Diploma in Local Government - Guide to Housing Reports - Laois County Council
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Diploma in Local Government
Guide to Housing Reports
© Institute of Public Administration 2019
© All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in
any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording
or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from
the publisher.Introduction
There is a lot written about housing, both from official sources and by a wide range of bodies with
an interest in the sector. This Guide seeks to provide a list of the main reports of interest to those
studying housing. In each case we provide a short summary of the key points arising and of its
relevance to housing studies.
The Guide is divided into three parts. In Part 1 we look at those reports that are published at
regular intervals and set out the types of information that can be found there. In Part 2 we provide
a list of special reports on different subjects that may be of interest to students divided according
to their source. In Part 3 we list some of the main datasets of interest to students of housing and
where they can be found.
Contents
Part 1 Regular Reports
Annual / Quarterly / Monthly
Part 2 Special Reports
[a] Housing Policy 2000 - 2009
[b] Housing Reports
[c] Research Institutes
[d] Local Government
Part 3 Primary sources of Housing Statistics
2Part 1 Regular Reports
Annual / Bi-Annual Reports
Summary of Social Housing Assessments Housing Agency
Produced annually since 2016, previous to this the national summary of assessments of the net need
for social housing were carried out every three years. Apart from the overall net need figure, there
a number of tables that give details on the age profile, employment status, household composition,
the current tenure breakdown, length of time waiting, nationality and the specific accommodation
requirements of applicants for social housing support.
https://www.housingagency.ie/publications
Rought Sleepers Count DRHE
A report produced twice a year [Spring and Winter] by the Dublin Region Homeless Executive which
counts the number of persons sleeping rough in Dublin at a point in time.
https://www.homelessdublin.ie/info/publications?type=&year=&keyword=Rough
The Regulation of Approved Housing Bodies in Ireland HA
Annual report and sectoral analysis of the voluntary housing sector produced by the regulation
office that operates under the aegis of the Housing Agency. The latest report for 2017 was
published in December 2018. Reports are available from 2014.
https://www.housingagency.ie/regulation/publications
Quarterly Reports
Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan Status Report DHPLG
With over 160 separate actions listed under the five pillars of the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan,
the quarterly reports updates the status of each item.
https://rebuildingireland.ie
Rent / House Price Index DAFT
Online estate agent. Produces quarterly reports on market rents and house prices.
https://www.daft.ie/report
3Rent Index RTB
Quarterly Rent Index that tracks changes in the average private rented rents across the country.
The Index has operated form Q3 2007. It is the best index of rents being based on actual returns
from register3d tenancies [rather than advertised rents on online letting platforms.]
https://onestopshop.rtb.ie/research/
Progress Report on the National Student Accommodation Strategy RI
Quarterly reports produced under the Rebuilding Ireland on the National Student Accommodation
Strategy that was launched in July 2017. As of the end of Q1, 2019, a total of 6,362 bed spaces
have been completed.
https://www.education.ie/en/Publications/Policy-Reports/nsas-progress-report-q1-2019.pdf
Monthly Reports
Monthly Homeless Report DHPLG
A monthly report giving details on homeless persons and families accessing emergency
accommodation is provided monthly [it is based on a sample of one week during the month]. The
reports started in January 2016 [annual statistics are available for 2014 and 2015].
https://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/homelessness/other/homelessness-data
Construction Activity Ulster Bank
Ulster Bank produces a monthly index on activity in the construction sector.
https://tradingeconomics.com/ireland/construction-pmi
Residential Property Price Index CSO
The Central Statistics Office produces a monthly index on house prices. It measures the average
level of prices paid for property sold in Ireland. The Index is based on official statistics based on
stamp duty returns made to the Revenue Commissioners.
https://www.cso.ie/en/methods/surveybackgroundnotes/residentialpropertypriceindex/
4Local Authority Performance Indicator Reports [Annual] NOAC
Annual reports on performance indicators from the National Oversight & Audit Commission. Housing
tables – social housing stock, vacancies / reletting time & cost / maintenance, private rented
inspections, and long-term homeless adults.
