COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, September 14, 2026

QUESTION NO. 2

QUESTION: Councillor W. Carey

To ask the Chief Executive whether the Council will review the documentation requirements for people who are sofa surfing and seeking access to homeless HAP or emergency accommodation, particularly where obtaining confirmation from property owners or landlords may not be feasible.

REPLY:

We recognise that applicants who are sofa surfing may experience practical difficulties in providing standard documentation when seeking access to emergency accommodation or Homeless HAP. Each case is considered on its individual circumstances, and where standard verification is not readily available, housing staff will work with the applicant to identify appropriate alternative evidence that may assist in assessing their housing situation.

At the same time, verification of an applicant’s address and housing circumstances remains an essential part of the assessment process. The council is required to take reasonable steps to confirm an applicant’s living arrangements so that housing supports are allocated fairly, consistently and in accordance with the relevant eligibility criteria. The documentation requirements are therefore applied with due regard to the applicant’s circumstances, while ensuring that the integrity of the assessment process is maintained.