MINISTER for Housing Jan O’Sullivan will address a meeting in Ennis  today ( Friday), hosted by the Clare Citizen Information Service along with the Alliance of Social Protection of Recipients.
The minister will speak on the recent funding allocations and plans for the future. The event has been organised to look at the key issues that need to change in order for those in the rental market to be able to source suitable and adequate accommodation that meet the required standards.
Dermot Hayes of the Alliance of Social Protection Recipients said, “With almost 4,000 people on the housing list in Clare and a growing population we need to put in place a strong and sustainable strategy.”
While Paul Woulfe of the Citizen Information Services added, “The rent allowance needs to be reviewed and restructured to bring it in line with the current market rental rates in order to avoid homelessness and couch surfing’’.
Other’s to address the meeting will be: INIS social housing project; the National Social Housing body; Clare County Council which will address the options offered locally.
Also speaking will be Denis Corbett of MABS who stated that “the new intervention on mortgages will take time to filter through the system to be of value to troubled home owners”. Peter Moylan of Fergus Housing Association will speak on the issues and concerns of setting up a new housing body.