HAP tenants are ‘Locked Out’ in Dundalk -Simon

A new report by the Simon Community highlighted the ‘significant difficulties’ faced by people trying to access housing supports through the HAP scheme in the Dundalk area.

The Simon Community’s national ‘ Locked Out report VIII’ showed significant gaps between HAP rent limits and the actual market rental prices in Dundalk.

The report is based on a snapshot of properties available to rent over three days in November 2016 within the Department of Social Protection rent supplements limits, and the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).

The Simon Community tracked the number of available properties to rent within HAP limits in eleven areas across the country, including Dundalk.

Speaking about the findings, Louth TD Gerry Adams said: ‘Just 34 properties were found to be available, which rings true to ongoing difficulties faced by constituents in the area battling to find homes.’

‘ This is all within a rental market that has seen average increases of 18% in Louth.’

The Louth Deputy added: ‘ We also see a worrying trend impacting hugely on single persons. An average rent in Dundalk for a one bed property was found to be 13% higher than the HAP limits for single persons, and no available properties were found.’

‘It is time for this government to take an honest look at their failing housing strategy.’

‘ This report and its findings raise an important question around the viability of HAP as a primary vehicle to deliver social housing.’

The report emerged just as it emerged that rental prices across Louth have risen by 17.5% over the last year.

Property website daft.ie revealed that the average rental across the county was €1,024. The yearly increase was also higher than the national rise of 11.8% over the last year.