoke to a private developer in Donegal. He told me he would not go ahead with a private development in Donegal because he would be unable to sell the houses. There is no relationship between what he would charge and people's earnings.

With all that in mind, how is it that the Government has not rolled out an affordable housing scheme anywhere in Donegal? To meet the crazy criteria of the Department, Donegal County Council has to undertake a survey to see if there is demand. A blind man or woman could see there is clearly demand for affordable housing in Donegal. Look at the level of emigration among young people. I appeal directly to the Minister to talk to his officials to see how on earth and how in the name of God they are blocking the development of affordable housing on publicly owned land in Donegal.

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