Leitrim performs well on social housing targets, but more needed

Figures show that Leitrim is performing strongly in the delivery of social housing. Between 2022 and 2024, the county met 98 percent of its housing targets, delivering 80 units out of a target of 82.

In contrast, neighbouring counties underperformed. 

Donegal fared the worst, achieving just 46 percent of its target by delivering 248 social homes out of a planned 534. 

Longford reached 64 percent, delivering 143 out of 225 homes, while Sligo met 55 percent of its target with 149 out of 270 homes delivered.

The data comes from a Social Housing League Table, which the Government plans to publish regularly to track the performance of all 31 local authorities in delivering social housing.

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While Leitrim has met its targets over the past two years, some believe those targets should be more ambitious.

Sinn Féin councillor Róisín Kenny welcomed the figures but said the targets need to be increased.

“I would like to commend the Housing staff in Leitrim County Council on the reaching of the social housing targets in the county. I would hope that their hard work in meeting their targets is rewarded with increased funding for the council, enabling them to increase their targets,” Cllr Kenny said.

She added that housing remains one of the main issues raised with her by constituents, and that sewerage and water infrastructure are major barriers to new development.

“In a lot of our towns, sewerage and water infrastructure is a major obstacle to getting more housing built. This will require urgent investment from Irish Water.

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“Social housing is of course needed, but we also need affordable housing for rent and purchase for those who are above the income threshold for council housing,” Cllr Kenny said.