Almost one-third of people on Louth’s social housing waiting list are non-Irish nationals, according to figures presented to councillors at this week’s Dundalk Municipal District meeting.
The figures were requested by Councillor Shane McGuinness, who says councillors are regularly contacted by members of the public with questions and concerns about social housing and how allocations are made.
He says having a clear breakdown of the waiting list is important so that elected representatives can provide accurate information to the public and he is now calling for a similar breakdown of actual housing allocations, which he believes would give a clearer picture of who is receiving social housing in the county.
The figures come as pressure on social housing remains a major issue for communities across Louth, with demand continuing to outstrip the supply of available homes.
Councillor Shane McGuinness joinedus on The Agenda this morning to discuss the figures, the public concerns he is hearing, and the wider housing situation in Louth.
We were also joined by Green Party Councillor in Dundalk, Marianne Butler, who was warning of “dis-information” or “misinformation” circulating about the allocation of social housing.