http://noac.ie/noac-reports/
Resolving Unfinished Housing Developments [Annual > 2017] RI
Under Rebuilding Ireland, annual reports were published on the progress in resolving issues around
unfinished [ghost] estates. The sixth and last report for 2017 [published in 2018] confirmed that the
number of such estates had reduced to 256, down from a total of over 3000 in 2011, an overall
reduction of over 90%.
https://rebuildingireland.ie/news/minister-english-reports-91-reduction-in-unfinished-
developments/
National Competitiveness Council – Annual Competitiveness Scorecards NCC
Report issued annually which looks at the challenges facing the economy in maintaining
competitiveness. Housing costs have figured prominently in recent reports.
A properly functioning residential property market is critical to underpin
economic sustainability and national competitiveness. Residential housing and
rent levels impact on the attractiveness of Ireland as a location for investment
and on enterprise costs. An adequate supply of affordable and quality housing is
important for the attraction and retention of talent. … The state of the housing
market in Ireland is regarded as one of the biggest concerns among business
leaders of most regions and economic sectors ‘ [p49 from 2018 Report]
http://www.competitiveness.ie/Publications/
5Part 2 Special Reports
1 Housing Policy [2000 – 2019]
Irish National Survey of Housing Quality [2001/2002] ESRI
The last national house condition survey carried out [by ESRI on behalf of the Department].
Information was collected on:
• the basic type of dwelling, its age and location
• the number of rooms of different types available to the household
• rent and mortgage payments, and other indicators of affordability
• services such as water, sewage, electricity and gas
• main method of heating the dwelling and fuel used
• presence of insulation and other energy-saving measures
• problems with the accommodation and major works carried out in the last five years
• household characteristics – household type and age structure, economic status of household
members and household income.
Previous surveys carried out in 1991 and 1981 but were based more on judgements of technical
assessors rather than occupants.
National Spatial Strategy for Ireland [2002] DHPLG
The NSS set the planning framework to 2020. In respect of housing four policy priorities were
highlighted [from the National Development Plan], the need for a strategic spatial strategy,
integration of housing with transport hubs, zoning and servicing of lands to ensure good supply of
land and provision of social and affordable housing.
The estimated required demand up to 2010 was for 500,000 additional dwellings.
Building Sustainable Communities [2005] DHPLG
BSC was a short policy statement for a period of economic and population growth built on the idea
of sustainable communities. Across the board expansion of housing – all sectors – is envisaged
including improvements to existing stock.
Home ownership is still seen as the tenure of preference, to be supported by government. The
social housing sector also requires reform – improving the provision of advice, a new means of
assessing need, implementation of a fair rents policy, improvements to management and
maintenance and in the governance of the voluntary housing sector.
6Delivering Homes Sustaining Communities [2007] DHPLG
A much more substantive document that developed the idea of sustainable communities was
published two year after BSC. It sought to provide an overarching vision for the housing sector over
the next 10 years. This vision was about building sustainable communities, responding to housing
need taking account of the point in the life cycle a household was at, and effectively delivering
housing programmes and services.
Linked to the National Development Plan 2007 – 2013 [and the €18 billion investment in housing
programmes set out] and underpinned by social partnership and ideas emanating from the NESC
Report – the Developmental Welfare State [2005], the DHSC promised an ambitious legislative
programme, housing output to meet the needs of 140,000 new households, initiatives to meet
special housing needs and a focus on improving the quality of social housing stock and
neighbourhood renewal. The DHSC did not anticipate the housing and banking collapse that
occurred before the end of the decade.
https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/migrated-
files/en/Publications/DevelopmentandHousing/Housing/FileDownLoad%2C2091%2Cen.pdf
Housing Policy Statement [2011] DHPLG
Rushed out soon after the new government came to office, the HPS was a short review of policy in
light of the financial collapse that had taken place. It is mainly noted for its adoption of the
principle of tenure neutrality as between home ownership and renting. The vision of the future was
one based on ‘choice, fairness, equity across tenures and on delivering quality outcomes for the
resources invested’. It was a sober document, acknowledging failures of the past, including
unrealistic output targets and unsustainable levels of residential construction.
