MOST READ (2024): Concerns over fraudulent housing applications in Kilkenny

Concerns were raised over the number of fraudulent housing applications at a recent meeting of the housing strategic policy committee.

Senior Executive Officer, Michael Leahy said staff at the housing department at Kilkenny County Council have ‘to look for documentation to prove that there is a genuine housing need’ when accepting applications.

Director of Housing, Mary Mulholland explained the types of fraudulent applications that are being made.

“There are housing applications on the basis that they are single applicants and they you go and look on social media and you see their wedding photographs or there are cases when someone gets a house for a person and then a second person appears. I have had enough of that.

“We have enough people in need and this is a needs-led service. We need to respond to the people who need homes the most.”

Mr Leahy told members that the council can withdraw housing accommodation if false documentation is provided.

Ms Mulholland explained that ‘everything in the housing office is based on needs and not preference.’

“We need to make sure that the services go to the right people at the right time. Keys are not the solution to most people’s problems, we need to have supports and services in place and we work closely with all the relevant agencies,” she said.