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The Irish Sun
7 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
‘Housing crisis answer hiding in plain sight' says senator as Government unlikely to meet 41,000 homes target
THE solution to Ireland's never-ending housing crisis appears as far away as ever. Earlier this week, Minister for Housing James Browne admitted the Government is unlikely to meet its target of building 41,000 homes this year. 2 Minister Browne said the Government is unlikely to meet its housing target Credit: Brian Lawless/PA Wire It follows a forecast from the ESRI which predicted just over 34,000 properties will be completed in 2025. All the time, prices and rents continue to rise as punters desperately seek somewhere to live. Recently, hundreds of people queued for hours in an attempt to nab one of 40 houses that hit the market in This isn't just a READ MORE IN NEWS While cranes crowd the skylines of cities, thousands of buildings across Ireland sit empty or crumbling, overlooked in favour of costly new developments. At a time when innovative solutions are urgently needed, viable alternatives that could breathe life back into our communities are being stalled or sidelined. Writing in The Irish Sun today, Green Party Senator MALCOLM NOONAN says the answer to our housing crisis is hiding in plain sight. .. OUR Irish villages, towns and cities are unique in Europe. Most read in The Irish Sun The old shopfronts, market squares and town houses could rival any of the old towns that we all go to see while on holidays in Spain or Italy. For me, they are also a potential Our homes are CUT OFF after 2 devastating landslides sent tonnes of earth smashing onto roads - we wade through rubble So why then did our Housing Minister shoot down a bill that could help unlock this immense potential? In the media last week, Minister James Browne said that Government would do everything in its power to get houses built. It's a no-brainer. Maybe its because our bill (the Dereliction and Building Regeneration Bill 2025) wasn't about building houses on the edge of towns where it's easier and some would argue cheaper. But we all know that the greenest building is the one already built, and many brave families and some progressive local authorities are already restoring old shops, pubs and town houses for town centre living. 'NO-BRAINER' Indeed when the Greens brought the Town Centre First idea to the last government, we anticipated that restoring these buildings and backfilling sites would become a central part of housing for all. So when the Cross Party Group of Senators (Green, Labour, Soc Dems) brought our bill to the floor of the Seanad last week, we thought it would be a 'no-brainer', as they say. The bill addressed many of the challenges people face when they go to restore an old building for living. It sets up a 'one stop shop' to help meet planning requirements and have a decision turned around quickly, and redefines derelict to ensure that buildings vacant for two years were immediately put on the register. ANOTHER YEAR OF INACTION It gives responsibility of collecting the Derelict Sites Levy to Revenue and returning it directly to local authorities to build houses and helping address some of the fire and access challenges in older buildings to get them activated. Junior Minister at the Department of Housing, John Cummins informed members on Wednesday last that he was putting a 12-month timed amendment on our bill to 'examine it further'. This means another year of inaction in tackling dereliction and vacancy and in providing much-needed homes for families. It's hardly the action of a minister who wants to pull out all the stops to meet housing targets. PASSION FOR IRISH TOWNS Members of the Oireachtas were briefed earlier in the day by Valerie Mulvin (McCullough Mulvin Architects) and by legendary frontman of The Stunning, Steve Wall, on their passion for Irish towns and the potential they have for families to live in. Those of us of a certain age remember a time when families lived above shops, pubs or in 19th century town houses on main squares or side streets. Towns were vibrant, people walked and cycled to school or work, there were lights on above every shop at night. With improvements in rural broadband and rural public transport, our towns could be like this again. WELL USED TO BUSTLE Many who want to set up home here from other countries are well used to living in the bustle of town and city centres. It is estimated that there are over 90,000 vacant properties and above shop dwellings in our villages towns and cities, not to mention the backfill potential on street fronted shops. Imagine these towns bustling once again with the sound of children playing, shops, cafes, arts venues and pubs thriving, being able to walk or cycle to school, lots of trees and good landscaping to enhance public spaces. Government has spurned a great housing opportunity by delaying our bill at a time when vacancy and dereliction blight our villages, towns and cities and in the depths of severe housing shortages in most of the country and population decline in some areas. It is unacceptable. We have turned our backs on our towns for too long; it's time to show them the love they deserve. 2 Minister Browne said that Government would do everything to get houses built Credit: Getty
Irish Independent
19-05-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Developing a night time economy and tackling dereliction will see New Ross prosper again, but time and patience needed
Restoring New Ross to its former glories will take time, patience, and a change in attitude according to those attempting to regenerate the town. Mick McCormack of Wexford County Council (WCC) provided an update on the ongoing Town Centre First plan for New Ross at the May district meeting and started by explaining the aims of the project.