The most immediate policy impact was the winding down of the various affordable purchase
programmes and proposed a fundamental reconfiguration of housing support in Ireland. The key
ideas were a better targeting of resources, measures to help social tenants to take up employment,
efficiency and effectiveness improvements in ensuring better value for money in projects,
enhanced regulation of the voluntary housing sector, and tackling abuses in the private rented
sector so thus contribute to the creation of a ‘vibrant, higher quality, private rented sector through
improved standards.’
Out Sustainable Future [2012] Taoiseach
The report sets out the medium to long-term framework for advancing sustainable development in
Ireland. In terms of sustainable communities and social inclusion, the overriding aim is to improve
the overall quality of life, with specific reference to the high concentrations of poverty and social
exclusion in social housing.
7https://www.dccae.gov.ie/documents/Our%20Sustainable%20Future%20-%202012.pdf
Social Housing Strategy 2020 [2014] DHPLG
This was the first major policy statement on housing as the economy was beginning to move out of
the deep recession caused by the Global Financial Crash. The SHS 2020, published in 2014, was
built on three pillars – provide 35,000 new social homes over six year period, support an additional
75,000 households through rental assistance [Housing Assistance Payments and Rental
Accommodation Scheme] and the reform of social housing support to create ‘a more flexible and
responsive system’.
With budget constraints still a major concern for government, the SHS 2020 looked to ‘off balance
sheet mechanisms’ as the means to underpin development. The utilisation of public land, the
creation of new financial vehicles by NAMA and an expanded role for housing associations were to
be at the heart of the new approach and to supplement expanded Exchequer funding. Final
mention of exploring a possible role for the ‘cost rental model’ to support an affordable rental
segment of the market.
The social reform agenda was based on continued transfers to HAP, a new framework for rents and
a new tenant purchase scheme.
https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/social_strategy_document_2014
1126.pdf
Construction 2020 [2014] Taoiseach
As the economy was recovering from the recession caused by the Global Financial Crash, this report
represented the first major effort by government to chart out a new strategic approach to housing.
Measures recommended to accelerate output, to improve the collection of data, to remove barriers
to housing mobility and to professionalise the private rented sector. Further reviews promised in
relation to homelessness, social housing and Part V development.
https://merrionstreet.ie/en/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Construction-Strategy-14-May-
20141.pdf
Laying the Foundations [2016] DHPLG
More of the feel of a pre-election manifesto than a policy statement. Based on the platform
provided by the Social Housing Strategy 2020, the statement lists the recent achievements of
government and promises more action to stimulate the housing sector.
https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/laying_the_foundations_-
_housing_actions_report.pdf
8Rebuilding Ireland [2016] DHPLG
The Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness: Rebuilding Ireland, to give it its full title, provide
the current framework for housing policy. The Plan rests on five pillars – Address Homelessness,
Accelerate Social Housing, Build More Homes, Improve the Rental Sector and Utilise Existing
Housing – and covers the period 2016 – 2021. RI is a living document so the actions proposed have
grown over time [over 160]. The key targets in terms of social housing output are for over 138,000
new social lettings broken down as follows.
REBUILDING IRELAND: SOCIAL OUTPUT TARGETS
Construction Acquisition Lease RAS HAP
24%
5%
62%
7%
2%
https://rebuildingireland.ie
Project Ireland 2040 [2019] Taoiseach
The key planning document within the National Planning Framework, PI 2040 sets the policy
framework for investment in public infrastructure, including housing, over the longer-term. The key
take away is that Ireland needs to deliver housing for an additional 550,000 households up to 2040.
http://npf.ie
92 Background Reports
Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities [2007] DHPLG
Guidelines to assist in achieving the objectives of housing policy statement, Delivering Homes,
Sustaining Communities. The guidelines focus on promoting high standards in design and
construction, optimising the utilisation of land, promoting high environmental and energy standards
and providing homes that are easily managed and maintained.
https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/migrated-
files/en/Publications/DevelopmentandHousing/Housing/FileDownLoad%2C1979%2Cen.pdf
The Way Home [2008] DHPLG
A strategy for addressing homelessness. The new strategy will lead the drive towards value for
money, effectiveness and high standards. The objective of eliminating long term occupation of
emergency accommodation will involve a strategic reorientation of homeless expenditure away
from emergency responses, towards long-term and mainstream housing for persons moving out of
emergency accommodation, with appropriate supports while these are needed. A major focus on
the prevention of homelessness.
