Clare Fm - Podcasts

Fresh calls are being made for investment in housing as businesses expand. The latest survey from the France Ireland Chamber of Commerce reveals 73 per cent of Franco-Irish firms see growth potential, but are frustrated over housing shortages and delayed infrastructure. The Chamber’s survey shows skills shortages and geopolitical uncertainty also pose a challenge. Meanwhile, analysis of the power network shows that half the country’s electricity substations have little or no capacity to connect new housing or other developments. The concern over capacity follows the news that 80 families have been left waiting months to move into their new homes in Portlaoise, Co Laois, with many now facing eviction from rental properties and loss of mortgage approval. For more on this, Alan Morrissey was joined by, Joe Cooney, Bodyke Fine Gael TD and Mark Nolan, Shannon Chamber President.