Majority of Cork City-elected representatives sign letter to Housing Minister urging immediate funding to reinstate Tenant In Situ Scheme – Thomas Gould TD
24 April 2025
Sinn Féin Chorcaí have today sent a cross-party letter to Minister James Browne, signed by the majority of Cork City-elected representatives, urging him to release immediate funding for the Tenant in Situ Scheme.
Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central, Thomas Gould, said cross-party support for the letter, which includes members of government parties, underlined the urgent need for the scheme to be reinstated to support households who will otherwise face the cruel threat of being made homeless.
Teachta Gould said:
“We are deeply concerned at the ending of the Tenant in Situ scheme in Cork city. There are 33 families stuck in limbo now, who don’t know if they will end up in emergency accommodation and countless others who will receive notices to quit this year and be left with nowhere to go.
“We believe that this is an issue that goes above politics. This is about empathy and compassion for those facing homelessness in Cork city. This letter has been signed by the joint opposition and by members of government parties.
“This was a scheme that worked and every single councillor and TD who has signed this has personally assisted families through this scheme.
“We have all seen the impacts in Cork city and we are united in calling for funding to allow it to continue. The Minister’s cruel and heartless decision to cut the funding and end the scheme is something we are united in opposing.
“A majority of elected representatives in Cork city have signed this letter. That shows the level of support for the reinstatement of this scheme.
“The Minister must listen – this is clearly and undoubtedly a call to action. He must reinstate the funding and allow the Council to end the fear and stress faced by families.
“Homelessness is a trauma that stays with people throughout their lives. It is a profoundly difficult experience. This funding would save families from that and let Cork City Council do their job.
“We all have criticisms of the Council but they were successfully protecting children, families and individuals from homelessness with this scheme. Why has this been stopped?”
Cllr Kenneth Collins added:
“There will be an emergency meeting of Cork City Council on Tuesday night. The Minister has plenty of time now to release the funding and provide certainty to the 33 families. Tuesday night’s meeting will lay bare the reality faced by Cork City Council.
“There are compassionate officials having to make very hard decisions right now and at the core of this there are families facing homelessness. The Minister has the power, and the money, to stop that. This is a cross-political plea to him to think of these families and do the right thing. Let Cork City Council prevent homelessness.”
The letter, and its signatories, can be read here.
