New housing figures reveal 'devastation' across Louth says Sinn ...

On the back of new housing figures, a Louth Sinn Féin councillor and general election candidate said that the housing crisis is causing “devastation for people right across Louth”.

Sinn Féin Councillor and General Election candidate Joanna Byrne has said that voters face a clear choice in this election between a worsening housing crisis under government parties or a Sinn Féin government committed to delivering change.

Cllr Bryne’s comments follow publication of the Department of Housing’s homelessness figures, which reveal there are now 229 adults living in emergency accommodation in Louth and 252 in total in the North East. This does not include the 150 children who are also accessing emergency accommodation.

Cllr Byrne said: “The housing crisis is causing devastation for people right across Louth, The latest figures from the Department of Housing show there are now 252 adults and 150 children living in emergency accommodation in the North east.

"We know that in reality the true number will be much higher, as these figures don’t include people living with friends and friends on an emergency basis, or people living in domestic violence shelters.

“Under this government, the number of people who are homeless in Louth has soared year after year. Rents are sky high and people are struggling to save up for a deposit while house prices spiral out of reach. This is the legacy of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil in government.”

Cllr Byrne said: “It is evident that voters face a clear choice at the general election: they can vote for a worsening housing crisis under Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, or a Sinn Féin government that delivers change and is committed to ending the housing crisis.

“Ending the housing crisis would be the number one priority of a Sinn Féin government. We have set out in our plan, A Home of Your Own, how we would end the housing crisis and bring the dream of home ownership back into reach for working people.”

The Sinn Féin election candidate said: “Sinn Féin is committed to delivering 300,000 new homes, private and public, affordable and to rent, over the lifetime of the next government. We are committed to enabling people to build homes in their own communities.

“Our plan is fully costed, detailed and deliverable. It would make a real difference for people in Louth by ensuring they can finally have a home of their own: A place to call home and look ahead with hope to the future.

“That is why this election is a crucial opportunity to vote for a Sinn Féin government and vote to end the housing crisis.”