Local councils hit back at Minister's criticism over homeless crisis
A group representing councils is rejecting the Environment Minister's criticism of their efforts to tackle homelessness.
Minister Alan Kelly yesterday claimed he would get more funding for the problem "in the morning" if he looked for it, but what is needed is "greater co-operation" from local authorities.
Padraig McNally, Fianna Fáil Councillor for Monaghan and President of the Association of Irish Local Government, blamed what he called "eight years of under-investment" in the area.
"A lot of County Councils are striving very, very hard to make sure that they are in a position to develop houses in as fast a time as possible," he said.
"But I would still say despite the Government's present housing plan, the problem is resources.
"And I was somewhat surprised to (hear) the Minister has money and he'll give us money.
"Well, if he has, let us have it and I think we'll solve the problem in a lot quicker time than would be normally."
