We need your help now
Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.
You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.
If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.
Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
By continuing, you are indicating that you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
JUST OVER 736 Nama properties have been transferred to local authorities for social housing in the last two years – just 13% of the stock identified by the agency itself as suitable.
Replying to a parliamentary question by Fianna Fáil’s Barry Cowen, the Minister for Environment Alan Kelly confirmed that out of 5,294 units identified by Nama as suitable for local authority social housing, just 13% has been delivered.
This comes two and half years after the Government promised 2,000 units would be transferred. That would have represented a transfer rate of 36%.
Social housing demands
Dublin City Council is facing the biggest problem in the country when it comes to social housing demand. Just over 790 units were identified by Nama for transfer to the local authority to help address this problem.
The council confirmed the city’s demand is for at least 388 units. However, to date, just 171 unit transfers have been completed.
Cork City Council has said their demand is 95 units and they have received just 53 units, despite 419 properties being identified as suitable.
Although every county has demand for social housing stock, twelve have not had any units transferred to the local authorities.
Louth is the only county to have all units identified transferred over to the council for social housing purposes.
Waiting lists
Figures released from the Department of the Environment show that there are just under 90,000 people on the social housing waiting list nationwide.
As of 17 July 2014, the places with the highest number on the housing waiting list included:
Cowen was critical of Nama sitting on the units stating that the delay in transferring much needed housing units is “leading to longer waiting lists and more frustration for families that have nowhere to call home. This is very disappointing to say the least”.
He called on the Government to “accelerate” the process due to the high numbers of people on the social housing list.
“Special teams should be set up across local authorities to ensure this process starts to bear fruit for families stuck on the social housing lists, some for over 10 years,” he added.
“The homes are available for transfer and should be put to good use in providing much needed accommodation for families in need,” he concluded.
Additional reporting by Nicky Ryan.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Wine … the answer to all problems!!
@Shane Cormican: Real shades of the recent US election with these Ugandan goings on.
I’m sure the US will send in a diplomat to help them understand how democracy works, it’s not as if they have any hassle in their voting process. Best of luck to Bobi and his party on making changes for the better in their country and I hope they don’t have to seek help from large ‘friendly’ countries who have eyes on certain resources and not democracy.
Sudden interest perhaps related to oil drilling rights more than anything else?
have your say