Residents of The Forest estate at Ballymacool, Letterkenny have suffered further upset after being denied support through the Cost Rental Tenant In Situ Scheme.
Nineteen families were served eviction notices last October. Since then, Donegal County Council housing staff have been in contact with residents to determine their needs and eligibility for social housing support.
Some residents who originally qualified for the Cost Rental Tenant In Situ Scheme recently received an “abrupt email” from the Housing Agency stating that they would not proceed with the purchase, the Dáil has heard.
Deputy Thomas Pringle said they received no explanation.
“Understandably, the residents were very upset by this situation and worried about being made homeless. Letterkenny, like everywhere else in the country, is very difficult to get housing in, and any that is available is an exorbitant price,” Deputy Pringle told the Housing Minister.
The Independent TD called on the Minister to ensure the Housing Agency responds to Letterkenny residents and ensure that “the well-being of the families should be the top priority”.
“Applicants should be given a reason for the refusal to purchase the properties and an opportunity to allay the fears, if any, within their control,” he said.
The deputy raised the issue last Wednesday during Questions on policy or legislation.
Deputy Pringle said: “It is imperative that the Housing Agency acknowledges the severity of the issue and takes immediate and decisive action to rectify the situation. Will you ensure that the Housing Agency responds to the residents as soon as possible and gives an explanation for their decision?”
In his response, Minister O’Brien said if a house is not going to be purchased, they should be given an explanation for that. The Minister asked Deputy Pringle to give him the details and said he would engage directly with the Housing Agency and revert to the deputy.
