Friends of the Earth Dundalk hosts Community Conversation on Housing and Climate

Friends of the Earth Dundalk recently hosted a community conversation on Housing and Climate in the Sports Centre Muirhevnamore.

The event brought together policy experts such as Lorcan Sirr, local community activist Carol Bonner of CATU, and Kevin Meenan community worker and politician.  The conversation was facilitated by Marissa Luchessi. 

In a statement Driends of the Earth said: "In the course of presentation and discussion it became apparent that housing is now seen as a commodity rather than recognised primarily as a ‘home’.  While the state has consistently had a housing crisis, it still managed until recent decades to build homes despite its limited wealth at the time.  Speakers felt that housing policy now mirrors the policy and needs of developers and the construction industry. 

"We noted the record numbers of homeless and the record number of children and families growing up in emergency accommodation.  There was a recognition that homes are a human right and that housing policy needs to ensure that housing promotes dignity, respect and is fit for the climate changes we all see. "

The event also heard of the experience of older people, the impact of energy poverty and the work of Peter Carroll of BOLD Climate Action, Adrienne McCann of Age Friendly Homes in helping people access necessary funding for retrofitting.

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"It was felt that urgent action is needed to address climate change with large scale retrofitting of localities needed.  The conversation recognised that energy poverty is not isolated and that it is linked to material poverty.  Lack of community, lack of trust, lack of safety were also seen as instances of poverty created by housing policies that do not see well-being and creating places where people can thrive as important.  Policy needs to shift to promote a just transition by increasing access to retrofitting and making this easy for home dwellers to do.  Participants also felt that more power, funding and accountability needed to be with local authorities."

The next Climate Conversation hosted by Friends of the Earth will be on water.  The group meets frequently and welcomes new members at any time.  Follow them on Instagram or email foedundalk@gmail.com for more information