The Housing Department is coming under fire for its record over social housing.
270 people have been on social housing waiting lists in the midlands for over seven years.
The latest report from the Department of Housing shows 177 applicants have been waiting on social housing in Westmeath since 2018, the figure is 53 in Offaly, and 40 in Laois
Year on year each midlands local authority has seen an increase in the number of people on the waiting list.
Laois has seen a 13% rise, it's 11% in Westmeath, and 1.4% in Offaly.
Susanne Rogers from Social Justice Ireland believes cuts made to local authorities during the economic crash are behind the backlogs:
Almost €446,000 Allocated To Midlands Community Centres And Clubhouses
Two People Killed In Offaly Following Fatal Crash
Midlands Family Takes On Ireland’s Fittest Family Challenge
5K Fundraiser To Support Motor Neurone Disease Association Takes Place In Westmeath
No Slowing Down With Age As Westmeath Bowlers Shine At 14th Annual National Bowls Competition
Woman Appears In Court Over €280k Cannabis Seizure In Midlands
Status Yellow Fog Warning Issued For Leinster, Munster And Galway
Call For More Public Toilets Across The Midlands And Beyond