To get a house in Killarney you need to be a millionaire or on social housing, and the squeezed middle are being left behind.
That’s according to Kerry Independent Alliance councillor John O’Donoghue, who was speaking in relation to his motion at the recent Killarney MD meeting.
He asked the local authority to update elected members on plans for affordable housing in the area.
Elected members told the council that young workers are being blown out of the water in the housing market in Kerry.
Cllr John O’Donoghue told the meeting that affordable housing is vital and needs to be the council’s priority going forward.
He said young couples who are working in good jobs are unable to purchase homes, as prices are out of their reach, and they are earning too much to qualify for social housing.
Cllr O’Donoghue described this as a travesty and said it’s a sign that the housing scheme in the country is broken.
In response, Kerry County Council advised it’s working with AHBs (Approved Housing Bodies) and developers to deliver targets in line with the “Housing for All” policy; adding a Starter Home Programme has been proposed by Government.
Independent councillor, Brendan Cronin raised a motion asking why towns in Cork have affordable housing schemes completed but Killarney has nothing.
He said there are a substantial block of people in the county, working day and night, who can’t afford homes; and are living with their parents, as rents are astronomical.
The motions were supported by Fianna Fáil councillor, Niall Kelleher, who said at the other side of the border, in Boherbue, they have a great affordable housing scheme; however in Kerry, a doctor or teacher can’t afford a house.
Cllr Cronin added a new 3 bed home in Killarney costs around €550,000; while up the road in Cork this is around €300,000 depending on the town.
In response the council said to compare Killarney with Macroom or Mallow is not comparing like for like in terms of land, building and development costs.
Cllr Cronin responded to this saying, "are you telling me blocks are more expensive in Kerry than in Cork".
He said Kerry County Council has the lands to develop affordable housing now, adding it needs to get plans off the table and onto the ground and on site.
