People with disabilities facing long waits for homes

THE government's failure to get to grips with the escalating housing crisis is now impacting on people with disabilities.  

Just released figures reveal there are 122 people with disabilities on the social housing list in Co. Mayo.

Rehab, Ireland's largest independent charity for people with disabilities, says the government is failing people with disabilities by not providing them with their basic human rights and urgent actions needs to be taken now.

Access to appropriate social housing remains a major stumbling block for people with disabilities. A lack of availability and choice makes housing a significant issue for the 600,000 people with disabilities living in our communities.

Fianna Fáil Deputy Lisa Chambers said the fact that so many people with disabilities are languishing on a lengthy housing list is truly shocking.

She commented: “Despite endless promises and rehashing of housing initiatives and strategies, the fact of the matter is this government is failing miserably to tackle the housing crisis.  

“The most recent figures from the Department of Housing show there are 1,802 people on the social housing list in Mayo. The situation for people with disabilities is even more stark, as many of them find it more difficult to secure housing because they may not be always in full employment. Their housing needs may also be more specific in order to cater for their disability.

“The current housing crisis is exacerbating the situation further. We have hundreds of people on the waiting list – and many of them will be waiting years before they secure a home.

“Ministers Eoghan Murphy and Finian McGrath need to start showing leadership in this area. Instead of rolling out the same old rhetoric, I am urging them to engage with all the main stakeholders including housing organisations and the Disability Federation to coordinate a plan to best serve the housing needs of people with disabilities.â€