Donegal TD and Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Finance, Pearse Doherty, has called on the Minister for Housing to increase the income limits to qualify for social housing in Donegal, warning that current rules are shutting out many workers and families.
He also called on the Minister to engage with the Oireachtas Housing Committee regarding the government’s ongoing review into increasing limits.
“The current income limit for a single person to qualify for social housing in Donegal is €30,000 after tax. That is simply too low and does not reflect the real cost of housing in our county.
“Sinn Féin believe this limit should be increased so that more people who genuinely need social housing can qualify,” Deputy Doherty said.
“People are repeatedly contacting my office telling me that despite their income being modest it is too high to qualify for a council house but too low to build, buy or keep up with rising rents. They are then left in limbo.“This is a growing cohort of workers and families who are being squeezed from both sides.
Advertisement
“Right now, they are effectively locked out of both social housing supports and home ownership. The current limits are outdated and are actively contributing to the housing crisis in the county. The income limits need to be updated to reflect the real cost of housing.”
Deputy Doherty is calling on the Minister to increase these limits “without delay” and “to ensure that any review of income limits is brought before the Oireachtas Housing Committee so it can be properly examined”.
He added: “There must be proper scrutiny and engagement to ensure the system reflects the realities facing workers and families.
“The government cannot continue to ignore the pressure facing people in counties like Donegal. Urgent action is needed to ensure that housing supports are accessible, fair, and aligned with real incomes and housing costs.
“Failure to act will only deepen the housing crisis in Donegal.”