'Getting plumbers and electricians can be difficult' in Tipperary, says councillor

The Cathaoirleach of Nenagh Municipal District, Cllr Fiona Bonfield (Labour), strongly criticised the government's housing policy, saying it was failing people, during the recent meeting of Nenagh Municipal District.

Cllr Bonfield told the meeting that the Government’s Housing for All Plan has failed to deliver meaningful results.

“Despite promises of tackling the housing crisis, the situation is worse than ever, with more people facing homelessness and evictions while property prices continue to climb.”

She pointed out that in North Tipperary families are “being priced out of their communities. Families are struggling to keep up with soaring prices, and young people are being forced to leave the area because they simply cannot afford to buy or rent a home. This is not just a housing crisis; it’s a social and economic crisis that is tearing communities apart.”

She called on the next government to deal with the problem once and for all. “We need bold, decisive action to build affordable homes and ensure that workers and families in Tipperary have a place to call home.”

She added that the Central Statistics Office (CSO) recently reported a 9.7% rise in residential property prices nationwide.
Cllr O'Meara asked for an update on the proposed six new Council houses in Rathcabbin.

He was told the project is at the design stage.

A council official said the Council has made great progress on getting their Voids (vacant houses) up to scratch. “This year we have brought 30 of our Voids up to the standard required,” he remarked.

Cllr Joe Hannigan said the Croí Cónaithe housing scheme is “a great scheme. I would urge people to look into it.”

Cllr O'Meara pointed out that “getting plumbers and electricians can be difficult. You have to be patient. It can be quite a while before they turn up.”