88-Year-Old West Cork Woman Finds New Home After Public Outcry

A pensioner, Jennifer Marley, faced homelessness at 88 but has found a new home. She was served a notice to quit her rented home in Bantry, West Cork, with a deadline of August 1. Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins raised her case in the Dáil, calling it a 'shocking indictment' of the State.

Ms Marley, who had a good relationship with her landlord, expressed feeling 'a little bit wobbly' at the thought of leaving. Her situation has sparked a national debate on older people being forced out of rental homes, leading to homelessness.

Mr Collins announced that she has secured a new place to stay, relieving her from the fear of homelessness. He emphasized the growing number of elderly individuals facing similar challenges and urged the government to address this crisis urgently.

Ms Marley expressed her relief and happiness at the prospect of settling into her new, albeit small, home. She had moved to Bantry in 2019 and had been living in a private rental property until her landlord decided to sell the house.

Despite seeking assistance from social housing services, she had not found a suitable alternative until her case was highlighted in the Dáil. Mr Collins presented solutions in the Dáil to reform the housing and emergency accommodation systems, emphasizing the need to treat elderly citizens with dignity and respect.

According to the source: Irish Examiner.