Laois has more than halved the number of households on the social housing waiting list over the last five years.
So figures released from the Department of Housing, Local Government show since the first annual assessment was conducted in 2016.
The 2021 Summary of Social Housing Assessments (SSHA) shows 590 households in Laois were assessed as being qualified for, and in need of, social housing support as of November 17, 2021.
This figure is down 75 (11.2%) from 665 households recorded on 2 November 2020.
This figure also represents a total decrease of 608 (51%) households since 2016 when annual recording of the SSHA began.
Nationally, 59,247 households were assessed as being qualified for social housing support as of November 17, 2021, down 2,633 (4.3%) from 61,880 households on November 2, 2020. This figure is a reduction of 32,353 (35.3%) since 2016.
Commenting on today’s figures, Minister Malcom Noonan said: “These results are evidence that Government investment in social housing supports is working for Laois.
“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 590 households in Laois 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 Department’s, 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.”
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