The lack of a plan for affordable housing in Kerry needs to be addressed.
That’s according to Fianna Fáil councillor Breandán Fitzgerald, who was speaking at the recent Castleisland-Corca Dhuibhne MD meeting.
He says young workers and families earning above the income threshold need to have the option of affordable housing to stay in the county.
Cllr Breandán Fitzgerald tabled a motion for progress to allow the development of affordable housing and serviced sites within the Castleisland-Corca Dhuibhne Municipal District.
He urged the Housing Minister and Minister of State with responsibility for Local Government and Planning to allow Kerry County Council develop such projects.
Cllr Fitzgerald noted he is in favour of social housing, but to not to have an affordable housing plan for those earning above the threshold isn’t right.
He says people in the squeezed middle are crying out for houses and want to stay in Kerry; adding the council must have every option available.
The motion was seconded by independent councillor Charlie Farrelly who said the issue is a major problem for young people in the area.
He noted that there is a lot of employment within the MD and couples are trying everything to get on the rung of the property ladder.
Cllr Farrelly added not everyone qualifies for social housing and these young people need a chance.
He stated we’re never going to solve the housing problem unless government decides to give the council money and says go and build the houses.
Fine Gael councillor Tommy Griffin echoed this, describing the criteria for the schemes in large towns as ridiculous, stating many small towns and villages are crying out for these developments.
He says that Kerry is significantly behind the curve in affordable housing provision; adding our neighbours in Cork and Limerick are way ahead.
