Sir, – It is of great concern to everyone regarding the alarming and escalating issue of homelessness in our country. The latest figures reveal a staggering increase in the number of individuals without stable housing, with over 14,000 people seeking refuge in emergency accommodation by the end of May.
This ongoing trend of rising homelessness paints a grim picture of the failures in our current housing policies and strategies. Despite the Government’s repeated claims of constructing record numbers of houses, these assurances ring hollow in the face of the growing crisis.
The promises made by our elected officials have not translated into tangible solutions for those in need, leaving the people of Ireland feeling abandoned and let down by those in power. Pouring billions of euro into the pockets of developers, vulture funds, and professional landlords has proven to be an ineffective and unsustainable approach to addressing homelessness.
To combat this unprecedented crisis, we must adopt a multifaceted approach that includes innovative solutions. One crucial aspect of any viable strategy would be the development of well-planned and adequately constructed high-rise apartments in our urban centres.
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These spacious dwellings can provide much-needed housing for those currently without shelter and offer a sustainable long-term solution to the housing shortage. Those who argue against vertical growth and advocate for empty skylines are just as complicit in perpetuating the housing crisis as the political system. Their resistance to progress and innovation mirrors the outdated beliefs of the past, akin to the flat earth theory.
It is imperative that we move beyond such Luddite mentalities and embrace forward-thinking solutions to ensure a brighter future for all members of our society. The time for action is now. We cannot afford to stand idly by while our fellow citizens suffer without homes. It is incumbent upon us all, including Government officials, community leaders, and concerned individuals, to come together and work toward meaningful change.
Let us strive to create a future where homelessness is a thing of the past and where every person has a place they can call home. – Yours, etc,
THOMAS O’CONNOR,
Dublin 12.
