Applications open for cost rental housing in Dundalk

Green Party Councillor Marianne Butler has welcomed the opening of applications for 24 new Cost Rental homes at Hearthfield, Mount Avenue in Dundalk, and is encouraging local people to check their eligibility and apply.

Councillor Butler told the Dundalk Democrat: “I am absolutely delighted that Dundalk is finally benefiting from Cost Rental housing.

“I have kept the pressure on Louth County Council to deliver Cost Rental in Dundalk because local people should have access to a full range of affordable housing options. It is very welcome to see applications now open.”

Cllr Butler explained that Cost Rental was introduced in Ireland as a new form of affordable rental housing through the work of the Green Party in Government.

The first Cost Rental homes were delivered in 2021, providing an additional housing option for people who may not qualify for social housing but are struggling with the cost of private renting.

The 24 homes at Hearthfield are being provided by Tuath Housing, with monthly rents of €1,122 for two-bedroom homes and €1,407 for three-bedroom homes. Cost Rental is a not-for-profit model, with rents designed to cover the cost of providing and managing the homes, while offering long-term security of tenure.

Councillor Butler is encouraging anyone currently renting or looking for a home in Dundalk to check whether they meet the eligibility criteria.

Applicants must generally have a net household income below €59,000, must not own a property, must not be receiving social housing supports such as HAP or Rent Supplement, and must have a household size appropriate to the property. Applicants must also demonstrate that they can afford the rent.

“I would strongly encourage people not to assume they are ineligible. Take a few minutes to check the criteria and see if you qualify,” Councillor Butler said.

Applications are being made online through Tuath Housing and are open for a limited period. Eligible applications will subsequently be entered into a random lottery before applicants are selected for assessment.

Councillor Butler said she will continue to push for more Cost Rental and affordable housing in Dundalk, adding that “we need to make sure this is not a once-off and that local people have access to a meaningful supply of affordable and secure rental homes into the future.”