Housing initiative a ‘classic Galway tent stroke’

THE Social Housing Leasing Initiative is “a classic Galway tent stroke designed to look after the chosen few,” according to Mayor of Clare, Tony Mulcahy.
At a meeting of Shannon Electoral Area councillors, it was claimed that the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) had been celebrating the arrival of the scheme. It was also claimed that the purpose of it was to protect Fianna Fáil’s allies in the construction industry.
Councillor Patricia McCarthy was first to object to the scheme, outlining its terms, which allow for local authorities to lease houses for 10 years, before turning them back over to the developers, in as good condition as they were received.
She said it was a mechanism to ensure that developers and property speculators were looked after.
Independent Councillor Gerry Flynn said it was something that had gone down very well with certain vested interests.
“This was discussed at the last housing SPC and the CIF are having parties because of it, because it’s bailing them out.”
He described the scheme as a “travesty” and said it was weighted towards large developers, rather than people who may have bought second homes as investments for their old age.
Councillor Flynn’s words are borne out by information on the Department of the Environment’s website, where it is stated, “submissions will only be considered from owners who can provide a minimum of five properties”.
After describing it as “a classic Galway tent stroke designed to look after the chosen few”, a visibly angry Councillor Mulcahy claimed it would prove hugely expensive.
“Jesus Christ, it’ll cost an absolute fortune and it’s only to look after the pals and the boys,” he claimed.
He said the inherent weakness of the scheme is not accidental. “It’s a well thought out and well planned Galway tent stroke and our children will pay for it.”
The terms of the scheme allow for houses to be leased for 10 years, before being returned to developers in the same condition as they were in before the lease, something Councillor Mulcahy is livid about.
Councillor PJ Ryan said that what is being proposed is “absolutely disastrous” and “ridiculous”.
Shannon town manager Bernadette Kinsella said that advertisements for the scheme had been placed last year but no response was received.
She said that further adverts were placed earlier this year and with the closing date on Friday, she understood that there had been no significant interest.