Sinn Féin housing plan 'good for Louth' says Ó Murchú

The publication last week of Sinn Féin’s plan to solve the housing crisis is “good news for Louth”, Louth TD, Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú has said.

The party launched the “A Home of Your Own” document on Monday last and said the plan would “make homes affordable and bring home ownership back into the reach of working people”. Deputy Ó Murchú said: “The 109-page document sets out how in government Sinn Féin would deliver 300,000 public and private homes over five years; homes that are secure, adequate and affordable.

“The plan is based on extensive engagement with the public, semi-state and private sector development communities. The plan would make homes affordable and bring home ownership back into the reach of working people in Louth. It would see a doubling in the output of social housing to 75,000 new-build homes and 7,500 acquisitions over five years, to reduce waiting lists and end long term homelessness.”

Highlighting details of the plan, Deputy Ó Murchú continued: “It would see the delivery of 50,000 affordable homes delivered by Local Authorities and Approved Housing Bodies. Half for purchase at prices from €250,000 and half to rent at prices averaging at €1,000 per month.

“The plan would also deliver 115,000 private homes to buy for first time buyers and others, almost three times what the current Government is delivering.”

In addition to increasing supply and driving affordability, the plan also sets out how the party proposes to end long term homelessness by 2030, and meet the specific housing needs of people with disabilities and older people. Deputy Ó Murchú said: “The plan also sets out detailed reform proposals for planning, land management, building control, defects, low carbon housing, vacancy and dereliction to name just some of the sections.

“It is available to view on the Sinn Féin website, and in the coming weeks, we have commenced putting a summary of the document into every home. We believe that everyone in Louth should have a home of their own, a home that is secure, adequate and affordable.”