Mary Lou McDonald says "cosy arrangements" for vulture funds will continue under incoming government
“Do I feel optimistic about the housing issue on the watch of this government? No," Mary Lou McDonald said
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald warned there will be no “radical reset in housing” and that “cosy arrangements for vulture and investment funds” will continue under the new government expected to be formed next month.
The Dublin Central TD said rather than “bragging” about their record in housing over the last four-and-a-half years, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael should “hang their heads in shame”.
When government formation talks resume after Christmas, it is expected Micheal Martin and Simon Harris’ parties will form a coalition with the Regional Independents.
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The old coalition launched its Housing for All plan in 2021, which set annual housing targets. While they have met the target each year so far, they have continuously failed to hit “sub-targets,” which dictate the number of social and affordable housing units that need to be built each year. They are likely to miss the targets for social and affordable housing again in 2024.
Ms McDonald said: “The average house price in Dublin is €600,000. Outside of the capital it’s €400,000. Ironically, sadly, it was a sign of the times the day that everybody went out to vote in the election, the homeless figures were released. On the day the Dáil was sitting [December 18], I heard government people on bragging about their record in housing.
“This potential government, the incoming government, not alone have they not learned anything, not alone are they not open, they don’t have the humility to actually listen and learn. They’re doubling down on their failures. That is really worrying. On their watch, we will not see the kind of radical reset the Housing Commission that they established made clear was necessary. I think they will carry on as usual.
“I think you will still see cosy arrangements for vulture funds and investment funds, runaway rents, a complete under performance in terms of delivery of housing overall, but particularly in the area of affordable housing, where their track record is absolutely awful. Far from bragging, they should be hanging their heads in shame.
“Do I feel optimistic about the housing issue on the watch of this government? No. In the election campaign, we said very openly, ‘This is the main issue. This is our main stand’. There are, of course, other issues, disability, carers, investment in communities. But housing is at the core of the kind of social crisis we have now.”
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