Fianna Fáil Housing Spokesperson Darragh O’Brien has stated that the government must prioritise home building as it unwinds lock public health restrictions. The industry estimates some 5,000 homes are currently near completion and should be prioritised for work.
Deputy O’Brien said: “Our housing crisis will only get worse with predictions that less than 18,000 homes will be completed this year. This deficit will mean less availability and more people stuck in overcrowded and unsuitable accommodation in the wrong place. All the while some 150,000 workers in the sector are unemployed. The cement mixer has always been a great driver of our economy and will be vital to our post Covid-19 recovery and address one of our most pressing social problems.”
“The government is currently reviewing restrictions in line with expert Public Health advice. I want to make sure that the social and economic needs of our housing crisis are not forgotten when they make their decisions in the coming days.”
“Most importantly going back to work cannot mean going back to normal. We must ensure all workers are protected as far as possible from Covid-19. We need adequate social distancing protocols on site that are enforced by contractors to ensure work is carried out safely. The 5,000 homes nearing completion should be targeted first as a step to safely re-opening the sector.” Deputy O’Brien concluded.