THE lack of housing is disadvantageous to the growth of employment in Limerick, according to Independent Mayoral candidate Helen O’Donnell.
Housing is a lead issue for the local businessperson, who aims to become our first Directly Elected Mayor on June 7.
Ms. O’Donnell said: “As Mayor, I will ensure delivery of private, social and affordable housing. I will work with the HFA (Housing Finance Agency) and housing bodies to ensure finance is secured for Limerick, but getting the necessary finance isn’t an issue.
“A Mayor needs ambition and drive to deliver on housing, and I have both in abundance. Jobs across Limerick, both city and county, depend on housing delivery, so housing is one of my main goals in the role of Mayor of Limerick.”
She continued: “To address the pressing issue of housing, I will immediately convene a Forum on Housing, one which will involve all stakeholders, such as developers who will sit down with our planners so all sides can overcome the impediments which prohibit building of houses.
“I’m aware that the role of Mayor is independent of the planning department, but there is nothing wrong with bringing heads together on an important issue such as housing.”
Added the candidate: “I would like also to engage swiftly with the LDA (Land Development Agency) to utilise for housing state lands in Limerick. As part of Limerick 2030, I will work tirelessly with Limerick City and County Council and the LDA to drive growth in both social and affordable homes for the people of Limerick.”
Ms O’Donnell also claimed that public bodies, namely the ESB and Uisce Éireann (formerly Irish Water) are holding-up home building in the private sector. “These two key utilities are a large part of delays on delivery,” she stated. “There is planning permissions for around 4,000 units in the county, and it’s about enablement at this stage.”
