It’s claimed more needs to be done by agencies to ensure rental properties across Clare are up to standard.
A recent report into Clare County Council’s performance found 76% of all rental accommodation failed their first inspection in 2025.
721 of 1,145 rental properties assessed in Clare in 2025 failed to meet regulatory standards on their first inspection.
Clare’s failure rate of 76% came in below the national average of 83%, with many of these attributed to minor problems such as missing window catches.
Shannon Fine Gael Councillor, Tony Mulcahy, says the issue is often outside the council’s control.
The National Oversight and Audit Commission found an additional 86 social homes were acquired in 2025, bringing the overall total to over 3,000 by the end of last year.
NOAC reported that, once a property is vacated, it takes an average of 37.5 weeks for the local authority to turn it around, at a cost of almost €40,000.
The audit also states 59% of those accessing emergency accommodation in Clare have been doing so for six months or more.
Killaloe Fianna Fáil Councillor Tony O’Brien says there are often extenuating circumstances behind this figure.
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