People must act on housing crisis says Cllr Micheal Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig

People need to take to the street to protest to highlight Donegal's housing crisis.

That was the call from independent socialist republican councillor Micheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig who says the lack of accommodation is the biggest single issue he is facing on a daily basis throughout his area in West Donegal.

The outspoken public representative has made no bones about the Government's lack of action

"This housing crisis was caused by government policy which year after year after year refused to freeze rents, refused to build social housing, refused to tackle dereliction and vacancy, refused to put the money that was needed into it," he claimed.

Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig said the council now needs to take a fresh look at how they deal with the crisis.

"Our council needs to appoint a dedicated manager and team to deal with housing construction and land acquisition and nothing else. Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and their lackeys in government are only interested in the capitalist classes; making sure those at the top end in terms of the big landlords, land owners holding on to swathe of land banks and developers are looked after."

He said the issue was now way beyond the crisis point.

"Our housing crisis is unbelievable. We have mothers, fathers and children homeless in our own areas. We know these people, some of them are friends, relations or neighbours or just people we know to see and it's all down to government policy.

"I really do think we in the council need to step up and do more. I recognise our staff are doing fantastic work but their hands are tied due to proper government funding. In my own area, we need houses in An Clochán Liath, Árainn Mhór, Toraigh, Anagaire, Na Dúchoraidh, Na Gleannta, Fál Carrach, Gort a' Choirce agus Gaoth Dobhair. All this to be in conjunction with a strong language policy for An Gaeltacht as well. 

"We need feet on the street as well. People have to start marching, occupying buildings, writing, letters, distributing leaflets and making phone calls to force our government to be more proactive. Change never comes by waiting on others to do it so we need to get more active and ensure our voices are heard," he said.

On a brighter note, the councillor said he had been told by Donegal County Council that work would start in October on the redevelopment of the site at Ard Scoil Mhuire in Gaoth Dobhair for 29 or more housing units, including assisted living facilities for adults with intellectual disabilities.

"I am told that all we are waiting for is a rubber stamp, a formality to start the work but the housing problems should never get to this stage, we should not be waiting endlessly on red tape and bureaucracy to ensure people who are badly in need of housing are catered for."