Ten social housing offers were refused in Athlone - Moate district last year

Ten offers of social housing were refused by members of the public in the Athlone Moate Municipal District last year, the local authority said.

At its June monthly meeting, Cllr John Dolan asked: "How many people have refused an offer of a social home in the last year in the district?"

After being told that ten properties had been refused in 2024, Cllr Dolan had follow-up questions for council management.

"What are the consequences for those who refuse the offer of a council house, as regards either staying on the list or receiving another offer?" he said.

"And how many refusals do you accept before there are serious consequences for you staying on the list - in other words being removed?"

Director of Services Jackie Finney replied that people were entitled to refuse an offer of social housing if they so chose.

"There are no consequences on the first refusal. They can be offered (a home) again, however it may take time because people are being offered a home in their area of choice so something else may not be immediately available.

"If they refuse a second offer, they are basically off the list for twelve months. They won't get any further offers for twelve months," Ms Finney added.