It’s claimed a temporary suspension of construction VAT could make a major dent in Clare’s housing crisis.
The latest local authority figures show there are now just below 2,800 households waiting for a social home in this county.
According to the Department of Housing, there are 252 households in this county waiting over seven years for an offer of social housing.
Parliamentary questions previously submitted by Aontú have revealed that in 2024 alone, the Government collected over €3bn in VAT from the construction sector.
Clare Aontú Representative June Dillon believes this is significantly curtailing the delivery of housing locally and that a moratorium on the tax would have a considerable impact.
Meanwhile, a member of Clare’s Strategic Social Policy Committee, which assists the local authority in developing its housing policy, says he has concerns with the choice based letting system.
Under the CBL model, social housing applicants can apply for available homes anywhere in the county, regardless of their housing need or where they’re living themselves.
At present, over 79% of Clare’s applicants are seeking a one or two-bed home.
Killaloe Fianna Fáil Councillor Tony O’Brien says a more targeted approach to housing delivery is needed.
A spokesperson from Clare County Council says the local authority currently has 86 vacant properties (2.8% of overall stock) and the average turnaround time for same is 28 weeks.
“This vacancy number fluctuates during the year and is reported on monthly through Chief Executive Report to elected members.
“Clare County Council’s housing void refurbishment work is fully outsourced to the private sector. Each project is tendered to ensure accountability and value for money for the taxpayer.
“In order to reduce void times to the minimum possible, the Council is prioritising funding for its voids and has recently refreshed its contractor’s framework to bring in new contractors to complete public work.
“The biggest challenge remains the availability of contractors and sub-contractors, in particular plumbers and tilers. Clare County Council is constantly seeking faster ways to return properties to stock.
“Any time taken to turn around property contributes to longer waiting times for applicants and the Council welcomes, and will give due consideration to, all suggestions by elected officials on how to improve”.
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