Concern over homeless families in Tipp

The director of Tipperary Co Council's Housing services has expressed concern over the number of families presenting as homeless in the county.

As of November 30 last, of the 403 houses allocated by the council to housing applicants, 37% of them were made to people who were homeless or at a risk of homelessness. A total of 58 homes were allocated to individuals while 92 were for families.

Director of Services Sinéad Carr said the council is looking at this new trend of increasing numbers of families presenting as homeless. She pointed out that the council tries to source HAP housing for people in emergency accommodation, or allocate a house from its own stock. The council generally purchases properties where a notice to quit has been served on the tenant, or tries to find alternative accommodation for them.

The January meeting of the council was also informed that the greatest proportion - 657 households - of social housing applicants require one-bed units. The council is now allowing single applicants to access two-bed properties.