Different approaches must be taken in order to deal with the housing crisis in Clare according to the Chair of the Strategic Policy Committee responsible for housing.
Shannon councillor, Gerry Flynn at the July meeting of Clare County Council asked for housing workshops to be put in place in each Municipal District in the county. “The purpose of these workshops would be to provide members of the public with information and advice concerning the various options that could be explored in the provision of accommodation to suit their needs, (Social/ Leasing/ Loans etc.). The current situation for a lot of people is presenting huge barriers in sourcing accommodation.”
Responding to the motion, Anne Haugh, Director of Service for Social Development outlined that the current arrangement is for their housing team to meet service users in the Municipal offices which negate the need for travelling to Ennis. “In consideration of this request we will organise a ‘roadshow’ workshop in each of the Municipal Districts to advise those seeking accommodation of the services and supports available to assist in securing accommodation. These events will be scheduled for September; once the venue and date is determined these events will be publically advertised”.
Cllr Flynn recalled a recent meeting in which MABS brought to their attention matters relating to lower to middle income and requested they be included in the workshops. “We have to be innovative in tackling what is a housing crisis, there are a lot of areas in relation to loans. We have to do something more than what we are doing”.
Fellow Independent, Cllr PJ Ryan seconded the motion, “It is time that this situation was handled. More and more people are finding difficulty with accessing housing, we need to deviate into affordable housing”.
