Dozens Of Local Families Face Homelessness Amid Tenant In Situ Scheme Standstill

Tuesday, 4 March 2025 10:34

By Martin Osborne

Local authorities have confirmed that numerous property acquisitions are on hold, awaiting a formal Cabinet decision on extending the initiative.

Dozens of locals across the county are facing an uncertain future as the Tenant in Situ scheme remains stalled due to a lack of formal funding from the Department of Housing.

Despite the scheme’s proven success in preventing homelessness, local councils are unable to proceed with property purchases, leaving many tenants at risk of eviction.

The delay comes as Taoiseach Micheál Martin suggested potential changes to the scheme, with discussions ongoing about making it more targeted.

However, the lack of immediate government action has placed tenants in precarious situations, particularly those who had already begun the purchasing process under the scheme.

Local authorities have confirmed that numerous property acquisitions are on hold, awaiting a formal Cabinet decision on extending the initiative.

In 2024, Kildare County Council successfully secured 55 homes through the scheme, saving dozens of families from entering emergency accommodation.

Currently, 66 Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) households in Kildare have received notices to quit, with 53 of those due to landlords selling their properties.

Without intervention, many of these families will have no choice but to enter emergency accommodation.

The Tenant in Situ scheme has helped to prevent homelessness by allowing local authorities to purchase properties where HAP tenants are facing eviction.

“We now have a ridiculous situation where landlords are willing to sell to the council, tenants are desperate to stay in their homes, and the council is ready to step in - but they can’t, because the Government won’t confirm the funding," said Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender.

“We are not talking about hypotheticals. These are real families - many of whom I have met - who are terrified about what happens next. Some with eviction notices in hand, only to be told that everything is now on hold. This delay is not just unnecessary - it is cruel," he said.