Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central, Thomas Gould, has today called on the government to implement Sinn Féin’s proposals for housing maintenance.

His comments come ahead of a Sinn Féin motion, to be debated in the Dáil this evening, calling for increased funding for reactive maintenance, a specific fund for the regeneration of flat complexes and a commencement of the process to bring social housing tenants under the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB).

Teachta Gould said:

“In 2017, Ireland was found in breach of the European Social Charter because of the substandard condition of many social homes. People are forced to live in damp and cold homes that are mouldy and draughty.

“During the economic crash, local authority budgets were slashed and recruitment embargos saw housing maintenance staff reduced to a skeleton crew. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael oversaw this and have never restored these budgets.

“This has led to ongoing neglect of local authority homes. In the Dáil this evening, I will raise the case of a tenant living in Mayfield. In 2011, she reported problems with a leaking roof that was causing mould and damp. Thirteen years later and these issues have only worsened. The conditions of her home are shocking.

“That is the lived reality for people. It is important to remember that local authorities are landlords and that they are failing in their duty to their tenants. That is why we believe that social housing tenants should be brought under the RTB and allowed to take cases, similar to private tenants, against their landlord.

“Last summer, Sinn Féin were heavily involved in a community-led campaign to see the regeneration of Noonan’s Road flats in Cork City. Thanks to huge pressure, these homes are now to be fully regenerated but across cities, there are more flat complexes like these that need intervention. We propose a specific scheme that would see this happen.

“It is time for this government to stop burying its head in the sand. They are failing to fund local authorities and people are being left in homes that are falling apart.

“Sinn Féin have a plan that would see people living in high-quality, well-maintained homes. To deliver this, we need a strong Sinn Féin voice in City and County Councils.

“Change starts locally, and that is why voting for change on June 7th is a crucial first step in undoing decades of disastrous Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael housing policy.”