Friends of the Earth Dundalk to hold community walk
Organisers say the walk aims to inspire a new vision for sustainable living
Friends of the Earth Dundalk and CATU Louth are organising a community walk on Saturday, 16th November, to raise awareness of the vacant and derelict houses in Dundalk's town centre. This walk aims to inspire a new vision for sustainable living, drawing attention to the potential for revitalising the town by transforming empty properties into affordable, eco-friendly homes.
During the walk, participants will explore the town centre, focusing on the issues of dereliction, vacancy, and the growing shortage of affordable housing.
The group say: "Many of Dundalk’s buildings, though beautiful, are neglected and underused. If these empty properties were restored as homes, they could provide a much-needed solution to the town’s housing crisis. Additionally, renovating these existing properties is far more eco-friendly than building new ones from scratch.
"Both Friends of the Earth and CATU believe that the creation of sustainable homes in the town centre is entirely possible. The visible depopulation of Dundalk’s town centre is a direct result of political inaction and the lack of affordable, renovated housing options. With housing costs among the highest in the EU, many people—especially younger generations—are locked out of the housing market, either forced to rent at extortionate rates or remain living with parents. This is compounded by the cultural and political attitude of treating property as an investment, rather than as homes where people can live and thrive.
"Both organisations strongly oppose the notion that property should be viewed as a mere financial asset, and believe this mindset is harming both people and the environment. Treating our planet’s resources as tools for endless profit and growth, as we do with vacant properties, leads to further environmental degradation and social inequality."
A spokesperson from Friends of the Earth says, “We can create a different future—one where homes are valued for their ability to support communities, not just as financial commodities. In the 1920s, despite widespread poverty, the Irish state embarked on bold public building projects that were admired internationally for their vision. We need that same ambition today to create a sustainable future, where people and nature are prioritised over profit.”
The group continued: "CATU joins in urging all political candidates to account for their actions in ensuring a liveable planet for both people and nature, with a particular focus on the provision of affordable, sustainable homes. Both organisations are calling for a shift in policy to encourage the renovation of vacant properties and make housing more accessible to all.
"The walk hopes to spark a new conversation about what is possible when politics values the well-being of people and nature over profit-driven development. By revitalising Dundalk’s town centre and addressing the housing crisis, we can create a more vibrant, sustainable, and just community.
"CATU (Community Action Tenants Union) is a union for communities and tenants. Its members include renters, mortgage holders, people in emergency accommodation and precarious living situations. By a union it means its members come together for common issues that affect them in their communities e.g. deposits being withheld, damp and mould issues and resisting evictions.
"Friends of the Earth Dundalk is part of an international organisation committed to creating and campaigning ‘for a just world where humans and nature thrive’."
Information on the local group is available on instagram @foedundalk and on email at [email protected]