By Dan Walsh
Cllr Barbara-Anne Murphy echoed the members frustration at the lack of housing in the Enniscorthy district when addressing today’s monthly meeting of Enniscorthy Municipal District in the Presentation Chamber.
“I am frustrated to find one house in Enniscorthy – at Marconi Park. This is not good enough. The council is not building houses in the Enniscorthy district (which includes Bunclody, Ferns and rural communities) and this has to change,” stressed Cllr Murphy who recalled that the last houses were built at Termonbarry in Bunclody in 2004!
Cllr Jackser Owns agreed a hundred per cent. “I know people who have been on the housing list for ten years. Why is the council not building houses for the people?” he asked. He added that he knew of eight people in one house and a baby coming any day!
Cllr Cathal Byrne referred to last week’s special housing meeting in Wexford and said that out of 624 houses planned, only 21 were in Enniscorthy district, which he pointed out is only 3%.
Cathaoirleach Cllr Aidan Browne agreed with his fellow members and felt that “we have to build schemes ourselves.”
Cllr John O’Rourke asked for a survey of ‘under occupancy’ and pointed to single people living in three-bedroom Council allocated houses.
However, Caroline Creane, Senior Staff Officer in Housing, said the Council was not looking for ‘under occupancy’ but would assist people if they wanted to move into a smaller house.
Carolyne Godkin, Director of Services, claimed progress is being made in providing houses of suitable needs for people, but it takes time.
Cllr Owens concluded that not enough progress is being made but he supported Ms. Godkin and the housing staff who pointed out that family profiles have massively changed and the cost of building is quite challenging.
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