Ambitious objective of eliminating long term homelessness from 2010 [i.e. the occupation of
emergency accommodation for longer than 6 months and the need for people to sleep rough].
These were further set out in six strategic aims: - prevent homelessness, eliminate the need to
sleep rough, eliminate long term homelessness, meet long term housing needs, ensure effective
services for homeless persons and better coordinate funding arrangement.
https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/migrated-
files/en/Publications/DevelopmentandHousing/Housing/FileDownLoad%2C18192%2Cen.pdf
Strategic Review of the Capital Funding Schemes for
Voluntary and Cooperative Housing [2009] Grant Thornton
Study carried out by consultants Grant Thornton for the Centre for Housing Research.
The study described a highly fragmented sector with poor governance and an over
reliance on state funding. Influential report that signalled the end of the CLSS funding
stream and made the case for regulation of the sector.
https://www.icsh.ie/content/publications/strategic-review-capital-funding-schemes-voluntary-
and-co-operative-housing
10National Housing Strategy for People with a Disability [2011] DHPLG / DH
The Strategy sets out a framework for delivering housing for people with a disability through
mainstream housing policy. There are nine strategic aims: to promote and mainstream equality of
access to housing for people with a disability, to develop national protocols for service integration
between service providers, to support independent living in the community, to address specific
housing needs to support persons with intellectual, physical and mental disability, to develop best
practice guidelines, to facilitate availability of information and advice, to improve the collection
and dissemination of relevant statistics and to set up structures to implement the agreed actions.
https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/migrated-
files/en/Publications/DevelopmentandHousing/Housing/FileDownLoad%2C28016%2Cen.pdf
Time to Move on from Congregated Settings* [2011] HSE
It is government policy to encourage and support persons living in community care homes to move
back into the community where4ver possible. The report notes the high cost of maintaining persons
in institutions as well the advantages offered by community based services for the individuals
concerned. There were about 4,000 persons in congregated at the3 time of the report.
Over the period 2012 – 2017 the overall number of persons in congregated settings fell by 30%.
http://www.savestmaryoftheangels.com/resources/Policies/Time%20To%20Move%20On%20Full%20R
eport.pdf
* A congregated setting is where 10 or more people with a disability are housed in a single living unit or
placed in accommodation that is campus or institution
Building for the Future [2013] DHPLG
Background to the establishment of a voluntary code for housing associations [approved housing
bodies] in Ireland. The code is underpinned by four guiding principles – tenant focussed delivery,
proportionality, accountability and transparency. It is intended to pave the way for a statutory
code regulation the voluntary housing sector.
The code was introduced the following year and by 2018 over 250 associations, managing 33,000
tenancies, had signed up. The Bill to introduce statutory regulation was published in July 2019.
https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/building_for_the_future_-
_a_voluntary_regulation_code_for_ahbs_in_ireland_0.pdf
11Homeless Strategy National Implementation Plan [2008 - 2013] DHPLG
The strategy will be implemented through the following measures:
- enhance or adapt existing services
- refocus resources on long-term solutions and preventative measures
- maximise value for money in the provision of services
- effective implementation through local action plans
- effective monitoring and evaluation
https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/migrated-
files/en/Publications/DevelopmentandHousing/Housing/FileDownLoad%2C20035%2Cen.pdf
Subsequent implementation plan [2014 – 2016]
https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/migrated-
files/en/Publications/DevelopmentandHousing/Housing/FileDownLoad%2C38053%2Cen.pdf
Homelessness Policy Statement [2013] WG
Starts with a repetition of the overall strategic objective to bring an end to long-term homelessness
in Ireland [by the end of 2016] and affirmation of the housing led approach set out in The Way
Home. The existing priorities are Housing First, the prevention of homelessness and the transfer of
households from emergency ‘bed and breakfast’ accommodation are confirmed. Perhaps the main
impact of statement was the improvement in the way that data on homelessness and homeless
services was collected.
