Chris Andrews (Dublin Bay South, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The public housing stock is the forgotten element in the Government’s housing policy. Those living in the flats and houses owned by Dublin City Council already know that. I do not know a block of flats managed by Dublin City Council that does not have serious issues, whether public health issues, dampness, mould, neglect, leaks, floods, electrical faults or rats - the list goes on and on. There is no serious attempt by the Government to address the neglect of housing in inner-city communities. The Government regularly talks about energy efficiency and insulation, and it pats itself on the back for the different schemes it has in place.

Those living in social housing, however, are forgotten about. Just one example is the front doors of those living in the flats not being replaced until a new tenant moves in, while a tenant paying top rent has to put up with a door that would not keep a burglar out, never mind the cold or a draught. When it comes to the Government's schemes, it is one scheme for the rich and no scheme for those living in council-owned flats.

Those living in the inner city are like the forgotten people. Regeneration programmes take decades when they should take a few years. Andrew's Court and Glovers Court are prime examples of the slow regeneration process. In the meantime, these people are allowed to live in conditions that would not be acceptable in housing in private ownership. We need to see a real commitment to regeneration of council properties. We need also to see an increase in the funding for adaptation grants for those living in public housing. Many older people want to stay in their homes but cannot because of how long adaptations take.

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