Housing Eviction Bombshell Needs Tackling says Crowe

Dublin South West TD Seán Crowe has described the announcement that 209 families in Tyrellstown are to face immediate eviction from their rented accommodation as a complete bombshell.

Crowe said that immediate action was needed to address the ongoing housing crisis and that his party have legislation on the issue ready for publication.

Deputy Seán Crowe said:

“The announcement that 209 families in Tyrellstown are to face immediate eviction from their rented accommodation as a complete bombshell to the families involved.

“1,800 children are currently growing up in emergency accommodation and this announcement will add to those numbers.

“209 families have been served notice that they are to be evicted from their rented accommodation but how can we in good conscience sit in the current Dáil and not act immediately to prevent this spiral of homelessness from claiming more and more families as the weeks go by.

“The Bill Sinn Fein are now waiting to get published seeks to amend the Housing Act of 1988 to update the definition of homelessness and bring in new responsibilities for Local Authorities in dealing with homelessness and those people directly impacted by it.

“It provides for the Local Authority to consider the position of families and individuals at risk of homelessness, as well as those already experiencing it, and so compels the authority to act in a preventative way.

“The Bill would also provide for interventions which would prevent homelessness, address their housing needs and provide the additional supports that are needed for people caught up in these awful circumstances

“A crucial point of our legislation is to open up new resources to those who have not previously experienced homelessness essentially to prevent them from falling into the trap of homelessness, and quickly remedy an individual crisis.

“If this Dáil is to mean anything, then we must break the current cosy consensus by starting to talk and address real life issues that still remain post the last election.” ENDS