Funchion: Shame on Kilkenny TDs for decision that will make people homeless

Local TD Kathleen Funchion has said the Government’s refusal to reverse its decision to end the eviction ban will lead to levels of homelessness never before thought possible.

The Sinn Fein TD was reacting after government parties, along with some independent TDs, voted in favour of extending the eviction ban. She says the decision will see thousands of people lose the roof from over their heads in the coming weeks and months, with Residential Tenancies Board data showing 68 eviction notices served on tenants in Kilkenny from July to September 2022.

“In eight days’ time, the emergency ban on no-fault evictions will come to an end, and we will see levels of homelessness we never before thought possible," she said.

“Residential Tenancies Board figures tell us that 3,000 families, single people, couples, families with children and pensioners have eviction notices that will fall due in April.

“Every TD present today had a clear choice to make, and shame on Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, the Green Party – four of our local TDs knowingly chose to make ordinary people in their communities homeless.

“Many of these people will be forced to move in with family and friends, others will be forced to emigrate because they will be unable to find alternative accommodation. But worse, many men, women and children with eviction notices will seek emergency accommodation, which is already at capacity in many local authorities across the state. 

“This means people will be forced to sleep rough, while families with children will be referred to Garda stations for a safe place to sleep. That is the shameful legacy of Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Tánaiste Micheál Martin, the Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien, and all those who supported their decision today.

“I once again call on the government to reverse its decision, to extend the emergency ban on evictions and, crucially, to put in place the emergency measures we have been screaming for them to put in place.”