'Cultural shift' to apartment living needed in Kerry, housing officials warn

There has been 46 refusals of offers for social housing in Killarney in two years, including 38 refusals of properties at Derreen

In a new development in the tourist town of Killarney, offers for 38 of the 83 houses and apartments were turned down.  Picture: Larry Cummins

A "cultural shift" toward apartment living is needed in Co Kerry to accommodate social housing tenants, the county's most senior officer has warned.

It comes after dozens of people turned down offers of social housing in the county, opting instead to remain in the private rental market, with reasons for refusal including a lack of room for a pet, "feeling claustrophobic" in an apartment, or the absence of a garden.