‘Existential threat’ to future of Waterford Gaeltacht amid lack of housing in area
Waterford TD Conor McGuinness raised the issues regarding An Rinnat a recent Oireachtas Committee meeting.
There is an “existential threat” to the future of the Gaeltacht in County Waterford amid a lack of housing in the area, a local TD has said.
Sinn Féin TD Conor McGuinness raised the issues regarding An Rinn at a recent Oireachtas Committee meeting.
He warned that the housing crisis represents an existential threat to the future of Gaeltacht na nDéise.
Waterford City and County Council representatives were present at the committee meeting.
Deputy McGuinness highlighted the plight of young people who want to live in the communities where they grew up.
He stated: “House prices are putting ownership beyond the reach of many local people. Difficulties securing planning permission create further obstacles, while the wider affordability crisis continues to undermine the prospects of families across the country.
“This is about whether Gaeltacht communities can sustain themselves, whether young families can remain and whether the Irish language will have a living, everyday future in its own heartlands.
“It is unacceptable that people who want to raise their children through Irish in their own communities are being priced out of doing so.”
Deputy McGuinness said he would meet with the council to discuss housing developments in the area.
“I will meet with the local authority to discuss developments in An Rinn, including the provision of affordable serviced sites, and the delivery of 12 social housing units in A Sean Phobal.
“We need practical solutions urgently, including affordable routes into home ownership, social housing and planning policies that recognise the particular needs of Gaeltacht communities.”
In the meantime, he called on the Government to take action to address the housing crisis in the Gaeltacht.
“The Government must take responsibility for addressing this housing crisis and provide the funding, policies and supports needed to allow the next generation to remain in the Gaeltacht.
“Without meaningful Government action, the communities, families and language that make Gaeltacht na nDéise what it is will remain under threat.”