Naas Mayor Says Government Should Buy Homes In Local Housing Developments For Its Staff

Wednesday, 14 January 2026 15:10

By Martin Osborne - Head Of News

Councillor Seamie Moore has asked the council to write to the Departments of Justice, Health and Education, encouraging them to purchase properties in developments currently under construction in the Naas area.

The Mayor of Naas has suggested that Government departments should be allowed to buy directly into housing schemes in the town, to secure affordable homes for public-sector workers.

Independent Councillor Seamie Moore has asked Kildare County Council to write to the Departments of Justice, Health and Education, encouraging them to purchase properties in developments currently under construction in the Naas area.

He says the move could help Gardaí, healthcare workers and teachers live closer to where they work, rather than commuting long distances

The proposal is being raised as demand for housing in Naas continues to outstrip supply.

In December, a similar proposal by Cllr Moore to reserve some affordable and cost-rental homes for gardaí, nurses and teachers in Naas was rejected by Kildare County Council, which says the idea may not comply with equality law, is unworkable in practice, and conflicts with how national housing schemes are required to operate.

The Council’s Housing Department stated that it cannot ask the Taoiseach or the Housing Minister to allocate homes in Naas on the basis of someone’s occupation.

Officials said introducing occupational preference could be considered discriminatory and may not comply with equality legislation, noting that national rules require affordable allocations to be based on income thresholds and housing need, not job titles.