KERRY County Council has been urged to engage further with all voluntary housing groups, as a matter of priority, to address the housing crisis by providing accommodation schemes for senior citizens in all towns and villages in the county.
Cllr Michael Cahill said voluntary groups have done great work in providing housing for the elderly, including new builds ad through the purchase of properties.
“I believe we should have a closer working relationship with these voluntary housing groups as the successful applicants are, after all, coming off the local authority priority housing list”.
“I also understand that it is much easier for voluntary groups to access state grants for constructing new housing schemes or purchasing properties than it is for the local authority,” he said.
Cllr Cahill said more people are now coming forward seeking accommodation in towns and villages where services such as a post office, shops and a Church are available.
“This is a win-win situation for the council,” he stressed.
Clle Cahill was told that officials from the housing department of Kerry County Council actively engage with approved housing bodies in relation to the provision of housing.
To date in 2018 preliminary approval has been received for the construction of 126 housing units, the acquisition of 82 housing units and the long-term leasing of 72 housing units through approved housing bodies.
“We are always open to discussing new projects with any approved housing body that is regulated under the voluntary regulation code which covers such matters as governance, management and financial capabilities of the approved housing body, a council spokesperson said.
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