The number of people receiving the Accommodation Recognition Payment has gone up by 717% in two and a half years.
The number of midlands properties connected to Accommodation Recognition Payment has surged by more than 700% in the last two and a half years.
The €600 payment is granted for providing accommodation to a person or people who arrived in Ireland under the EU Temporary Protection Directive.
There were 179 such properties in Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath in January of 2023.
That number has jumped to 1,463 for July of this year - a 717% increase.
Longford Westmeath TD Sorca Clarke believes the figures are "very concerning at a time of rising rents and an ongoing housing crisis."
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