A Clare disability activist insists it’s “outrageous” that houses are to be demolished in favour of a temporary car park, when people with disabilities are living in nursing homes and overcrowded family homes.
It comes ahead of a demonstration in the county town tomorrow, calling for the homes to be repurposed for human habitation, particularly in light of the housing crisis.
What’s been described as “a coming together of community groups” is taking place tomorrow afternoon, to highlight opposition towards the planned demolition of six houses on Francis Street.
Councillors voted in favour of knocking the old run down cotteges, which contain asbestos, to make way for a temporary car park under the Ennis 2040 plan, with further plans to build a mixed used development down the line.
But campaigners argue that funds could be better spent on renovating these properties, to provide much-needed social housing for the local community.
Participants will gather at glór from 1 o’clock tomorrow, before marching down Francis Street towards the Clare County Council offices on New Road.
One of the organisers, Tommy Guilfoyle, of the Francis Street Alliance, says they’re hoping the council can be encouraged to reverse its decision.
A Member of the Clare Leader Forum has expressed disappointment of the decision to demolish what he believes are structurally sound cottages that could provide accessible housing for people with disabilities.
Dermot Hayes says it’s outrageous that homes would be lost in favour of a car park.
You can listen here.
But a former Mayor of Ennis believes the demolition of these properties is necessary to ensure the future development of the town.
Clarecastle based Fine Gael Councillor, Paul Murphy claims the plan needs to be embraced to prevent Ennis from falling behind.
You can listen to the full interview below.
