Dáil Hears Clare Natives "Priced Out Of Their Own Towns"

The Dáil has heard that people in West and North Clare are being "priced out of their own towns" due to the demand for holiday homes. Bodyke Fine Gael TD Joe Cooney has told the Minister for Housing that locals in Kilkee, Doolin, Quilty, Carrigaholt, Kilbaha, Fanore, Spanish Point, Lahinch and Ballyvaughan are unable to buy homes in their native areas as a result of their popularity as tourist destinations. The average price of a home in Clare in the period of July to September was €285,000 which was unchanged from the same period of last year. Deputy Cooney says if "sustainable rural development", more homes must be built in these communities.