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Latest Report Paints Dire Picture For Midlands HAP Recipients

Thursday, 18 January 2024 06:52

Portlaoise and Athlone were two of nine areas with no accommodation within standard HAP rates.

Two midlands towns have no Housing Assistance Payment properties available to rent.

The latest Simon Communities 'Locked Out Of The Market' quarterly report shows both Athlone and Portlaoise are two of nine areas with no properties available to rent within standard HAP rates.

Nationally, there are just two properties available to rent in Ireland, within the standard rate.

While there's 33 available to rent within the discretionary rate, which can exceed the regular payment by 50%.

Executive Director of Simon, Wayne Stanley, says the rental market is to blame:

A midlands town is last in a list of 16 study areas for available accomodation at any price.

Portlaoise had just one property available to rent over a three day sample according to the latest 'Locked Out' report by the Simon Community.

Nationally, the 1149 properties available when the December report was being compiled represents a 28% increase from the 901 that were available in September.

Mr. Stanley says the spectre of homelessness is threatening more people on low income:

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