COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, May 12, 2025

QUESTION NO. 1

QUESTION: Councillor D. Adelaide

To ask the Chief Executive to provide details of average wait times for Garda checks on successful housing applicants in 2024 and 2025, including the number of applications.

REPLY:

Section 15 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997 provides for housing authorities to request ‘Garda Checks’ in respect of persons applying for social housing. When an offer of housing with the Council has been accepted by an applicant(s) a request is then issued to the relevant Garda station in respect all persons over 18 years old in the household. Garda clearance must be current at the time of acceptance for a council property. 

Year

No. Garda checks requested

Turnaround time

2024

3,812

11 weeks

2025 to date

1,211

1 week

It should be noted that there were significant delays in 2024, our Estate Management Team have worked in partnership with the Business Services Unit in DMR South Division and South West Divisions following the introduction of new processes introduced for Garda checks. This has his led to a significant reduction in turnaround times towards the end of 2024, which have continued into 2025.