Over 500 families on waiting list for housing in county

Cavan County Council’s housing staff are rallying to help the increasing number of homeless people in the county. A spokesperson for the local authority told the Celt that the council is “exploring all available avenues to increase the supply of social housing in the county”.

They said it’s expected that 80 new social homes will be built this year; while 98 new homes were delivered in 2022.

The latest figures show that homelessness has risen in County Cavan by six per cent in the past year, with the number of families on the waiting list for social housing increasing from 501 households in 2022 to 531 in 2023.

“There are currently 531 households qualified for social housing support in County Cavan. There were 501 households on the approved waiting list for social housing in Cavan at the same time last year,” confirmed the spokesperson.

There were 17 cases of emergency accommodation in the county as of last Tuesday. The spokesperson said there are no rough sleepers currently reported across the county, to the knowledge of the council.

“This figure is a snapshot at a given point in time, and is subject to change,” the spokesperson explained.

The spokesperson explained Cavan County Council has a protocol in place for those who present as homeless.

“All persons are assessed to determine their housing support needs. In some cases, the support required is the provision of tenancy sustainment services. The emphasis is always on homeless prevention,” explained the spokesperson.

Anyone at risk of homelessness can contact Cavan County Council on 049-4378300 or present to the Council offices, at Johnston Central Library, Farnham Street, Cavan, H12C9K1 between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Friday, to undertake an assessment, following which the most suitable housing supports are provided.