In response to the ongoing housing crisis gripping Ireland, Catherina O'Sullivan, Aontú candidate for the Kenmare LEA, is calling for the proactive utilisation of boarded-up council properties to alleviate pressure on the housing market. Catherina proposes that these properties be allocated to private contractors for renovation within a specified timeframe, with the aim of reentering the housing market for those in need of social housing or for sale to first-time buyers.
Amidst extensive canvassing efforts, Catherina and her team have encountered numerous empty houses, both social and private, exacerbating the housing shortage. She emphasises the urgent need to incentivize the sale or rental of vacant properties to relieve the strain on Ireland's housing market.
"We are facing a critical housing shortage, with many families struggling to find suitable accommodation," says Catherina O'Sullivan. "It is unacceptable to see so many properties sitting vacant, especially when there are individuals and families in desperate need of housing. By repurposing boarded-up properties through partnerships with private contractors and providing incentives for property owners to sell or rent, we can make significant strides in addressing this crisis."
Catherina O'Sullivan's proposal aims to not only increase the availability of affordable housing but also to revitalise communities by bringing neglected properties back into productive use. She emphasises the importance of a comprehensive approach that involves collaboration between local authorities, private contractors, and property owners to effectively address the housing shortage.
As the housing crisis continues to impact communities across Ireland, Catherina O'Sullivan urges policymakers to take decisive action to unlock the potential of boarded-up properties and provide much-needed relief to those in need of housing.