Kildare Senator calls for urgent funding for scheme to help prevent homelessness

Senator Mark Wall has called for urgent funding for the Tenant In Situ Scheme following news that that Kildare County Council is not in a position to proceed with any new applications for the scheme.

The Tenant in Situ Scheme allows Local Authorities to buy properties where tenants are facing eviction when the landlord is selling the property.

Senator Wall said he is working with colleagues Cllr Mark Leigh and Cllr Aoife Breslin as they assist families at their most difficult time.

Senator Wall said: "Over the last number of days I’ve been contacted by families who have received an email from the

council informing them that the purchase of their home will not proceed. It is heartbreaking news in a housing crisis.

"The scheme has made a difference to many, securing a family home for them. Unfortunately many receiving this news now have notices to quit in the coming months.

"At a time when they should be planning a family occasion, they are now worried about a roof over their heads.

"Kildare County Council may have achieved the Government’s target but are targets now to be put before securing family homes?"

Senator Wall added that the Government needs to provide urgent funding to proceed with this scheme, stopping it when an

election will happen in the Coming weeks is beyond belief

Kildare Co Council told Senator Wall that it has used the Tenant In Situ Scheme in recent years to secure social

housing tenancies for this with valid notices to quit as a mechanism to prevent homelessness.

To date in 2024, the Council said it has completed 55 acquisitions, with a further 48 properties at various stages in the process. 

A statement from the Council issued to Senator Wall added: "The number of potential acquisitions is in excess of the target that was set for us by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage [ie 82], however, we have received approval from the Department to progress these acquisitions.

"We have, however, been informed by the Department that funding will not be made available to proceed with any further tenant in situ acquisitions in 2024.  In this regard, over the coming days, we will make contact with a number of property owners that have expressed an interest in the scheme to inform them we cannot proceed to purchase their property. 

"At this stage we have not been given any indication that funding will be made available for tenant in situ in 2025 and understand that this will be a matter for the incoming Minister with responsibility for Housing."