McManus slams Wicklow Housing Cutbacks

Labour Party Deputy Liz McManus has slammed the Minister for the Environment's decision to cut back on the housing programme in Wicklow.

"I am shocked to discover that the housing programme in County Wicklow has in effect been cut back by a recent Government decision to restrict the number of

Only ten houses can be acquired this year

houses that the local authorities can acquire", said Deputy Liz McManus. "It is clear that these cutbacks are already starting now that the election is over.

"I understand that the Bray Town Council has been instructed not to buy any houses and Wicklow County Council has been told that only ten houses can be acquired this year.

"This is truly shocking news when housing needs are at crisis level. The reality for hundreds of young families in County Wicklow is that the situation is worsening rather than getting better. The cutbacks that are now being made will lead to more people waiting for longer on housing lists.

"This Government appears to have already started to reduce the chances of families having a home of their own. I am determined to highlight the plight of people on the housing lists and to challenge the Government at every stage to ensure that those most in need are not treated with contempt. The housing crisis has been building up over the past five years in County Wicklow and it now appears with this recent news that the crisis will get even worse over the next five years", concluded Deputy McManus.