Irvine Calls for Action as Dozens of West Belfast Social Homes Sit Empty

Aontú Rep for Colin Peter Irvine has called for the reform of how the Housing Executive addresses derelict properties after it was revealed that of 174 properties identified as empty in the last five years, only 7 properties have been brought back into use.

Mr Irvine said: "Newly obtained figures from an Aontú Freedom of Information request reveal that at least 174 social homes in West Belfast have been marked as abandoned or non-occupied in the past five years, yet the Housing Executive has managed to recover as few as 7 properties in some years.

With over 45,000 households on the social housing waiting list across the North, including thousands in West Belfast, families are left struggling for homes. At the same time, viable properties sit empty due to bureaucratic delays.

“This is a scandal. Families in West Belfast are in desperate need of housing, yet homes are lying vacant due to the Housing Executive's inefficiencies.

“We need immediate reforms to ensure that abandoned properties are swiftly allocated to those who need them most.”

Mr. Irvine is calling for a fast-track system to bring vacant properties back into use, ensuring families on the waiting list are prioritised.

ENDS

Statement originally issued while serving as an Aontú representative.