Hardware Association Ireland’s Ballina Roadshow Addresses Empty Homes Crisis

Ireland’s empty homes crisis was the main topic of discussion in Ballina today (Thursday 25^th May) as the latest in the Hardware Association Ireland’s national series of empty homes roadshows took place. Speakers from the banking sector, the SEAI, Mayo County Council and the hardware sector spoke about the urgent crisis of vacancy and how best to solve it.

Hardware Association Ireland’s Ballina Roadshow Addresses Empty Homes Crisis. Pictured at the event from L/R Martin Markey (Hardware Association Ireland Chief Executive), Caroline Ashe (Commercial Director at KORE Insulation), Cllr. Mark Duffy Cathaoirleach Of Ballina Municipal District, Tom Gilligan (Director Of Services Mayo County Council} and Cian Begley (AIB Head of Homes Mayo & Galway). Pic: Michael Mc Laughlin

Among the guests were local business groups, construction industry stakeholders, Mayo County Council officials, Councillors from across the North-West, the North-West Regional Assembly, architects, Hardware Association Ireland members, estate agents and members of public.

Hardware Association Ireland Chief Executive, Martin Markey, said; ‘The roadshow was a wonderful opportunity for practical dialogue about the steps we need to take to get more empty homes back into use. Our discussions today covered all aspects of the crisis and how to solve it. This included banking officials talking about financing and loans, grants available for people renovating homes, legal difficulties, design opportunities and energy ratings. We can’t forget that so many of our towns and villages are blighted by dereliction, so it is not just about housing people but breathing life back into our communities.’’

Martin Markey went on to say; ‘The purpose of our roadshow was to talk to people on the frontline of this issue, especially those who are directly involved in every aspect of the renovation process. It is absolutely vital that both the Government who are making the decisions and those who are renovating houses are well informed by people who know what they are talking about, such as builders, architects and council officials.”

HAI CEO Martin Markey presents to delegates at the Empty Homes Roadshow in Ballina. 

The Hardware Association Ireland will be launching its empty homes campaign unlocking the opportunity for pre-budget submission in the weeks ahead.

Hardware Association Ireland is the representative body for Irish hardware and DIY retailers, builders’ merchants, distributers, and manufacturers. It represents over 400 members nationwide and 26,000 staff in the sector. The association uniquely represents all levels of the supply chain and include within membership ranks national and international companies, multi-branch chains & smaller independent hardware businesses.

ENDS.

Please note: Martin Markey is available for interview.

For more information please contact:

Rory Sweeney                                                             Paul Allen

Paul Allen & Associates                                             Paul Allen & Associates

18 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 2                                18 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 2

01 676 9575 / 086 897 6442                                       01 676 9575 / 087 257 5700