Cavan Senator Joe O'Reilly is calling for the building of social houses in rural areas and has highlighted how a previous scheme to address the issue should not have been discontinued. He says that in the past, county councils built houses in rural communities for those who needed them while at the same time fulfilling the criteria for social housing.
Senator O'Reilly pointed out that the move also helped to maintain vibrant rural communities and provided opportunities for those who wanted to live in the countryside to do so. He highlighted how the elimination of the scheme has resulted in a shortage of social housing in rural areas and a subsequent decline in rural communities.
Senator O'Reilly is calling on local authorities to work with communities to provide the housing that is needed. "As a Senator, I believe that the building of social houses in rural areas is essential to maintaining vibrant rural communities and to provide the opportunity to live in the country for those who wish to do so. I call on the Government to reinstate the scheme and to provide funding for the building of social houses in rural areas.
"I also urge county councils to work with local communities to identify suitable sites for social housing and to ensure that the houses are built to a high standard, and are energy-efficient. Let us work together to ensure that everyone has access to affordable and suitable housing, regardless of where they live.
"By building social houses in rural areas, we can maintain vibrant rural communities and provide the opportunity to live in the country for those who wish to do so," he added.
