Calls for reinstatement of community welfare officers as Wexford families wait eight weeks for ‘flooring, fridges, washing machines, and cookers’

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

The absence of community welfare officers in New Ross is causing “considerable hardship” for vulnerable individuals who must contact a centralised system based in Co Cork to enquire about housing supports. With local councillors reporting instances of families waiting eight weeks for essential household items including “flooring, fridges, washing machines, and cookers”, New Ross district manager Alan Fitzhenry has written to Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary to outline their concerns.

“These delays are causing considerable hardship for vulnerable households who rely on this support to establish safe living environments,” wrote Mr Fitzhenry. “The new system for administering the New Homes Grant appears to be contributing to these delays, leaving families without basic necessities for unacceptable periods. The situation undermines the scheme’s purpose of providing timely assistance to those in need.”

In an effort to shorten wait times and alleviate the pressure on applicants, New Ross councillors have called for the reinstatement of community welfare officers in local social welfare offices.

"Their presence in the community previously ensured more efficient and local delivery of support,” wrote Mr Fitzhenry. “Reinstating these officers and reverting to the original grant scheme would likely alleviate the current delays and restore confidence in the system.

“I appreciate the department’s efforts to support vulnerable families, but the concerns raised by the members indicate that urgent improvements are needed.”

At the July meeting of the New Ross Municipal District (NRMD) Mr Fitzhenry confirmed he had received a response from Minister Calleary’s office and that “enquiries were being made” regarding the return of community welfare officers.