52% decrease in social housing waiting list in five years

The number of households on the social housing waiting list in Westmeath has more than halved in the past five years.

That's according to newly published figures from the Department of Housing, which revealed that there were 919 Westmeath households on the social housing waiting list in mid November last year, down 79 (8%) from November 2020, and a decrease of 1,007 (52%) from 2016 when annual recording began.

Nationally, 59,247 households were on social housing waiting lists last November, down 2,633 (4.3%) from 61,880 households on 2 November 2020.  This figure is a reduction of 32,353 (35.3%) since 2016.

The reduction in the number of local households on Westmeath County Council's social housing waiting list has been welcomed by the Minister for Planning and Local Government Peter Burke TD.

“These results are evidence that government investment in social housing supports is working for Westmeath. Nationally, over 23,300 households had their housing needs met in 2021 – this is despite the very significant impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on delivery. It’s important to remember that most residential construction was halted for a 13-week period from January to April.

“We must not, and will not, lose sight of the fact that there are still just over 900 households in Westmeath who are relying on us for the provision of housing support. Housing for All, which was launched six months ago, sets us on a pathway to delivering 90,000 new social homes between now and the end of 2030. This year we will be investing more than €4bn to deliver 11,820 new social homes in 2022, including 9,000 new build social homes.

“As with all departments, we are watching the situation in Ukraine closely. The Russian invasion is having significant impacts on all sectors of society and our goal is to provide shelter and accommodation for those fleeing war while protecting to the greatest extent possible, Housing for All delivery at its existing pace.

“The strong pipeline of home building activity is encouraging. New figures show that in the past twelve months (March 2021 to February 2022), Commencement Notices for the construction of 33,006 new homes were received. This is the highest rolling 12-month total since comparable data was first published. Specifically related to social housing, the Construction Status Report for Quarter 4 2021, showed that there were 8,749 social homes onsite at the end of December, with a further 10,455 homes at various stages of design and procurement. Supporting local authorities and approved housing bodies to increase housing construction is a priority for my department.”