Social housing waiting list in Offaly reduced by almost 30pc since 2020

The social housing waiting list in Offaly has reduced by almost 30 per cent since 2020 the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien has revealed.

The Minister joined members of Offaly Fianna Fáil at a breakfast morning in Edenderry on Friday last where he reported progress on the Government's Housing for All Plan.
The Minister was joined by Deputy Barry Cowen, Councillor Robert McDermott, Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick at the briefing and they discussed future plans for housing in the county.
The Minister visited Edenderry just over six months ago to officially open the Fianna Fáil office in the town and commended the organisation for continuing to strengthen its presence in North Offaly.
Minister O’Brien recalled that “the last time I was in Offaly I got to view a number of housing developments and see the significant work going on in the town. Progress is being made here and we do need to keep the momentum going.”
“From 2019 to 2022, the social housing waiting list in Offaly has reduced by 29.5%. 896 homes have been completed from Q2 2020 to the end of last year including 347 social homes. In the first seven months of this year 1,710 renters have claimed the €1,000 renter’s tax credit and since we increased the Help-to-Buy in 2020, 366 buyers in Offaly have availed of it.
“Fianna Fáil in Government are making a difference, we are fully committed to meeting and indeed exceeding our housing targets and to ensuring that all our citizens have a safe, secure and affordable home to rent or to buy,” he concluded.
Deputy Barry Cowen said Minister O ’Brien’s commitment to Offaly “is without question especially considering the social housing developments initiated in the county since entering Government in 2020.”

“He’s funded developments in Edenderry, Daingean, Tullamore, Mucklagh, Clara, Ballycumber, Belmont, Banagher, Birr and Moneygall.  His Department ensured Offaly County Council provided over 500 housing solutions last year .

“The Government is initiating various affordable, cost rental, help to buy, shared equity options for home seekers.  Assistance in the form of tax credits for renters and generous grants towards restoring vacant properties are also assisting. 

“The housing crisis is by no means over or solved but councillors and I are working closely with Minister O’Brien in our efforts to provide various means of help for those we represent.”
Cllr Robert McDermott thanked the Minister for taking time out of his busy schedule to visit Edenderry. 

“We had over 100 people attending our breakfast morning with many more supporting it but were unable to attend. It shows the strength of the Fianna Fáil organisation in Offaly and we are in good health for the local elections in June 2024”

He further thanked the Minister for the recent increase in the income threshold for social housing in Offaly a commitment he made when last in Edenderry.

Cllr McDermott also took the opportunity to seek his assistance in progressing the design stage of the Wastewater Treatment plant in Edenderry.