Independent Ireland TD Ken O’Flynn has called for urgent intervention in the case of a 79-year-old woman facing homelessness after her private rental property was put up for sale.
The elderly woman, a long-time resident of Mallow, contacted Deputy O’Flynn’s constituency office this week “terrified” about her future after being told she must vacate her home by 30 May.
According to Deputy O’Flynn, the woman had worked throughout her life, raised her family and contributed to the Mallow community for more than 46 years. After previously being forced to sell her home, she entered the private rental market five years ago. However, her savings have now been exhausted and she does not qualify for HAP support.
Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy O’Flynn appealed directly to the minister to intervene, describing the situation as “the human reality behind Ireland’s housing crisis”.
He said Cork County Council had offered the woman emergency accommodation in Cork City, but argued the proposal did not adequately take account of her age or mobility needs.
“After a lifetime of work and contribution, an elderly woman now faces homelessness,” Deputy O’Flynn said. “No elderly person in this country should spend their later years living in fear of losing their home.”
The Cork North-Central TD said the case highlights the growing pressures facing older people in the private rental sector amid the ongoing housing crisis.
