COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

QUESTION NO. 11

QUESTION: Councillor C. O'Connor

To ask the Chief Executive to detail any new plans to tackle the ongoing housing/homeless crisis; will he confirm the number of applications currently being considered and will he make a statement.

REPLY:

The level of social housing need continues to be a major challenge facing this Council and increasing housing supply is a primary solution.  The Housing Department has an active delivery programme for 2020 to be provided under Build, Acquisition and Leasing programmes by the Council, Approved Housing Bodies and under Part V and this continues to be supported by ongoing examination of opportunities for further housing delivery where possible.  In addition, the provision of social housing through RAS and HAP schemes will continue to be a key part of social housing supply in 2020. 

As at 1st January 2020, there were 6,873 applicants on the Council's Social Housing List of which 588 households were registered as homeless.

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, additional opportunities continue to be examined for further housing delivery where possible through existing landbank, possible land acquisition and turnkey house purchases. 

Our Homeless Unit will continue to provide assistance to those who find themselves homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.  This Unit operates 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.