Slum conditions show need for better supports for tenants – Ellis

Sinn Féin housing spokesperson, Dessie Ellis TD, has described as “damning but not surprising” reports that nearly 90% of flats reviewed by Dublin City Council in the last six months do not meet basic standards.
He made his comments following the release of figures by the council from their current intensified inspection campaign which found 1,384 out of 1,499 failed the test.
Deputy Ellis continued:
“To anyone working with people on low incomes this is no surprise. I see people everyday living in very poor conditions and I am constantly raising issues with the authorities from DCC and the Department of Environment.
“A walk around the older parts of the city will enlighten anyone. There are blocks of very old buildings with often five to eight buzzers on the doors.
“These are Dublin’s modern slums which have long been outside of acceptable standards and turning great profit for landlords.
“Inspections like this must continue and problems identified and dealt with. The unfortunate reality is though that Dublin has a housing shortage. The state is not building enough social housing and demand is already at an all-time high.
“The government need to get serious about providing decent housing for people who otherwise will fall to the prey of slumlords. It must also properly fund the Tenancies Board which has had to cut staff numbers and outsources it services in recent times with absolutely no government grant for its vital work. If this is not done then conditions will only worsen.”

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Councils must not allow RAS tenants to go homeless – Ellis

Dessie Ellis Sinn Fein Housing spokesperson has called on local authorities and the Department of Environment to ensure that tenants under the Rental Accommodation Scheme are not allowed to go homeless because of financial difficulties faced by their landlords.
Deputy Ellis continued:
“RAS has provided many people with housing and allowed them to dig their way out of the poverty trap. Housing need is at an all-time high and local authorities and the Department of Environment must ensure that we do not see a row back on the progress made by RAS.
“I have dealt with a number of families who due to their landlord’s decision, often related to financial difficulties, are facing eviction. I spoke to two such families this week in Dublin alone with many more in danger.
“These families cannot afford housing in the normal private rental market which has increased in cost throughout the recession.
Cllr Criona Ni Dhalaigh said: “These families must be prioritised for rehousing in accommodation they can afford. They cannot be allowed to go homeless as the government has committed to work to end homelessness and the local authorities pledged in RAS agreements to not let this happen. A code of practice must also be drawn up to deal with this increasing problem.”