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'More powers' needed to protect residents during major events

Maria McCann
BBC News NI
BBC Sian is wearing glasses and smiling while looking directly at the camera. She is standing in front of the beach in Ballycastle with Fairhead cliff in the background. Sian is wearing a burgundy cardigan and dark top.BBC
North Antrim MLA Sian Mulholland said her party is calling for councils to have more powers

Major events, such as The Open, are putting a spotlight on and "exacerbating" the issue of the housing crisis on the north coast, according to MLA Sian Mulholland.

She has called for greater powers for local authorities in "weighing the needs of a tourist economy, while building sustainable local communities".

A Sheffield Hallam University report estimates this year's Open event will generate £213m in combined economic and media benefit to Northern Ireland.

However, a mother-of-three has told BBC News NI she is facing homelessness after the lease on her rental property wasn't renewed, and believes it is to allow the home to be turned into a holiday rental.

'Homelessness is looming closer'

The woman, who doesn't want to be identified because of her work, said she and her children are due to leave their Portrush home next week.

"There are a lot of local people being kicked out of their houses for the golf because of pure greed," she told BBC News NI.

She has been renting the property for five years, but claims she was told her landlord has considered turning it into holiday accommodation.

"The golf is only one week long, but there are rumours people are renting out their houses for over £10,000 for the week," the woman said.

BBC News NI has seen properties advertised online for up to £81,000 for one week between 14-21 July.

"The day that we're going to become homeless is looming closer and closer," she said.

"I have this really horrible feeling that what is about to happen is going to deeply traumatise my children and I feel so powerless and helpless in this situation."

A sign which reads "Portrush welcomes The Open" is placed on a grassy hilltop overlooking the water with Portrush in the background. There are blue skies and the sign is placed in a rockery with flowers.
The Open Championship takes place at Royal Portrush Golf Club from 17-20 July

Demand for housing in the area means she says she's been turned down for every home she's applied for in Portrush, Coleraine, and Ballymoney.

"I can give no more. I'm working every day from morning to very late at night. It feels really painful. I'm getting desperate," she added.

"I don't want to move around, I want to stay put and settle down in a family home and not move anymore for the sake of my kids and myself."

'A fine balance'

Mulholland said: "The Open and other major events definitely did not cause the housing crisis it's just putting a spotlight and exacerbating the issue particularly around that short term let.

"There is a fine balance to be had and that's why my party has called on government at both assembly level, and at local level, to give councils more regulatory powers to be able to cap the amount of short term lets.

"We've asked for a ban on no fault evictions, we want to see tenants protected and promote a safe and affordable home for all," she said.

Professor Paddy Gray is wearing glasses and a blue checked shirt. He has short grey hair and he is smiling at the camera. Professor Gray is standing in front of a window at Ulster University's campus in Belfast.
Paddy Gray, Professor Emeritus of Housing at the University of Ulster said there needs to be a balance

Controls have been introduced in some parts of the UK and Europe in an attempt to tackle similar issues and increase housing stock for locals.

Rules to prevent new houses in the Yorkshire Dales from being used as holiday homes were recently approved.

In Scotland, a Highland-wide control zone to limit Airbnb-style lets has also been proposed.

Paddy Gray, professor emeritus of housing at Ulster University, said there will be consequences if the housing issue is ignored in Northern Ireland.

"If we continue doing this, it will cause a depopulation of local communities.

"It will mean areas that have properties lying empty for a long period of time with very little activity and communities not being able to form properly if young people have to move out.

"That's why they [politicians] really have to take stock and do something because this has been going on for a few years now."

A scenic view overlooking the west strand in Portrush with apartments and homes far off in the distant. It is a sunny day with a blue sky and a blue sea with waves crashing.
Almost 280,000 golf fans are expected to attend The Open Championship in Portrush in July

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said he is considering all of the options.

"It's important that we have a proper evidence base first before we make any decisions," he said.

"That's being gathered up as we speak so that we hopefully will have an opportunity to get that information and then take policy decisions on the back of that."

Lyons said he recognises there is a problem that needs to be addressed, but said The Open is a "fantastic opportunity".

"There will be a huge number of visitors coming to Northern Ireland and to the north coast in particular, that is a good thing."

Tourism NI has estimated that golf tourism is worth almost £70m to the economy annually.