Sir, - Driving through Waterford the other day, I found myself going through large areas of local authority housing that had been built over many decades from the founding of the State onwards. These housing estates and those like them in every town in Ireland are a testimony to the efforts of successive governments to provide decent and affordable housing to the people. In effect, these houses are monuments to true patriotism and real republicanism in the best sense of the word.
Surely the housing crisis of today calls for a similar commitment on behalf from today's administration when affordable housing is out of the reach of many of the nation's citizens?
A Government plan to fund and support the establishment of a comprehensive national network of housing co-operatives could result in benefits all round. The Government would be paid back with interest for any money used in funding the co-operatives to purchase land and build houses. Landowners would still receive proper payment for their land and builders would still be paid full market rates for their services. Those on modest and moderate incomes would have access to quality affordable housing and the pressure that over-inflated house prices is putting on the economy would be somewhat relieved. The creation of a large third sector of co-operative housing in addition to the public and private sectors can only enhance the quality of life and improve the stability of this country. - Yours, etc.,
Rev Paul G. Mooney, College Road, New Ross, Co Wexford.