70pc of applicants were ineligible
Concerns have been raised about access to cost rental housing after it emerged that around 70pc of applicants for a new 24-home scheme in Dundalk were found to be ineligible.
Tuath Housing recently announced the delivery of 24 new Cost Rental homes at the Hearthfield development in Dundalk.
It was the first scheme of its kind for the town, and features a mix of two and three-bedroom duplexes, offering tenants rental accommodation at rates below the local market average.
The launch generated significant interest, with approximately 1,200 applications received for just 24 homes.
Speaking at the September meeting of Dundalk Municipal District, Cllr Antoin Watters said the volume of public enquiries surrounding the scheme highlighted the scale of need.
“I am sure we were all inundated with people who had queries, it really shows the need out there,” he said.
While welcoming the initiative, Cllr Watters said many people had been disappointed after discovering they did not meet the eligibility criteria.
“There have been a lot of people who unfortunately weren’t successful. A lot of people find they just fall outside the eligibility for social housing as well, so there is a big need,” he added.
The councillor asked whether any additional units managed by Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) were likely to become available in Dundalk over the next three to six months.
In response, a council spokesperson revealed that less than a third of those who applied actually met the eligibility requirements for the Hearthfield scheme.
“There were 1,200 applications for 24 houses, but only 30pc of these were eligible,” he said.
“So obviously a large proportion of these weren’t eligible.”
He said Louth County Council would continue working with Approved Housing Bodies to increase the supply of cost rental homes in the county.
He added that he wasn’t aware of any similar schemes for Dundalk in the “near future,” but there have been a number in Drogheda.
Cost Rental is a not-for-profit housing model where rents are based on the costs of construction, management and maintenance rather than market rates. Rents are set at a minimum of 25pc below local market values, providing a more affordable long-term rental option.
Following a six-month probationary period, tenants can secure a tenancy of unlimited duration, provided they continue to meet their tenancy obligations.
To qualify for Cost Rental housing, applicants must have a net household income of less than €59,000 annually.
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