https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/migrated-
files/en/Publications/DevelopmentandHousing/Housing/FileDownLoad%2C32434%2Cen.pdf
Rent Stability in the Private Rented Sector [2014] RTB
Report prepared by DKM for the RTB which looks at the economic case for introducing rent
regulation in the private rental sector and considers a wide range of rent stabilising measures using
in Ireland and abroad.
https://onestopshop.rtb.ie/images/uploads/general/DKM_Rent-stability-in-the-private-rented-
sector.pdf
12Future of the Private Rented Sector [2014] RTB
Report prepared by the Housing Agency for the RTB. The key points are – the demand for private
rented accommodation has increased substantially in recent years, with the bulk of tenants single
and in the 25 – 34 age bracket, 33% of tenancies are in receipt of rental assistance form the state,
and there has been a marked increase in the size of the professional / investor led segment of the
market. ‘The key emerging policy challenge is to create a sufficient supply of high quality rented
accommodation for long term renters at an affordable price, with the appropriate level of
regulation for the main providers and increased security of tenure for current and prospective
tenants’. The five policy areas considered in the report – rent stability and affordability,
regulation, improving quality of the rented stock, protecting the existing stock and promoting
investment and supply.
https://onestopshop.rtb.ie/images/uploads/general/DKM_Future-of-the-private-rented-sector.pdf
Independent Review of Homeless Services [2015] Mazars
A study carried out by consultants Mazars for the Department into the provision of homeless
services. Key findings were – there are in excess of 75 service provides of homeless services in the
state, the majority of organisations operate at local or regional level, 71% of funding went to 15
bodies, and the average annual spend per homeless person in 2014 of just over €19,000. The
breakdown of expenditure [2014] was 38% on emergency accommodation, 20% on transitional and
supported accommodation and 15% to longer-term or semi-permanent supported accommodation.
Main recommendations – need for a comprehensive review of all homeless services, review the level
of funding going to emergency accommodation, consider if the funding of a large number of non-
governmental service providers represents the most efficient use of public resources, examine the
extent to which duplication of service exists in the sector and consider the establishment of a
common reporting framework for all service providers.
https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/independent_review_of_homl
ess_services_-_mazars.pdf
National Student Accommodation Strategy [2017] D of Education
Launched as part of Rebuilding Ireland, the strategy estimated an unmet demand for over 23,000
student bed places. In 2017 there was an existing supply of 33,000 bed spaces, with a planned
target supply of nearly 55,000 by 2024. The figures do not include supply in private family homes
[student digs]. The projected shortfall given increased demand by 2024 is estimated at 17,000
[taking into account some increase in the number of students in digs]. See also quarterly progress
reports on implementation.
13https://www.education.ie/en/Publications/Policy-Reports/National-Student-Accommodation-
Policy.pdf
Housing First National Implementation Plan 2018 - 2021 DRHE
A review of the current research [September 2018] on Housing First is linked to plans to extend the
scale of the programme in the period to 2021. The Dublin Region Homeless Executive report sets
out national targets – 737 adults – to be assisted under the programme.
https://www.homelessdublin.ie/content/files/Housing-First-Implementation-Plan-2018-2021-
final.pdf
Housing Options for Our Aging Population [2019] DHPLG / DH
Review of policy framework to support older persons living in their own homes rather than relying
on institutional care. Six principles adopted – aging in place, supporting urban renewal, promoting
sustainable lifetime housing, working together, staying socially connected and using assistive
technology. The estimates for providing suitable dwellings for older persons – 150,000 smaller units,
150,000 age friendly accommodation and 36,000 nursing home places by 1931. An housing with care
continuum was adopted as the basis for future policy.
