COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, January 13, 2020

QUESTION NO. 14

QUESTION: Councillor C. O'Connor

To ask the CEO if he would confirm the numbers currently on the Council's Housing List and Homeless List and in reporting will he state what plans he has to continue to deal with the Housing crisis in 2020 and will he make a statement. Charlie O'Connor

REPLY:

At the end of 2019 there were 6,882 applicants on the Council's housing list, of which 588 were registered as homeless.

The level of social housing need continues to be a major challenge facing this Council and increasing housing supply is a primary solution.  We continue to increase housing supply through our build/acquisition programme, Part V, collaboration with Approved Housing Bodies with additional housing options provided through Leasing, RAS and HAP schemes.  Proposals for significant housing delivery on large Council owned sites at Kilcarbery, Clonburris, Killinarden and Rathcoole are progressing and will form a major part of future housing supply in the County.  In addition, we continue to examine additional opportunities for further housing delivery where possible through exisitng landbank, possible land acquisition, turnkey house purchase etc. 

Maximise the effectiveness of existing and new social housing stock through allocations, transfers and assisting rightsizing are also critical to help address the challenges provided by the current situation.

Our Homeless Unit will continue to provide assistance to those who find themselves homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.  This Unit continues to operate an advice clinic in County Hall and provides outreach and place-finding services across the County as well as detailing emergency accommodation options through central placement, self-accommodate, family hubs and other supported accommodation.  Staff in the homeless unit organise emergency accommodation for those assessed as homeless through the Assessment and Placement Service.  The Housing Department in conjunction with the Dublin Region Homeless Executive and other partners continue to look for suitable locations/properties throughout the County for use as appropriate emergency accommodation for single persons and families.  Additional options to support persons moving on from supported temporary accommodation continue to be explored and we are also committed to the provision of housing first tenancies where appropriate.