Robust analysis of tenancies needed

AN assessment of the changing needs of council tenants, particularly as they grow older, was proposed at the July meeting of the Dundalk Municipal Committee.

Cllr. Thomas Sharkey called for a ‘robust analysis of tenancy needs’ across the area, adding ‘ we could use this information to assess their needs going forward.’

Cllr. Sharkey said that in many cases tenants needed a three bed semi-detached house when they were raising a family, but those needs would have changed as they have aged.

‘We need to look at the lifespan and the lifestyle of our tenants too,’ said Cllr. Sharkey.

He suggested that this could be done as a research project with DkIT, linking in with Louth’s ‘age friendly’ status.

Senior Executive officer John Lawrence welcomed the proposal, saying that such analysis would help.

‘ The council doesn’t just look at estates with three bed semi’s now, we need a mixture of house types for all sorts of housing needs.’

Chairman, Mark Deary also welcomed the ‘inter-generational housing proposals’ saying that an analysis into housing needs would be ideal.

Cllr. Peter Savage raised concerns that many councillors shared about their representation of an applicant who is seeking a council house.

The meeting heard that a house could have been allocated to that applicant, unknown to the councillor, who continues to use resources making representations.

Cllr. Edel Corrigan said it was ‘at least three years since I received any information about tenants I was representing when they were allocated a house.’

Mr. Lawrence said that although data protection covers these applications, if a councillor contacts him about an applicant who has been offered - and then accepted- a house, he is able to release that information.

But, he added, he cannot inform councillors of anyone struck off the housing waiting list.