'Disastrous' progress on housing in Leitrim sparks fresh criticism

Housing in Leitrim has been a contentious issue with rising rents across the county and ongoing shortages. The supply of affordable housing for first-time buyers has become an increasing concern in recent years, particularly as the county’s population continues to grow.

Leitrim is feeling the effects of a nationwide housing crisis. With over 200 people currently availing of the social housing support scheme, and many on housing waiting lists, it is clear that an urgent increase in housing stock is needed.

At an April meeting of Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District, Cllr Des Guckian asked that the local authority’s CEO and Housing officials explain why there is such a “disastrous crisis” in housing provision.

He urged them to send an emergency plea to the central government for funding for 60 much-needed houses in the Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal area.

He described the Housing Department within the Council as “dysfunctional,” criticising its performance in delivering homes.

A report by Mary Quinn, Director of Services, Housing and Community, Corporate Services, Cultural and Emergency Services noted that Leitrim County Council has annual social housing delivery targets to meet under the Housing for All plan for the four year period from 2022 to 2026.

According to the report, under the 2024 Social Housing Delivery Programme, a total of eight new build dwellings were delivered in the Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District.

This included four three-bedroom family type dwellings in Carrick-on-Shannon and four one-bedroom apartments in Drumsna. 

No new social housing projects for Leitrim, but €2 million approved for housing acquisitions

€325 million has been allocated nationally for second-hand social housing acquisitions, and €111 million for 82 new social housing projects, but none in Leitrim.

Looking ahead, the 2025 Social Housing Delivery Programme includes plans for 18 additional units of social housing in the Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District.

The Housing Department has also issued an Expression of Interest (EOI) seeking land, sites or completed units. 

In terms of social housing, the department stated it continues to meet the demand through the re-allocation of vacant units and by entering into contracts with property owners.

“I fully accept there are challenges in the provision of housing in terms of the supply of housing, there are simply not enough units available in terms of being able to meet all the demands,” Ms Quinn said.

“I don’t accept the statement that the housing department has become dysfunctional,” she added, emphasising that the department is working in “very challenging circumstances.”

She explained that the Housing Department is dealing with many applicants who have complex and difficult needs.

While acknowledging the severity of their situations, she stressed that housing is just one component of the broader support required.

Ireland’s housing crisis remains a deep-rooted and persistent issue. At the recent Housebuilding Summit convened by the Construction Industry Federation, senior civil servants and major developers warned that the number of homes expected to be built in Ireland this year may fall short of the demand, potentially reaching as low as 25,000.

With a national goal of delivering 303,000 new houses by 2030, many are watching closely.

However, given current conditions, achieving that target seems increasingly unlikely. 

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