Proposal for social housing scheme in Waterford welcomed

Proposals to develop 12 social houses in County Waterford have been welcomed, however, concerns have been expressed that the current plans must reflect the needs of local families.

Deputy Conor McGuinness and Cllr Kate O’Mahoney, both welcomed the plans - which relate to a proposed scheme in the West Waterford Gaeltacht.

Describing such as scheme as "long awaited progress on social housing for An Sean Phobal", the Sinn Féin party members said any housing plans must meet the needs of the Gaeltacht community.

Deputy McGuinness told Waterford News & Star that he and Cllr Kate O’Mahoney have made formal submissions to the final public consultation on the proposed development of the 12 social homes in the West Waterford Gaeltacht. 

He said that while the public consultation is a positive step forward, the pace of delivery to date has been “glacial”.

“These homes are long overdue. I live in Gaeltacht na nDéise and I know how deep the housing crisis runs in this community," said Deputy McGuinness.

"It’s now several years since I forced the Council’s hand to get a funding proposal submitted to the Department of Housing — a necessary move after years of local pressure and political inaction," he added.

"Since then, progress has been far too slow."

He said the consultation process was a welcome sign of movement but added that the current plans are "not fit for purpose". 

"The proposal to deliver 12 two-bedroom units does not reflect the reality of housing need in An Sean Phobal," he said.

"There are families on the list in urgent need of three and four-bedroom homes [and] the development must be revised to include a proper mix of housing types," he added.

Deputy McGuinness, who is Sinn Féin spokesperson on Rural Affairs, Community Development and the Gaeltacht, also emphasised the importance of ensuring the scheme supports the language and culture of the area.

“This is a Gaeltacht community and its future depends on young families being able to live, work and raise their children here," he said.

"I worked to secure a Gaeltacht qualification clause in the Council’s housing allocation scheme," he added.

"That clause must now be implemented, by way of a Chief Executive’s Order, to ensure these homes go to people with a strong personal and cultural link to the area."

Meanwhile, Cllr Kate O’Mahoney, who sits on Waterford Council’s Strategic Policy Committee for Housing, Community, Sports and Recreation, echoed that call, stating: "These homes are badly needed but they must be fit for purpose. A one-size-fits-all approach won’t work. Families need space to grow, and this scheme must include three and four-bed homes as part of the mix."

"We also need to see plans for affordable homes and serviced sites for local people who want to build in their own community," said Cllr O'Mahoney.

The Sinn Féin representatives said the Council must now future-proof the development and begin planning for a follow-on scheme that includes affordable housing and serviced sites.

Deputy McGuinness concluded by commenting: “The people of An Sean Phobal have waited long enough. We need to see these homes delivered but they must meet real local needs, support the Gaeltacht and form part of a wider strategy to keep rural communities alive.”