https://health.gov.ie/wp-
content/uploads/2019/02/HousingOptionsforanAgeingPopulationEng_Web_compressed.pdf
14National Taking in Charge Initiative Report [2018] DHPLG
In 2015 the Department issued a call to local authorities to supply details of housing estates not
taken in charge by the authority. A total of 5566 developments were identified. Under the initiative
€7.5 million was allocated to authorities to assist them taking in charge 330 developments. When
the review was repeated in 2018, the number of developments still to be taken in charge stood at
4,854 [including estates added since 2015].
https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/national_taking_in_charge_initia
tive_report_dec2018.pdf
153 Research Institutes / Bodies
Housing in Ireland: Performance and Policy [2004] NESC
Major study on housing in the final years of the Celtic Tiger era which together with the NESC
Report on the Developmental Welfare State [2005] was very influential in the development of
housing policy leading up to the Housing [Miscellaneous Provisions] Act, 2009.
Given the strength of the housing boom in Ireland at the time, the focus of the report was on
achieving a measure of stability from excess supply and rising prices, addressing inequality [groups
being left behind] and ensuring sustainability [sustainable communities].
https://www.nesc.ie/publications/housing-in-ireland-performance-and-policy/
Review of Part V of the Planning Development Act, 2000 [2012] HA
Part V Review [2014] HA
An independent review carried out by consultants DKM on behalf of the Housing Agency. A range of
options from abolishing or suspending Part V to extending its use were examined. These options
were presented as a basis for a further consultation phase around policy direction and led to a
published report Part V Review in 2014.
https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/migrated-
files/en/Publications/DevelopmentandHousing/Housing/FileDownLoad%2C39513%2Cen.pdf
Enabling the Delivery of Social Housing in Ireland [2014] ICSH
A report commissioned by the ICSH from consultants Altair into the future delivery options for
social housing by housing associations. The core recommendation is the establishment of a
development programme by the state for housing associations. The report looks at reforms to the
CALF scheme, argues for an increase in CAS funding and proposes planning and administrative
changes around the identification of public lands for housing, the setting up of a business case unit
dedicated to housing delivery and the introduction of new standard accounting and financing
management policies and practices.
https://www.icsh.ie/sites/default/files/attach/icsh-
news/861/enabling_the_delivery_of_social_housing_in_ireland_-_full_report_october_2014.pdf
Social Housing at the Crossroads [2014] NESC
A decade after its previous major report on housing, NESC offered a new report into a very
different environment. Although the report acknowledges links to the 2004 effort, ten years on and
NESC have put forward a much more radical solution based around the idea of cost rental. Cost
16rental, as a model for housing in Ireland and not just a way of setting rent levels for particular
affordable renting schemes, holds out the promise of an economically sustainable model of housing
for low income households. The NESC report makes the case.
Homeownership or Rental: Which Road is Ireland on? [2014] NESC
The tenure mix in Ireland is changing with the numbers of households renting increasing rapidly.
The report is an empirical study of Ireland’s changing tenure landscape and of the implications of
these changes for Irish society and economy.
Review of Irish Social and Affordable Housing Provision [2014] NESC
Financing of Social Housing in Selected European Countries [2014] NESC
Socially Integrated Housing and Sustainable Urban Communities [2015] NESC
In a series of Research Series papers, NESC provides additional information and analysis in support
of its case for a radical change in direction for housing policy.
Ireland’s Rental Sector” Pathways to
Secure Occupancy and Affordable Supply [2015] NESC
NESC examine the policies that will provide tenants with more secure occupancy and at the same
time create or at least not discourage more supply of affordable rentals. The measures include a
mix of rent regulation, improved security of tenure and incentives to increase the supply of
permanent affordable rental housing. The core elements ‘indefinite tenure, market-sensitive rent
regulation, supply side subsides, tax reform, active housing supply and land management and
resolution of encumbered buy-to-let mortgages’.
