'1,724 empty homes in Carlow' Campaigners call urgent attention on empty homes in Carlow

There are 1,724 empty homes in Carlow, "More than enough for everybody who needs them", campaign group Uplift has said.

Uplift, a people-powered campaign group, is urging political candidates, if elected, to prioritise bringing empty houses back into use, ahead of the local and European elections.

Research commissioned by Uplift has shown that Carlow County Council could be doing much more to turn empty houses into homes. Uplift's research has uncovered that councils could do far more to buy and lease empty houses; make it easier for families to access unused grants; work with businesses to turn empty main streets into vibrant communities; accurately count the number of vacant and derelict buildings in the county.

Patrick Kelleher, a Campaigner at Uplift, said: “No matter who we are or where we come from, we all need a home where we can sleep at night, knowing that we will wake up tomorrow feeling safe and secure.

"But far too many of us are living on edge, not knowing where we’ll live month to month, year to year. We have so much space for everyone, but can’t use it."

"With elections on the horizon, politicians need to know that the only way to get and stay elected is to open empty homes for everyone who needs one, no exceptions. So we’re asking election candidates to sign up to our pledge now, to show voters that they will prioritise turning empty houses into homes if they get elected."