Joe Behan - Independent Councillor - Wicklow County Council

Shocking 300% Rise in Home Repossessions in Co.Wicklow
12 November 2015

People in County Wicklow will be appalled that the banks have achieved 41 repossession orders in our county in the first nine months of the year. This compares with a figure of 14 for the whole of last year, meaning a threefold increase in the first nine months of this year.

The Irish Times today, (Thursday), reports that the counties close to Dublin saw the biggest increases in bank repossessions. In the case of County Wicklow, the Wicklow Times, to its credit, has been to the forefront in bringing this matter to the attention of the public. It is appalling and disgraceful that banks which have been rescued by the sacrifices of the ordinary taxpayer have moved to throw families on to the streets.

I call on the representatives of the Government to act to bring the banks into line by ensuring that people whose homes are repossessed are allowed to continue to live in the property on a rent to buy scheme. If that were done it would at least offer the family a roof over their heads while they try to find work and get back on their feet. It would also mean less competition for scarce alternative accommodation and would help to ease the overall homelessness situation.

As we approach the season of goodwill, it is essential that we do all we can to protect families from attack by financial institutions who almost wrecked our country and who have so soon adopted the same arrogant stance which caused the financial crisis in the first place.

Joe Behan
Independent Candidate for Wicklow/East Carlow