Not a national housing authority, please
The Editor,
Letters Page,
The Irish Times.
Dear Editor,
Reports that the Government is considering establishing a National Housing Authority are deeply worrying. Does nobody get it ? The “national” bit is the problem. When Local Councils had the power, resources and staff to deliver Social Housing – they did.
The crisis in Social Housing has primarily risen since the Department of Housing/Local Government has taken over the role. It will pretend that it doesn’t but the Department controls the money, the staffing and the appalling bureaucratic rules that inhibit the building of social houses. Establishing a National Housing Authority effectively under the control of that failed Department would be akin to appointing Arsonists in charge of the Fire Brigade. One of the solutions is clear – give Councils that did deliver back the ability to do so again.
Yours sincerely,
Councillor Dermot Lacey