A Clare Sinn Féin representative claims changes to the income threshold to qualify for social housing in this county are ‘nowhere near enough’.
County Clare will now be moved from band 3 to band 2 of the income eligibility limits for social housing, allowing individuals to earn up to €30,000.
The change in the eligibility criteria for social housing in Clare is something which has long been called for.
Previously, an individual could only qualify if their income was less than €25,000.
This has now increased to €30,000, matching neighbouring county Limerick.
The threshold for a family of four has also increased from €27,500 to €33,000.
Currently, there are almost 3,000 households on the housing waiting list in Clare, with fears that the expansion of the eligibility criteria will lead to a further increase in the numbers waiting.
However, the Chair of Clare County Council’s Housing Committee doesn’t believe numbers will rise significantly.
Independent Councillor from Shannon, Gerry Flynn, says many want to access the social housing list solely to access financial supports.
However, a Sinn Féin member in the county isn’t as hopeful that the change to the income bracket to qualify for social housing will benefit people in Clare.
Tommy Guilfoyle represents the trade unions on the council’s housing committee and doesn’t believe the measures go far enough.
Chair of the Ennis Sinn Fein Cumann, Tommy, says the income threshold needed to be increased to match the average industrial wage.
Listen back to the full interview here:
Meanwhile, the Minster for Housing admits increasing supply is key for Clare.
It’s been a year since the publication of the Housing For All plan and in 2021, the Government provided €48m in funding for housing to Clare County Council, a 42% increase on 2020.
Minister O’Brien says the affordability measures within the plan are beginning to take hold in Clare.