Housing Supply and Land: Driving Public Action for the Common Good [2015] NESC
As part of a suite of policy changes to the affordable housing sector, NESC here proposes three key
actions: government led boost to housing supply, in-depth examination of the cost structure
underlying the residential building in Ireland and changes to institutional and organisational
structures in the areas of housing, planning and infrastructure.
NESC: https://www.nesc.ie/publications/
17Analysis of Current Expenditure on Housing Supports [2017] IGEES
This report, produced by the research unit within DPER, provides analysis and relevant statistics on
rental assistance programmes and leasing. The proportion of overall housing expenditure by the
state that is capital funded has decreased form 70% in 2008 to 45% in 2017. At the end of 2016 just
short of 93,000 tenancies were supported across the four programmes of Rent Supplement, HAP,
RAS and Leasing [36.8% of households in receipt of social housing support].
https://igees.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Analysis-of-Current-Expenditure-on-Housing-
Supports.pdf
Traveller Accommodation: The Challenges of Implementation [2018] OLRS
The report is a very useful summary of the history of housing policy affecting Travellers. The
Traveller population has been increasing, availing of a range of accommodation options. In 2016
there were 8717 Traveller households with just under a half with local authority tenancies. Norris &
Winston [2005] have collated data from variety of sources prior to 1995 and CSO and Local
Authority annual returns thereafter. In 2017 – households on roadside had fallen to 5% of total.
https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/how-parliament-is-run/houses-of-the-oireachtas-service/library-
and-research-service/
Regulation of Approved Housing Bodies in Ireland [2018] OLRS
An overview of the voluntary housing sector from the Oireachtas Library and Research Service. The
paper looks at the profile of the sector, the current [pre-Residential Tenancies [Amendment] Act
2019] regulatory framework, the classification of AHBs [discussion on EUROSTAT decision to classify
AHBs as entities controlled by government whose borrowings should be counted as part of
government’s and policy issues.
http://opac.oireachtas.ie/AWData/Library3/noteRegAHB161018_114708.pdf
Right to Housing Reports [2018] MLRC
A series of reports by the Mercy Law Resource Centre that looks at different aspects of the right to
housing. The first report different sources of housing rights both domestic and international as
expressed in The Irish Constitution, the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the European
Convention of Human Rights, the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the European Social
Charter [Revised]. The second report looks at the experience of other countries who introduced a
right to housing in their constitutions. And the final report focusses on Children and Homelessness.
https://mercylaw.ie
18Thinking Ahead [2018] HA
Report on supported housing for an aging population from the Housing Agency. Case studies [19]
looking into models of social care in Ireland. Published November 2018.
https://www.housingagency.ie/publications
National Survey of Irish Housing Experiences [2018] HA
The findings from a survey of household attitudes carried out for the Housing Agency by Amarach
Research in 2018.
https://www.housingagency.ie/publications
Current and Capital Expenditure on Social Housing Delivery Mechanisms [2018] IGEES
In light of the rise in expenditure on social housing [in 2018 it was 4% below Celtic Tiger peak
levels], the report considers relative cost effectiveness of the different delivery mechanisms. No
clear conclusion is forthcoming with the relative cost effectiveness varying between locations. The
report also recognises the importance of other factors in choosing which mechanism to use – the
overall mix of mechanisms available, the ease of implementation, sectoral capacity, flexibility etc.
https://igees.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/19.-Current-and-Capital-Expenditure-on-Social-
Housing-Delivery.pdf
Analysis of Approved Housing Bodies [2018] Benefacts
An analysis of the number and status of AHBs carried out by Benefacts on behalf of the Oireachtas
Library and Research Service. Benefacts maintain a database of Irish charitable / non-profit
organisations. The study identified 548 AHBs, of which 442 were active [had submitted recent
financial statements], 42 were dissolved or liquidated and 64 were indeterminate. Based on this it
suggested that at the time 294 bodies had not signed up to the voluntary code [including those that
were probably or definitely not active]. Details on assets [and whether they had employees or not]
were also available for those bodies that had submitted financial statements to regulators. As of
the end of 2016 the value of known AHB assets was just under €4 billion. The number of employees
stood at 21,700 [those most of these provide health / social care services of one kind or another.
http://opac.oireachtas.ie/AWData/Library3/noteRegAHB161018_114708.pdf
19Rebuilding Ireland - Pattern of Social Housing Construction 2016 - 2018 [2019] IGEES
Figures and analysis on the social housing construction under Rebuilding Ireland at the half way
point in the programme. With €1.249 billion on new build [including voids and homeless hubs].
