Local homelessness figures are ‘a sad reflection of failed government housing policy’ — Kildare Cllr

A Kildare county councillor has made scathing comments aimed at the government in relation to the recently-released homelessness figures.

Social Democrats Cllr Aidan Farrelly of the Clane-Maynooth Municipal District has said that the latest figures 'show the tragic consequences of 13 years of Fine Gael-led governments.'

Cllr Farrelly, who is also the party’s general election candidate in Kildare North, elaborated: "Nationwide, there are now 14,486 people living in homeless emergency accommodation... the highest ever recorded in the history of the State.

"Shamefully, 4,419 of these are children growing up without a home."

"The latest figures show there are 682 people homeless in the Mid-East region, which includes Meath, Kildare and Wicklow, of which 183 are children."

He also accused An Taoiseach Simon Harris of attempting 'to distract the public from his party’s catastrophic record on housing by playing the issues of homelessness and migration against each another.'

Cllr Farrelly continued: "There is plenty of blame to go around for this disaster but none of it rests at the feet of refugees; Fine Gael have been in office for 13 years.

"In that time, homelessness has risen from 3,808 to 14,486; child homelessness alone has increased by a staggering 67 per cent during the term of this government.

“There is now a deficit of between 212,500 to 256,000 homes, according to the Housing Commission."

He concluded: "If the Taoiseach is struggling to see who is to blame, he could start by taking a look at his own party."

Social Democrats Cllr Aidan Farrelly (File photograph).