Mayo housing crisis driving victims back to abusers
The Mayo TD addressed the scale of the housing crisis in the county.
Victims of domestic violence in Mayo are finding themselves returning to abusive partners due to the housing crisis in the county.
The frightening reality was outlined by Mayo Sinn Fein TD Rose Conway-Walsh as her party began it’s state-wide ‘Hope & Housing’ constituency tour in Mayo.
“There is a particular problem with people leaving abusive relationships, mainly women, and they are being told by the council that until they get an official separation then they will not be considered for social housing,” said Deputy Conway-Walsh. She said court backlogs are exacerbating the situation.“I know one woman today who is going back into an abusive relationship from the refuge because she has nowhere else to go,” said the Deputy.
She said the length of time it takes to turn council houses around is ‘completely unacceptable’ and bemoaned the emergency accommodation situation in the county. “The only vacant emergency accommodation here is in Charlestown. We are sending somebody from Belmullet or Blacksod to Charlestown with children who are going to school, or elderly people. It’s horrific," said the Erris TD.
She said homelessness and other housing-related issues are no longer just a Dublin problem. “And it’s getting worse,” said the Mayo TD.
Deputy Conway-Walsh hosted the party’s spokesperson on housing Eoin Ó Broin for engagement with people, communities and organisations concerning housing issues. Deputy Ó Broin also provided an update on Sinn Féin’s solutions to the housing crisis.
The party say social housing thresholds must be addressed as people find themselves ineligible for social housing or a mortgage. The dearth of rental properties in Mayo is also a cause for concern and Sinn Fein say new planning permission guidelines must be put in place.
The focus of the tour was on listening to peoples lived experiences and giving them hope that housing can be fixed. A public event was held in the TF Royal Hotel and Theatre in Castlebar with the party seeking to engage with defective concrete block campaigners; local communities on housing challenges; Mayo County Council housing officials; and the construction industry.
