The 43 new social housing units opened last week in Trim and Athboy are a stark reminder of how little council housing is being built, according to Workers’ Party representative in Meath, Séamus McDonagh.

Reacting to the developments, McDonagh said:
“Of course, the fact that 43 new homes will be provided for families and individuals in desperate need of housing is welcome. But with thousands of households on the waiting list in Meath, the miserly figure is simply a reminder of just how little is being built.

“What we need are large scale, mixed income public housing developments on every plot of land owned by the council and the state in Meath. Without that, 43 will never turn into the thousands of units needed.”

McDonagh continued:
“It is galling to see Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil councillors and TDs lining up to have a photo taken with a handful of houses, when they continue to neglect to build housing in any meaningful way. Clearly, both parties prioritise staying in government, and meeting private developers needs, above clearing our housing lists.”

McDonagh called for a total shift in housing policy, saying:
“The Workers’ Party wants to see the type of housing that is common in many cities across Europe, in which people on low and middle incomes, and anybody who wants to, rent from the state. People on higher incomes pay more, according to affordability.

“This type of cost rental housing makes financial sense, and can be delivered at scale. This is what we need in Meath – not another photo opportunity for the local Minister.”