''Caught in the middle'' – Offaly Councillors demand affordable housing strategy

A housing strategy aimed at delivering affordable housing schemes across Offaly was called for during the July meeting of Offaly County Council.

Independent Councillor Sean O’Brien urged the council to take immediate action to support those ''caught in the middle'' of the housing crisis.

''The cost of housing is a huge issue everywhere and in this county as well,'' said Cllr O’Brien. ''There are those caught in the middle, because they can’t afford the mortgage, but they can’t go on the council housing list either. These are the people who we need to look out for. We need affordable housing and assist individuals and families in purchasing a home.”

''Fingal are well ahead of us. Another major scheme is Shanganagh Castle in Dublin and a fabulous scheme in Barna, Galway,'' he said. ''There are other schemes around the country. The income limit is specified, the amount of deposit is specified, and the big advantage is that there is a maximum mortgage. Obviously, the banks or local authorities, depending on the scheme, have an equity share, that’s how the scheme works. I hope we can bring in some schemes and move it forward throughout the county.''

Cllr O’Brien pointed to soaring demand in Tullamore as a sign of the crisis. He cited a private housing scheme that drew 1,000 applicants for 150 homes.

He also warned of knock-on effects for healthcare and employment, noting that Tullamore Hospital is struggling to recruit staff due to lack of housing.

''At present there are a number of factories in Srah and a lot of the people have to travel from Dublin, Newbridge, Athlone and Portlaoise because there is no housing here. First, we need to look at the whole area of zoning and affordable housing,'' he said.

The motion received strong cross-party support.

Councillor Declan Harvey seconded the call and criticised the growing gap in housing affordability for ordinary working people.

''We have the new poor in this country, that's the working class. They are caught between not having enough money for a mortgage and having too much for a council house,'' he said. ''We need the council to start building again. I have two sons. If they ever want to come back to Tullamore they would want to hope I, my wife, or themselves could win the lotto. It’s crazy money what they are looking for. I met a young lady at the weekend. She had a good few bob saved but still didn’t have enough for a deposit. I ask the council to start building houses again.''

Councillor Aoife Masterson also backed the motion, criticising the council’s reliance on the private market.

''I think we are in a situation where we are buying over the odds because we are buying on the open market, as opposed to building ourselves. We are also reliant on the quality that is being built on the open market.''

She pointed to past examples of public housing done right: ''If you look at the houses that were built in the 60s, 70s and 80s, when we were on our knees as an economy, we still built the best quality houses going. If you look at O’Molloy Street, all the traditional housing estates, they are absolutely fantastic housing estates.”

There is no reason why we cannot go back to those again, except for the fact we are not receiving the money needed to do that. I support the motion but I think it will be of little avail if we don’t receive the support needed to do this from the central government.''

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In response, Director of Services for Housing and Integration Barry Lennon informed councillors that an Affordable Housing Officer was appointed in June and that a draft strategy is underway.

''A strategy will be brought through the Strategic Policy Committee and I expect to have something for the October meeting he said. ''The main thing is to assess the needs. it’s critical. Then the mechanism for delivery.''

Cathaoirleach Cllr John Leahy welcomed the update and noted that current market conditions finally allow Offaly to qualify for affordable housing subsidies.

''Previously they would have said if you can buy a second-hand house cheaper than what you can build it for, then you are not in the category for affordable housing subsidies. A house in Tullamore now is €400,000 plus,'' he said.

He proposed using Tullamore as a pilot area to launch an affordable housing scheme.

''I’m mindful that while we would love the scheme extended into all our areas, it’s not possible because of that criteria. It’s just that Tullamore prices are gone so high that it allows us to fall into the category. We should look at Tullamore as the first pilot and that’s as much as we can achieve for now. If prices grow or the criteria change, it can expand to other areas.''