Over 80 households in North Leitrim on Housing Waiting List

81 households are on the Housing Waiting List in the Manorhamilton Municipal District, a meeting of the MD has heard.

Cllr Eddie Mitchell proposed a motion requesting the Housing Department to review the numbers of families seeking housing assistance from Leitrim County Council in Manorhamilton MD.

He also asked the Department at the next meeting detailing available capacity, funding and any potential shortfalls.

“We might be in danger of going into a homelessness crisis in this area,” Cllr Mitchell said.

He expressed concern that many people currently receiving housing support may soon be unable to remain in their accommodations, with no alternative options available.

He also worried that the Council may lack the funding or resources to support them.

In response, it was confirmed that of the 81 households on the Housing Waiting List in Manorhamilton MD, 49 are receiving social housing support through Local Authority Housing, Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) or Housing Assistance Payment (HAP). 

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The Council has annual social housing delivery targets to meet under the Housing for All (2022-2026), and aims to deliver 139 social housing units within this period.

To meet this target, the Housing Department recently advertised an Expression of Interest (EOI) seeking to acquire additional land, sites or completed units and additional social housing units across the county including the Manorhamilton MD.

These units may be provided through a Turnkey arrangement once submissions are evaluated.

Additional efforts include reallocating vacant units, and working with property owners to make units available under RAS or the Social Housing Leasing Initiative.

“Leitrim County Council is proactively developing future pipeline projects for delivery. The process involves departmental approval for all proposed new social housing developments and in this regard the housing department has a proactive working relationship with the Department of Housing,” the response concluded.

Cllr Pádraig Fallon commented that the Housing for All targets are too low and need to be increased, urging that this message be sent back to the Government. 

All members supported Cllr Mitchell’s motion.

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