New figures reveal 55 jump in housing waiting lists in westmeath

New figures have revealed a surge of 55% in the social housing waiting list in Westmeath in less than two years.

The figures, obtained by Fianna Fáil TD for Longford – Westmeath Robert Troy, show that there are currently 2,940 people on the waiting list in Westmeath, compared to 1,893 two years ago – an increase of more than 55%.

Figures obtained by Fianna Fail TD Barry Cowen also show that there was an increase of more than 150% in the waiting list in Roscommon. In 2013 there were 252 people on the waiting list, while there are currently 648.

Nationally the increase was almost 45%.

Deputy Troy said, “These figures are truly shocking. Minister Kelly claims that he has the housing crisis under control. However these figures reveal that the crisis is far worse than we imagined.”

He said the government must face up to the reality of the housing crisis.

“Up until the end of 2014 it only built 1,252 new units nationally, compared to 15,000 units built between 2007-2010. This is the primary cause of this emergency.

“The most worrying aspect is the fact that the housing crisis is accelerating year on year. The figures we have obtained clearly show this,” he added.