Council Housing Allocation numbers for 2020 “concerning”

RECENTLY co-opted Sinn Féin Councillor Derren Ó Brádaigh has expressed concern at what he described as “stark figures” following a recent report delivered to councillors.

Cllr Ó Brádaigh made the remarks following his first attendance at the final meeting of the year in December for the local area committee for Lucan-Palmerstown-North Clondalkin.

“Although I am very aware of the housing and homeless crisis and the enormous numbers on the housing waiting list, I was shocked on further inspection of the figures,” Cllr Ó Brádaigh said.

“A report for 2020 allocations taken at the end of September showed a South Dublin County Council wide total of only 369 allocations made.

“Last year there were a total of 619 allocations.

“With the numbers on the waiting list standing at approximately 7,200, this was already taking an incredible 12 years to address the numbers.

2However, based upon the figures provided this represents a 41% decrease compared to 2019. If this trend is allowed to continue, we would be looking at over an astonishing 19 years!

“And this is before even considering the influx of new entrants to the list.

“The allocations were made up of primarily CBL (Choice Based Lettings) but included homeless / medical and OAP priority.

“The number of those successfully securing transfers to more suitable accommodation is also significantly down for the year to date by 53%.

“Even if the indicated year end total target of approximately a further 100 allocations were met, following my question during the meeting, this still represents a 25% full year on year reduction and an equally still worrying trajectory toward a 16 years waiting period on the housing list should this trend become the norm.

“This is an unacceptable statistic and clearly evidences the need for a dramatic and urgent social housing build.”