Irish Examiner
08-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Youghal's 'People Power' plan aims to fulfil the town's potential
Youghal, forever struggling to reclaim the level of commercial and social vibrancy in which it basked in the 1970s and early 1980s, has taken the early but determined steps towards steering its own destiny. Last month, almost 200 townspeople crammed into the town's Mall Arts Centre where the newly formed Youghal Town Centre First Stakeholder committee held its first public meeting. Importantly, representatives of over 40 businesses, clubs and community organisations were amongst them, with unity of purpose being absolutely fundamental towards Youghal's future ambitions and prospects of success. It is fair to say that the town could look better and that footfall on the main street wouldn't presently sell too many shoes! Housing is on a low par and hotel bed spaces need to increase. Notably, however, the new group began by stipulating that the future starts now and legacy negatives or finger-pointing were not part of any plan. Those with alternative inclinations were advised to focus on working towards a better future instead. This approach set a mood of positivity that not only persisted but increased, as the hour-long meeting raised spirits and boosted optimism. The Town Centre First programme is funded through central government but administered by the local authority and Youghal is thus far at the point of preparing a case for inclusion on it. The hosts, presenting as an interim steering group, used a PowerPoint presentation to explain the Town Centre First process. Committee members Ned Brennan, Deirdre Lane, John Cahill, interim chairperson, Frank Down, Valerie O'Donnell, Gerard Hackett and John Kelly of Youghal Town Centre First steering group at Youghal, Co Cork. Picture: Larry Cummins Spokesperson Patrick Heaphy outlined it as helping communities 'to implement plans to rejuvenate their towns', while noting that it recognises 'each Irish town is unique with its own challenges and opportunities'. In doing so, it allows communities 'to use their skills and experience to shape their town's vision'. A highly detailed survey was distributed on the night which would collect information towards forming a detailed profile of the town, its people, its needs and its future direction. Six pillars This information will assist in signing up appropriate volunteers to a series of six 'pillars', each of which representing a different aspect of the town. They were expected to be: Business & Tourism; Arts, Culture, Heritage; Social & Community; Transport & Infrastructure; Environment, and Housing. It was emphasised that some pillars might change to an alternative focus in accordance with community input. With the entire process overseen by a regeneration officer appointed by Cork County Council, the information will be assessed by a representative from each pillar, collectively known as a Town Team. They will forward their appraisals to the steering committee, who will then use the information to construct a more definite picture of what Youghal requires. Locals take advantage of the glorious sunny weather at Youghal beach. Picture: Eddie O'Hare A subsequent survey will 'stock take' the town's existing assets, whether structural, personal, service providing, etc. Examples would include the clock tower, boardwalk and Raleigh Quarter heritage sector. Cork County Council are likely to appoint consultants, who may contribute expert knowledge in areas such as traffic, flood risk, housing, etc. Finally, the steering committee will fashion a town plan and present it to Cork County Council for approval and, hopefully, acceptance onto the Town Centre First programme. Co-instigator and retired operations manager with the stakeholder group, John Cahill, says the Town Centre First model was favoured because 'there are some big project ideas out there but there is no point in pursuing them unless there is funding available'. Clock Tower at Youghal, Co Cork. He and his interim committee colleagues believe that major funding is more easily acquired through a cross-community approach, rather than any amalgamation of individually pursued applications seeking smaller grants. A semi-retired businessman and a native of Clare, Mr Cahill's faith in Youghal is palpable. 'Its a fabulous place, with stunning scenery and wonderful people, who do great things. We just need to pull everything together now as one and hopefully realise the town's great potential', he affirms. The presentation was exceedingly well received as the public not just believed in what they were being told but, more importantly, in those telling them. The message that it was ultimately the townspeople's plan was clearly transmitted and well accepted. Many, energised by the constructive argument also commented favourably on the absence of rancour. The pillars are expected to be crucial in the advancement of Youghal's goals, with each of the six sectors dependent on strong representation allied to commitment and cooperation. Nine days after the meeting, the Department of Rural and Community Development announced that applications were now being accepted for funding under the Town and Village Renewal scheme. Aimed at communities with sub-10,000 populations, the scheme incorporates the Town Centre First process in seeking to facilitate economic and social regeneration and is administered through the local authority. Cork County Council immediately sought submissions for inclusion amongst the small number of schemes it will forward in its funding applications. The final date for submission is May 14th. Youghal's fingers are crossed.
