Figures released by Cork County Council indicate that there are currently close to 8,000 approved applicants on the Social Housing list across the county.
Of the 7,814 applicants, 1,965 are based in North Cork, with close to 4,000 applicants in South Cork and a further 2,000 in West Cork.
As part of the Social Housing Strategy 2015-17, Cork County Council aim to provide around 1,200 units for applicants, including 401 units under Capital Programmes with an allocation of €74 million, 664 units under SHCEP (a social housing leasing initiative) and a further 152 units under RAS (Rental Accommodation Scheme).
In 2015 the council aimed to provide an extra 392 units, instead delivering 469 units, primarily through an increase in the number of voids repaired. All other targets were missed, including providing units through building and acquisitions (52 target, 43 delivered) and RAS (75 target, 22 delivered). 229 voids were repaired in 2015, substantially ahead of the target of 71.
The council aims to provide an extra 418 units in 2016, including 126 units through building and acquisitions and 140 through the repair of voids.
Of the 2,337 social houses owned by the council in North Cork, 93 of these (3.98 per cent) are currently vacant. Across the county there are currently 219 vacant houses, down from 286 from this time last year.
152 units are described as long-term voids, 67 are noted as casual vacancies while a further 20 properties were disposed of by the council. 56 of these units are currently under repair across the county.
Cork County Council also notes that 1,088 units have been identified for Energy Efficiency Works in 2016, based on a €2 million provision. Approval for €1.9 million was received and a submission was made to the Department of Housing for further funding for Phase 1 and 2 works to be completed in 2016 to the value of €2.7 million.
Work on 320 units in North Cork are underway and will be completed by mid-November.
