111 derelict properties while thousands homeless – Clarke

New figures in a response to a parliamentary question reveal that there are 111 derelict properties in Longford Westmeath, while thousands of people remain homeless, Sorca Clarke, Sinn Féin TD for Longford Westmeath, says.

She has called on the government to “urgently tackle the growing scandal of housing dereliction”.

She stated: “It is nothing short of disgraceful that, in the middle of a housing and homelessness crisis, we have over a hundred properties lying derelict across Longford Westmeath.

“No home should lie empty or derelict when there are thousands of children and people homeless. There is no justification for this.

“Every week, I have people come into my office in complete distress, all pleading for the same simple thing: a roof over their heads.”

The SF TD said people are looking for the bare minimum. “Government has failed so badly they can no longer provide even the most basic human need. I see families sleeping in cars, young people stuck in box rooms that cost an arm and a leg, and older people terrified of losing the homes they have built their lives around.

“This neglect is not accidental. It is the result of years of government inaction and failure to take housing seriously.

“It is scandalous that in a wealthy country like Ireland, people are pleading for a place to live while homes sit boarded up and rotting away. “

She said government talk about targets and investment, but the reality is people are suffering. “We need to see meaningful action today, not in five years.

“Sinn Féin have been crystal clear. No property should be left rot while families are homeless. We would ensure these homes are brought back into use and that housing is treated as basic right, not a hot commodity.”