Shocking level of Local Authority homes in Wicklow have no form of central heating

On foot of figures obtained by Wicklow and East Carlow TD John Brady, the Sinn Fein spokesperson for social protection has said that it is an absolute disgrace that we have families literally freezing in homes with no adequate heating systems across Wicklow.

Teachta Brady Said:

“I recently received statistics from Wicklow County Council which confirm that 685 local authority homes in Wicklow have no central heating system installed. I am rarely stuck for words but my jaw dropped when I discovered that 15% of Wicklow local authority housing stock does not even have the most modest of modern heating systems.”

The Sinn Fein TD lashed out at Fine Gael and Fianna Fail and accused them of subconsciously conspiring to deprive the local authority of the funds necessary to rectify the situation:

“The fiscal failures of successive Fine Gael/ Fianna Fail governments expose a malevolent ignorance which defies all logic. Families are literally freezing in homes while paying rent to Wicklow County Council for the pleasure. I have written to minister for housing Eoghan Murphy asking that funds be made available immediately to rectify the situation.”

Teachta Brady said the Sinn Fein team on Wicklow County Council will be pressing the issue as a matter of urgency:

“Our three Councillors - Nicola Lawless, Michael O’Connor and Mary McDonald will bring as much pressure to bear as possible at council level in the chamber and with officials. We want to secure funding for a heating refit programme to be included in the council budget. These homes which house families with young children, older citizens and those with disabilities are hardly fit for purpose in the absence of satisfactory heating systems.”

In conclusion Teachta Brady said that the issue further highlights the accuracy of a recent European report which accused the government of human rights violations when it comes to public housing standards:

“The esteemed European Committee of Social rights produced a report which found the state at odds with its responsibilities under the European social charter. It further accused the state of breaching its obligations in line with European and International housing standards. Such reports usually end up in the governments ‘ignore’ tray but it is my intention to press the government to address this outrage immediately both locally and nationally.”