€2m boost to secure homes

Cork city is to receive an extra €2 million in housing funding aimed directly at helping families move out of emergency accommodation and into secure homes.

The funding was announced recently as part of a €50 million Government package to expand the Social Housing Second-Hand Acquisitions Programme, which allows councils to buy existing homes from the private market and use them for social housing.

Fine Gael TD and Cork Spokesperson Deputy, Colm Burke, said the support will make a real difference for families.

“This additional allocation of €2 million to Cork City Council will be directed specifically towards helping families to transition out of emergency accommodation and into secure housing,” he said.

"Behind every homelessness figure is a family, often with children, doing their best in very tough circumstances," Deputy Burke added.

“Every time a family leaves emergency accommodation it is a life-changing moment.”

The programme allows councils to buy second-hand homes and use them for social housing. The new funding brings the total budget for the scheme to €375 million.

While Cork will receive €2 million, Dublin City Council has been allocated more than €22 million. Fingal will receive €10 million and South Dublin €5 million.

Deputy Burke said tackling homelessness remains a top priority.