Barrett criticises cynical nature of ‘ghost estate’ funding announcement

Barrett criticises cynical nature of ‘ghost estate’ funding announcement


Trevor Quinn

Labour Councillor Harry Barrett has criticised the timing of the €5 million funding announcement last week by Minister for Housing and Local Services Mr Michael Finneran as an election stunt that is a throwback to another political era adding, “People aren’t going to fall for that anymore”.
The Castlebar Councillor believes the funding should have been made available two years ago, and he says this ‘bare bones funding’ is a drop in the ocean when measured up against the devastating impact these ghost estates have had on families’  lives in Mayo and throughout the country.
There are more than 130 ghost estates in Mayo and the funding will be used to eradicate immediate safety issues and concerns. Councillor Barrett says: “If it does consolidate safety that is to be welcomed, but it’s playing politics with people’s lives.”
The allocation which is being made to the local authorities will prioritise the need to close up open structures and eradicate hazards in more than 860 housing units throughout the county. Open manholes, sewers and excavations will be a priority and all dangerous areas will be assessed.
The allocation of funding for the abandoned estates when broken down nationwide will work out at an average of just €14,000 per estate. Speaking at the announcement Housing Minister Michael Finneran said “We need to take urgent action on public safety. We have to make life more comfortable for residents and their children.”
More than 2800 unfinished or vacant housing estates litter the Irish countryside. The report says all attempts to rectify the problems by developer or lending institution intervention have been exhausted or would take a considerable period of time to execute.
The group advisory committee on Unfinished Housing Developments cites in its draft report that due to the low occupancy level of below 50 per cent these estates should be dealt with as a priority. It states that in extreme cases local authorities may have to acquire estates or individual units under the Derelict Sites Act. Demolition is also likely in some instances.
Councillor Barrett calls the €5 million funding announcement on the eve of the general election an example of “stale clientelism”. 
He continues adding: “I hope the incoming  government will add to it and chase up the developers to finish off these estates.”