An 88-year-old pensioner, Jennifer Marley, who faced homelessness, has secured new housing.
Marley, residing in a rented home in Bantry, West Cork, received a notice to vacate and had until August 1st to find alternative accommodation.
Michael Collins, leader of Independent Ireland and Cork South-West TD, highlighted her predicament in the Dáil on Tuesday, calling it “a shocking indictment” of the Irish State.
Despite a positive relationship with her landlord and his son, Marley admitted the situation left her feeling “a little bit wobbly.”
Her case has sparked a national debate on the rising concern of elderly individuals being forced out of rental properties against their will and consequently facing homelessness.
“I am delighted to announce that she has found a new place to live,” said Mr. Collins.
“She had a successful interview for a new home on Wednesday morning and was accepted.”
“She is incredibly relieved as she felt unable to cope with the prospect of homelessness and the associated challenges.” He added, “I’m pleased I could assist her, but she’s not alone.”
“I’m seeing an increasing number of similar cases involving individuals in their 60s, 70s, and 80s facing homelessness.”
“It’s difficult enough to deal with homelessness when you’re young, employed, and have a steady income.”
“But it’s truly frightening and traumatic to be an older, vulnerable person living on a state pension.”
“The government must declare an emergency to address the situation faced by the many other Jennifer Marleys out there.”
Speaking to , her local paper, Ms. Marley said: “It will be so lovely.”
“I know that I will feel very strong once I settle inside the new home.”
“It’s a tiny little place but I am happy to let go of a few bits and pieces.”
Marley moved to Bantry in 2019 and had been living in a privately rented accommodation.
Her landlord, with whom she had a good relationship, made the decision to sell the property.
While she registered for social housing and actively sought help from Cork County Council, she had not received a suitable offer until Deputy Collins raised her case in the Dáil.
“She was facing an uncertain future with the very real possibility of being homeless at 88.”
“Jennifer is very much a part of the Bantry community, and she was facing effective abandonment.”
Mr. Collins presented a motion in the Dáil outlining proposed solutions to reform housing and emergency accommodation systems.
“We cannot continue to treat elderly Irish citizens with such contempt,” stated Mr. Collins.
“This case is symptomatic of a housing crisis that has been out of control for a long time.”
“What kind of country allows this to happen to its older people?”
