'Shameful' rise in homelessness shows crisis worsening under FG and FF – Guirke

Sinn Féin TD Johnny Guirke for Meath West has said rising homelessness in Westmeath exposes how much worse the housing crisis is becoming under Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil.

The Department of Housing published new figures that reveal there are 12,847 people now homeless across the state.

Deputy Johnny Guirke said:

“This includes adults and children, who are experiencing the devastating reality of the housing crisis.

“It is abundantly clear that the longer Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil are in office, the worse the housing crisis is becoming. This is their appalling legacy that has heart-breaking consequences for the real people at the centre of this crisis.

“The government have been warned time and time again of the consequences of their terrible housing policies and their refusal to treat the housing crisis with the seriousness it deserves. Every day that they remain in office, this government causes more damage to the lives of ordinary people in Westmeath and beyond.

“Sinn Féin in government would get to grips with the housing crisis to end the scandal of homelessness in Westmeath. We would treat the issue with the seriousness it deserves, to prioritise delivering genuinely affordable homes to rent and purchase in Westmeath. We would reinstate the eviction ban for no fault evictions, to protect renters while housing supply is increased.

“It’s time for change. It’s time for a government ready and willing to end the housing crisis in Westmeath.”