'Harrowing' evictions facing Laois families this Christmas

There is a noticeable rise of people in Laois and Offaly facing eviction with some of the stories in the counties 'harrowing', according to Sinn Féin TD Brian Stanley.

Deputy Stanley outlined some of the problems he is learning of as a public representative.

"The homelessness crisis has never been worse. This Christmas, more than 4000 children will wake up on Christmas morning in a hub, hostel or B&B.

“55 of these children are in the Midlands region. There are now more families and children living in emergency accommodation since records began. This is completely unacceptable.

“Here in Laois / Offaly I have had an increasing number of constituents been served with a Notice of Termination of their tenancies. Typical of these are John and Marie.

"Their notice expired in October and they have been desperately searching for private rented accommodation without success. These are two very good tenants. They are on Laois County Council housing waiting list and both are working.  The Landlord is putting increasing pressure on them to vacate their apartment as he wants to sell it. They are likely facing homelessness in the coming days.

“These harrowing scenarios are replicated right across the Midlands and the reason for this is because the Government is not delivering enough social and affordable housing," he said.

The General Election poll-topper appealed to Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael TDs in his constituency to support emergency action that would ban no-fault evictions temporarily.

The Sinn Féin TD said house prices, rent increases, and homelessness are all at record levels. He urged action.

"The Minister for Housing, Darragh O'Brien must grasp the seriousness of the housing crisis and take emergency action to stem the rising tide of families, children and single people going into emergency accommodation this Christmas," he said.

He claimed that the Government would get the breathing space required to increase and accelerate the building of social and affordable homes for the homeless if it banned evictions.

"If TDs want to see fewer children homeless this Christmas, then they should support Sinn Féin's bill,” he said