3,500 empty local authority dwellings ‘could save State €20m’

Social housing organisations yesterday said the fact that 3,500 local authority dwellings are lying empty for more than a month around the country was “a huge waste”.

The figure was revealed on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland and prompted claims from the Clúid Housing Association that the vacant stock, if used, could save the State €20m.

Some local authorities have close to 10% of its housing stock lying vacant at a time when almost 100,000 people around the country are on housing waiting lists, and the Government is spending close to €500m on rent supplements.