Progress made on town's housing list but slower than hoped

A TOTAL of 78 housing units were completed in the Carlow town area in 2024, with an expected 70 units to be delivered in 2025.

At a recent meeting of Carlow Municipal District, members could see that progress was being made on the issue of housing, but probably a lot a slower than they wished. Senior executive officer Niall Carroll outlined progress to date to members.

Currently in Carlow MD, 1,008 are on the housing list, with 420 accommodated through HAP, leaving a ‘net need’ of 458.

Housing projects currently in progress included eight units at Barrack Street, expected to be completed in quarter four, 2025; two units in phase two and 15 units in phase three at Cois Dara, both to be delivered in 2025; 12 units at Cox’s Lane currently waiting on ESB connection and to be delivered in the first quarter of 2025, two units at Burrin Street, Q1 2025 and 49 units at Tanner Hall currently on site and expected to be completed this year.

Other projects at the proposal stage include 18 dwellings at The Numbers, Graiguecullen through housing agency Tintean, and expressions of interest at Pembroke, Court Place and Perry’s.

At part of the report, the housing department also indicated that among the priorities for 2025 is to increase the supply of one- and two-bed units, which account for three-quarters of the overall need.

Mayor cllr Fintan Phelan welcomed the progress made on Barrack Street and the expected completion by the end of the year.

Cllr Fergal Browne remarked that some HAP properties are “not up to spec” and there needs to be “some follow through with the landlords”.

Cllr Paul Doogue asked about the availability of one-bed units and the long time that people can be on the list for them.

“I know one man who is 12 years on the list. He doesn’t know what the situation is. It certainly doesn’t give anyone any hope to be on the list that long,” he said.

Cllr Doogue welcomed the priority of one- and two-bed dwellings.

Cllr Andrea Dalton also asked that a policy of “right-sizing” be promoted, where people who no longer need a three-bed house could be given smaller properties and make the large home available to others on the list.

Cllr Ken Murnane questioned the council’s criteria, particularly on the number of bedrooms for families with children of different genders.

Mairead Phelan from the housing department clarified that with children of different genders under nine years’ old, it is regarded as a two-bed need, adding that this is government policy.

In relation to downsizing, Ms Phelan said that often people enquiring have a one- or two-bed bungalow with a garden in mind, which are not readily available, and may not wish to go into apartment accommodation.