Cllr McGeough urges people to take survey on Affordable Housing Scheme in Louth

Sinn Féin Councillor Pearse McGeough is urging people in Louth to take part in a survey to ascertain the level of interest in a recently adopted Affordable Housing Scheme in the county.

The mid-Louth councillor believes that people who think they will never be able to afford a home of their own, or for whom house prices are out of their affordability range, are not on their own, and is encouraging people to take pare in the survey to help get a full picture of the situation in Louth.

At last week’s mid-Louth Municipal meeting, Cllr Pearse McGeough asked for an extension to the closing date deadline for the survey designed to ascertain the level of interest for affordable housing in the county. The closing date is set for 10 February.

Cllr McGeough said “there is a severe lack of affordable housing throughout this State and we need to ensure that the Government are made very aware of the extent to which people are demanding change and the opportunity to buy or own their own home but at affordable prices.

“On 19th September 2022 Louth County Council adopted a ‘Scheme for Affordable Dwelling Purchase Arrangements’ which basically will provide homes at a reduced price for those who meet the criteria. i.e. first time buyers and Fresh Start applicants who just wouldn’t qualify for the level of a mortgage needed at the current market rate house prices.

“In order to plan ahead on the delivery of these affordable houses, Louth County Council launched a survey to ascertain the level of interest in this scheme which I would imagine would be quite high. Unfortunately the survey is closing on February 10th and not very many people have completed it and I believe that is due to lack of awareness of its existence and I have asked the Council to extend this deadline and to make people aware of it.

“The survey takes around five minutes to complete and is very straightforward. It is simply an online survey with basic information required and does not commit you to anything. It is simply showing you would be interested in having the option of an affordable housing scheme in County Louth.”

Cllr McGeough is encouraging anyone “who feels they are priced out of the housing market to “please complete the online survey and help Louth County Council determine the level of demand and locations required and give the Council an idea of what ‘affordable’ means to you.”

You can complete the survey at: https://consult.louthcoco.ie/en/surveys