Housing and employment figures show Government's commitment - Costello

1 April 2015

by Cllr Joe Costello

The announcement today by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Alan Kelly, that €1.5b would be spent by the Government on social housing between 2015 and 2017 is wonderful news.

It will include a program of building, buying, leasing, refurbishment and regeneration that will reduce housing waiting lists by 25pc. Over €500m will be allocated to the Dublin metropolitan area, with almost €300m allocated to Dublin City Council alone. This is the first tranche of the €3.8b that this Government has set aside for social housing.

The announcement today reflects the commitment of the Government to deal with the problem of homelessness and housing and to undo the damage caused by the policies of the previous Fianna Fail/Green Government, which resulted in the collapse in the construction industry and its failure to provide social housing even during times of prosperity.

Secondly, there is good news also on the jobs front with the announcement today that the unemployment rate has dropped from 15.1pc in 2012 to 10pc. The money saved through less social welfare payments and increased tax receipted are now being channelled into providing social supports for those in need and who made great sacrifices during the years of austerity.

As the economy grows and recovers, it is essential that investment is targeted at projects such as the present €1.5b spend on social housing to improve the quality of life for all.