Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to speak on housing. We have had two housing debates back to back. The Government mentions big statistics from this year and last and improvements in its figures, but we have come from a very low point in the first place, and that is why the Government is not getting the positive reaction for which it has been hoping.

For months, I have been chasing progress on affordable housing schemes in Clare. One scheme of ten units was approved for Shannon even though it has a population of more than 10,000. Those units are due to be ready by June. I have also been chasing two affordable housing scheme applications for Ennis. Recently, we received news that 21 units would be developed over the next two years – 11 this year and ten next year – if everything with their delivery went to plan. I believe there is still an affordable housing scheme application outstanding. I hope that we will hear positive information about it soon.

Last October, the Minister stated that he was open to extending affordable housing schemes to other towns and villages in County Clare, for example, Kilrush. I had hoped that there would be some progress in that regard, as Kilrush is an area that, although it has been seeing small pockets of development, has not really seen housing developments in the past 20 years. There is no other town or village in its surrounds in west Clare. It is completely on its own. It does not have a neighbouring community to fall back on.

Last year, 93% of rental properties in Clare failed inspections. Their occupants are deemed the lucky ones because they have been able to secure private rental accommodation. I am constantly contacted by people who have applied for rental properties. For example, there are people who applied for more than 50 properties in two months at the start of this year but who only got one phone call back. In Shannon, house prices have increased by nearly 20% in one year. I constantly hear from employers who have been able to secure employees but those employees have not been able to get housing and, therefore, have been unable to move into the area and take up work. Housing is a major issue for getting the requisite staff.

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