The Problem: It is estimated that over 120,000 people currently lie on the waiting list for social housing. It is possible for people to wait over five years for a placement, and when they do get allocated a house, it might be totally inadequate for the needs of their family. Many families live in substandard accommodation. Currently we live in a country full of empty properties. Life After NAMA estimates the vacant housing figure to currently stand at 302,625, and this is exclusive of holiday homes. We know from the 2006 census that 49,798 holiday homes, rarely used, in the state. Does it make sense that this many buildings lie unoccupied while many families live in conditions of poverty? Ciaran Cuffe estimated that NAMA owned 300,000 empty residential buildings last year. As the Irish tax payer covers the cost of NAMA, shouldn't the Irish people have ownership of these buildings? According to the laws of our state, this is sadly not the case.
The Solution: According to the laws of NAMA, NAMA has ownership of failed property developers loans, not ownership of the actual property. In theory, and in at least one case, local councils can approve these buildings for rent thereby guaranteeing said property developer a new income.
According to 2008 figures there were 56,249 households registered with local authorities for social housing. This is simply not enough to meet demand, and when you consider the amount of state sponsored properties sitting idle, it beggars belief. Should the state not seize these NAMA properties now and use them for the benefit of the Irish people?
The Irish Council for Social Housing claims that social housing could help NAMA take thousands of unsold homes off the property market while providing accommodation for those in need.
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