NEWS BRIEF: North Kildare councillor hits out at Housing Minister

There has been an angry response to correspondence from Housing Minister Darragh O'Brien to Kildare County Council from one North Kildare councilor.

In a letter, Housing Minister Daragh O’Brien assured councillors that child homelessness remains a key priority for him, but Cllr Aidan Farrelly, who is aligned with the Social Democrats, criticised him for speaking 'empty' words.

Cllr Farrelly told the Leader: "Words are meaningless without action, and these words are empty."

"In May, I tabled a motion at Kildare County Council, calling on the Minister to enact legislation that would prioritise the needs of children when making homelessness assessments... but it’s difficult to read the reply received on behalf of the Minister, and not get annoyed.

"The Minister is in denial; saying something repeatedly doesn’t make it true."

He added: "The reply suggests a review of homelessness legislation is ongoing by Department officials – and children’s rights will form part of this.

"I look forward to seeing the outcome of this," Cllr Farrelly concluded.