Chronic shortage of properties and limited HAP availability in Kildare highlighted

The latest figures from the Simon Communities of Ireland’s December 2024 Locked Out of the Market report, alongside a recent Kildare County Council review, underscore the critical housing challenges facing individuals and families in Kildare who rely on the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).

Social Democrats Councillor Chris Pender has called for immediate reforms to address the housing crisis and expand the use of Homeless HAP as a preventative measure.

Cllr Pender described the findings as alarming, highlighting the severe lack of rental properties available within HAP limits in Kildare. Of the 1,233 properties identified across 16 areas in the report, only 46 were within HAP limits, with just four of those located in Kildare.

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“This report paints a grim picture for renters in Kildare,” he said. “HAP is a vital lifeline for many, but with so few properties available, people relying on this scheme are left with little to no options. The situation is particularly dire when you consider the soaring cost of rents and the overwhelming reliance on the private rental market to address what is fundamentally a public housing crisis.”

At the most recent Kildare County Council meeting, Cllr Pender tabled a motion calling for a comprehensive review of how the Homeless HAP scheme is applied in the county.

He raised concerns about the apparent inconsistencies between Kildare and other local authorities, particularly in how Homeless HAP is used as a tool to prevent homelessness.

He urged the Council to provide a detailed report on the current criteria and processes for awarding Homeless HAP, alongside relevant statistics and comparisons with other counties.

Additionally, Cllr Pender called for an immediate review of these criteria to expand the use of the scheme, better support those at risk of losing their homes, and align Kildare’s approach with national best practices.

In response to the motion, Kildare County Council acknowledged the importance of the Homeless HAP scheme and provided assurances that it plays a pivotal role in addressing homelessness in the county.

However, the Council also confirmed that outdated information on its website had incorrectly suggested that applicants needed to engage with the Homeless Team for a minimum of six months to qualify for Homeless HAP.

This condition, which was not being enforced, has now been removed to ensure greater transparency and accessibility for applicants.

The Council reported that 1,741 tenancies are currently supported under HAP in Kildare, with an additional 242 under the Homeless HAP scheme. The Homeless HAP Placefinder Service has also been highlighted as a key element of the scheme, offering vital supports such as help in finding properties, paying deposits, and arranging viewings.

Despite these assurances, Cllr Pender emphasised that more must be done to expand the scheme’s reach and effectiveness.

“While it is encouraging that errors have been rectified and there are plans for a local media campaign to raise awareness about Homeless HAP, we need more than minor adjustments. The scheme must be actively promoted as a preventative measure, with stronger engagement with landlords and agents to secure more properties for families and individuals in need”, Cllr Pender said.

The Locked Out of the Market report further demonstrates the urgent need for systemic change. Of the 16 areas studied, eight had no properties available within HAP limits for any household category, and across the country, the proportion of properties available within HAP limits has shrunk to just 4%.

Cllr Pender pointed out that even discretionary increases to HAP limits—up to 35% in counties like Kildare—are failing to address the mismatch between payment rates and soaring rents.

“HAP, and particularly Homeless HAP, are essential tools in preventing homelessness, but they are not substitutes for long-term solutions. We need urgent investment in the delivery of social and genuinely affordable housing. Without this, we are condemning families and individuals to a broken system that relies too heavily on private landlords and fails to provide real security,” said Cllr Pender.

The Social Democrats continue to advocate for sustainable, community-focused housing solutions to address the crisis and provide meaningful support for those most at risk.

For Kildare, this means not only ensuring the effectiveness of schemes like Homeless HAP but also prioritising the development of public and affordable housing to address the root causes of the housing shortage.