Sinn Féin has welcomed tonight’s vote by Dublin City Council demanding that the government reinstate the successful Tenants In Situ Scheme.

Cllr. Daithí Doolan, Sinn Féin Group Leader on Dublin City Council, said:

“Tonight’s vote was very significant. Government parties supported a Sinn Féin motion demanding the Minister for Housing immediately reinstate the Tenant In Situ scheme.

“The scheme allows Dublin City Council to buy properties for tenants who face a no-fault eviction notice, allowing the family to remain in the property as tenants of Dublin City Council. This scheme has prevented hundreds of families becoming homeless.

“Despite the deepening housing crisis in Dublin, we are waiting over two months for the government to release funding for this year’s scheme. This proves once again just how heartless this government really is.

“This year alone, dozens of families are facing no-fault evictions, whereby the Tenant In Situ Scheme would have allowed them to remain safe in their home. This is hugely stressful, but totally avoidable if the minister would only act.

“The Sinn Féin motion called on the Minster for Housing James Browne to release the funding as a matter of urgency and allow Dublin City Council to start buying homes and preventing families becoming homeless.

“It was agreed at the meeting that the Lord Mayor will contact the minister asking that the funding be immediately released to Dublin City Council. “

Text of Emergency Motion:

Dublin City Council fully recognises the positive role the Tenant In Situ Scheme has played in preventing hundreds of families entering homelessness.

To prevent more families becoming homeless through no fault of their own, we call on the Department of Housing to agree targets and release funding to Dublin City Council as a matter of urgency.