Council set to exceed its three-year target for the supply of social housing

FIGURES published by the Department of Planning and Local Government have revealed Cork County Council was the fifth largest supplier of social housing units in the State last year.

The figures showed the authority built 433 social housing units in 2019, a 47% increase on the total of 295 units during 2018.

When combined with purchases (157) and leases (29) the total number of units supplied by the council during 2019 came to 619 – a 51% increase on the figure for the previous year.

Cork County Council chief executive Tim Lucey said the figures continued to show steady year-on-year progression, with only Dublin and Cork City Councils and Kildare and Fingal County Council’s exceeding delivering more social housing units last year.

Mr Lucy that despite the COVID-19 restrictions on construction, Cork County Council was remained on line to exceed its own three-year target for the delivery of council homes.

“Our construction target for the period 2018-2020 was set at 1,094 units. However, our projected numbers outstrip this target, with 1,395 units expected to be delivered by the end of this year,” said Mr Lucey.

“We have taken a positive approach to ensuring the recommencement of (building) activity as soon as possible. While complying with all relevant protocols & safety measures, we anticipate a further 507 newly built social housing units will be provided this year.”

County Mayor Ian Doyle said the welcome increase in the delivery of social housing, both here in Cork and across the State, was a reflection of the record level of public investment in the sector.

“Nobody should be without a home and this public health crisis has really brought the issue to the fore more than ever. Cork County Council is committed to ensuring the provision of suitable, cost effective, high quality accommodation to meet housing need,” said Cllr Doyle.

“Affordable housing is a fundamental element of healthy and strong communities. I am happy to see the continued growth in the provision of same.”