Kerry county councillor can't see point in building one-bed social housing

A Kerry county councillor says she can't see the point in building one-bed social housing units.

At the recent meeting of Kerry County Council, Cllr Deirdre Ferris tabled a motion for the council to stop building one-bed properties.

Kerry County Council says regulations do not allow it to do this, as it must meet the current housing need.

Cllr Ferris said one-bed units are no longer viable to build or live in, especially given the importance of home care, which would require overnight carers to also have a bed.

The Sinn Féin councillor added the council should build more two-bedroom properties instead, as they cost nearly the same to build.

Independent councillor Jackie Healy-Rae declared his opposition to the motion, as it would be irresponsible to rule out any type of housing.

He said he understood the point Cllr Ferris was making, but the move would prevent the council from meeting the needs of people happy to live in one-bed units.

In response to the motion, Kerry County Council said it's obliged to determine the need of the social housing applicant and seek a solution on that basis.

The reply stated it's not possible under current regulations to automatically determine everyone who is seeking a one-bed property as needing a two-bed property.

The council's Director of Housing, Martin O'Donoghue, concluded there was no point in taking a vote on the motion as the council cannot legally carry out Cllr Ferris' proposal.