Wexford County Council Chair Backs AIB Wexford Homes Expo This Sunday

The chairwoman of Wexford County Council is throwing her support behind a housing information event this weekend.

The AIB Wexford Homes Expo takes place this Sunday at Greentech HQ in Enniscorthy.

The gathering will bring together experts in mortgages, housing, planning, construction and renovation.

Councillor Lisa McDonald says it's important potential homeowners know what they're entitled to:

"I always find that people don't realise what's available to them and some of that is because of the complications.

"Sometimes you just have to sit down and wrap a cold towel around your head and actually read the rules.

"The Help to Buy scheme for example with the Revenue or the First Home Scheme or Affordable Housing, all of those things can give people information but also a leg up and help."

Councillor McDonald also believes we're seeing progression in tackling the housing crisis in County Wexford.

She says we're finally starting to see our housing supply catch up to the demand that's out there:

"Since taking the chair of the council in June, I've been at a myriad of openings of housing schemes, one a week nearly.

"Between Dairyfields, Roxborough Manor, the one in Coolballow in New Ross last week, one up in Gorey, Enniscorthy, all over the place.

"There are homes being built so what we need to do is unlock the information that young people require."

People in their 20s in particular are being urged to come down as they can get advice on their eligibility for schemes like the Help to Buy and Starter Homes programme.

Councillor McDonald says it could really open up your path to getting on the property ladder:

"That's a critical thing that I'm finding, people don't realise these schemes are out there and are there to help them.

"I'm asking people in their 20s, setting out on their journey, please come on Sunday. Drop what you're doing and come over to the Greentech Building because this will be worth your while."

That report was funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.