The reason why the Laois social housing waiting list is stuck on high
Over 1,600 individuals and families await a home from Laois County Council
The waiting list to get a low rent social home in Laois is not getting any shorter, despite an increase in homes.
Laois County Council now has over 2,500 social homes, with many more owned by housing bodies.
Director of Services Simon Walton said they provided 201 tenancies in 2024.
However the waiting list to get a low cost rental social home still grew from 1,553 to 1,606 individuals and families.
“Obviously qualifications have changed so while there is significant progress, it is still a key area of concern,” he said at this month's meeting of Laois County Council on Monday, November 25.
The 201 homes handed out in 2024 include 41 brand new houses, 48 relets, 111 homes through Approved Housing Bodies, and one leased home.
As of the start of November, there were 16 single people and one family staying in emergency accommodation provided by the council.
It is two years since the income limit was raised in Laois from €25,000 for a single adult to €35,000 which allowed more working people to qualify for a home.
The limit rose from about €30,000 for a couple with several children, up to €42,000 for a family of three adults and four children.
Many of the new homes however are being delivered by social housing bodies like Clúid Housing, Sophia Housing, Oaklee Housing and Respond. They all retain permanent ownership of their homes, unlike council houses which can be eventually bought out by their tenants.