Average waiting time for social housing comes to an ‘unacceptable’ 9.8 years

AN average of 9.8 years waiting time for social housing is totally ‘unacceptable’ according to one local councillor, reports Ken Doyle.

In a strongly worded statement given to The Echo, People Before Profit councillor Madeleine Johansson has described Social Housing waiting times as ‘unacceptable’

The issue of excessively long waiting times was brought to light during the December Council Meeting when Councillor Johansson tabled a question seeking clarification on the waiting times faced by social housing applicants in the region.

In response to the question, the Chief Executive provided data outlining the average waiting times for social housing allocations in South Dublin County Council’s administrative area, categorised by bedroom requirement.

The figures were nothing short of alarming: 1 bed – 8.8 years, 2 bed – 10.2 years, 3 bed – 9.8 years,

4 bed – 10.4 years, and overall average – 9.8 years

Councillor Johansson expressed her deep concern regarding these staggering waiting times, emphasising the human impact of such delays on vulnerable individuals and families in need of stable and secure housing.

“These waiting times are simply unacceptable. Behind these statistics are real people, struggling every day with the uncertainty and insecurity of not having a place to call home. It’s disheartening to see that despite the pressing need for social housing, the waiting lists continue to grow, and the waiting times are pushing a decade,” said Councillor Johansson.

The councillor highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive and effective strategy to address the housing crisis in South Dublin, urging the Council to prioritise the development and implementation of measures that would expedite the allocation of social housing.

“People Before Profit is committed to advocating for the rights of those in need, and we will not stand idly by as our community members face such prolonged uncertainty.

“We call on South Dublin County Council to take immediate and decisive action to address this housing crisis and work towards significantly reducing these unacceptable waiting times.”

Also highlighted in the statement was the disparity between building construction times in the private sector and the apparently much slower public sector.

“New housing in Clonburris is being built very quickly by private developers, we need to see

the same speed when it

comes to social housing developments.” Councillor Johansson concluded.