This big problem could prevent construction of future Laois social houses

Michael Rainey, CEO, Laois County Council, turning the sod for 12 homes at Grove Terrace, Doonane, Co Laois with the project’s engineer, architect, building and local councillors. Pic: Michael Scully

placeholder image — Michael Rainey, CEO, Laois County Council, turning the sod for 12 homes at Grove Terrace, Doonane, Co Laois with the project’s engineer, architect, building and local councillors. Pic: Michael Scully

'It definitely is a challenge' - Laois County Council CEO Michael Rainey

A possible big obstacle is ahead for Laois people waiting in hopes of a new council house.

Laois County Council has confirmed that they are facing "a challenge" to carry on building hundreds of houses into coming years.

Despite multiple public appeals, they have been unable to attract enough landowners to sell them housing land to build on.

Chief Executive Michael Rainey spoke about it at the January council meeting.

"One of the challenges facing us from a housing perspective is land. If any elected members are aware of anyone looking to sell land to the local authority they should make contact with Trevor Hennessy.

"We are looking to develop and establish a land bank that will serve this county well going forward into the decade," Mr Rainey said.

The CEO turned the sod for construction of 12 new houses recently.

Laois County Council has bucked the national trend and easily exceeded their Housing For All target of providing 534 new homes between 2022 and 2026. With two years left to go, it has already produced 618 new homes for tenants.

"Call remains open for expressions of interest in respect of appropriately zoned land for housing development, and advanced turnkey purchase arrangements for un-commenced residential developments in respect of social/affordable housing," the CEO's monthly management report says.

The council provided an extra 154 new social homes in the past year. There are 274 under construction to be ready in 2025 and 2026. That includes 54 homes on council land in Portlaoise. Another 220 homes are at the planning stage.

The number on the Laois social housing waiting list stands at 1,582.

Despite the council and approved housing bodies like Clúid building the most Laois social houses ever in history in the past few years, there has been little reduction in the number on the Laois waiting list. This is because many more people now qualify for housing after the Laois income threshold rose by €10,000 to €35,000 for a single person.