South Dublin County Council has been granted €3.3M to refurbish social housing units which will be re-let to individuals struggling with homelessness or on a housing list, local TD Emer Higgins has revealed. As part of the July Stimulus Programme, the Government announced over €40m for social housing that requires refurbishment in order to rent to families on the housing list.
Welcoming the announcement, Deputy Emer Higgins said: “This is the largest single amount ever announced under this programme. The Government is putting its money where its mouth is.
“We have heard loud and clear that more housing is needed across Tallaght. Our Council area is receiving the second highest funding of any Council area in the country. This is a very clear indication that our housing difficulties are understood and being prioritised at the highest levels of Government
“I am delighted that South Dublin County Council will be allocated funding of €3.3 million to refurbish and re-let 248 social housing units. This will help 248 families who are struggling with homelessness or who are on the social housing list,” continued Emer Higgins.
“There has been a fantastic response from local authorities to the 2020 Voids Stimulus Programme. Nationally 2,398 applications from Local Authorities across Ireland have been approved at a cost of €39.8 million, with further applications anticipated. The Department is in a position to approve these applications and South Dublin County Council can now begin its work on making these vacant units available for individuals and families so they can start a new chapter in their lives and make a home for themselves,” explained Higgins.
“The Government is helping local authorities and developers to plan and build better and more houses for people to live in, particularly during the current crisis.
“This includes providing social housing supports for people who cannot afford to provide a home for themselves and creating an environment that encourages builders to deliver houses for people who wish to buy their own home”, Emer Higgins concluded.
