Delicate housing crises prompts call for social worker within Leitrim County Council

The appointment of a social worker to Leitrim County Council’s Housing department will be considered as part of the 2026 budget review.

Cllr Cormac Flynn proposed that a social worker or welfare officer be employed in the Housing sector to better support individuals and families dealing with complex and sensitive issues.

While acknowledging the ‘incredible work’ of the housing staff, Cllr Flynn pointed out that both staff and elected representatives are often confronted with “very delicate housing issues faced by families and individuals who are in crisis.”

He added, “The stress of this has often led to a spiral of decline in terms of mental health, low mood and depression.

"Admin staff and most elected representatives are not trained to deal with many of these delicate personal issues and situations beyond referring those affected to service providers and organisations.”

Councillor calls for stronger action on vacant and derelict homes in Leitrim

Cllr Sean McGowan called on Leitrim County Council to explore the acquisition of derelict houses in towns, villages and rural areas, with a view of seeking Government funding to restore them.

He also requested that the funding for such a position be considered outside the usual budget allocation, that all county councils receive at least one such worker and that Leitrim County Council write to the Minister for Housing to request this.

In response, the Housing department noted that staffing decisions are made by the executive, but acknowledged that reviewing skillsets and new roles is an ongoing process in light of the changing operational landscapes. 

There is no provision for a social worker role in the 2025 budget, but the matter will be reviewed as part of broader budget considerations for 2026.

“Everyone around the table would welcome this,” commented Cllr Paddy O’Rourke. “We’re leaving it with the executive to try to move this on with a sense of urgency.”

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