Detailed analysis of the €1.25 billion spent on new build social housing under RI.
https://igees.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Pattern-of-Social-Housing-Construction.pdf
Traveller Accommodation Expert Review [2019] DHPLG
Report from the expert panel set up to look at traveller Accommodation. This report looks at
delivery and noted three points of particular concern – the current methods of assessing the needs
of Travellers, supporting Travellers living in the private rented sector and the allocation of social
housing to Travellers.
https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/2019_july_expert_review_group
_traveller_accommodation-final_reportrt_00.pdf
Diverse Neighbourhoods: An Analysis of the Residential
Distribution of Immigrants in Ireland [2019] ESRI
With 11.4% of persons living in Ireland born outside the country [excluding United Kingdom
citizens], it is important to get a good picture of the distribution of the immigrant population in
Ireland. The main findings are that the migrant population is highly centralised in urban areas. But
a distinct sub-grouping, 1.8% with poor English proficiency skills, appear in high concentrations in
towns around the country. Overall the levels of residential segregation have remained fairly stable
since 2011. Finally, the immigrant population is generally found in areas where private rented
accommodation is more available. This last point raises important policy questions around social
integration and the effect on household incomes.
https://www.esri.ie/system/files/publications/BKMNEXT376.pdf
205 Local Government & Project Specific
Spot-Checks of Capital Projects [2009] DHPLG
Report on Spot-Checks of Capital Projects [2011] LGAS
The earlier report [2009] was carried out by consultants Ernest & Young [2009] into the way capital
projects are carried out by local authorities. With specific reference to Housing Capital Projects
[63] the E&Y study highlighted problems with formal appraisal [29%], no preliminary report [8%], no
formal information flows defined [15%] no project brief [28%], no project steering committee [9%]
and project over budget [11%].
The LGAS study by the Local Government Audit Service and through spot checks identified a range
of deficiencies : - incomplete appraisal [27], exceeded budget [23], procurement issues [24],
delivered outside timeframe [16], planning issues [12], lack of post project review [17], final
account not prepared in timely manner [7], no project brief [2], no sensitivity / multi-criteria
analysis [8] and no evidence of formal Departmental approval [3].
https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/migrated-
files/en/Publications/CorporateServices/DeptFinance/FileDownLoad%2C33150%2Cen.pdf
The oversight role of local authorities in the provision
of social housing by Approved Housing Bodies [2015] LGAS
The LGAS make a number of recommendations for improving how local authorities carry out their
oversight and monitoring role over approved housing bodies that have received state monies to
provide social housing.
https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/vfm_report_no._29_-
_the_oversight_role_of_local_authorities_in_the_provision_of_social_housing_by_approved_h
ousing_bodies.pdf
A Place Called Home [2017] CAN
A Case study into the failed PPP project in Dolphin House carried out by the Community Action
Network. The case study looks at the contribution of the local community and activists based on a
human rights approach.
One of the outputs linked to Dolphin House was a collective complaint under the Revised European
Social Charter. In October 2017 ruled that Ireland had failed to take sufficient and timely
measures to ensure the right to housing of an adequate standard for many households living across
the country.
21Part 3: Statistical Reports [by subject]
Mortgage Arrears and Repossessions CB
Quarterly report by Central Bank.
Construction Sector Activity UB
Index produced monthly by Ulster Bank.
Rent Index RTB
Quarterly report published by Residential Tenancies Board.
Based on rents of tenancies registered with RTB.
Property Price Index CSO
Monthly index of house prices and residential property transactions.
Homelessness Statistics DRHE
Published monthly on Department’s website.
Statistics on homeless adults dependents and families.
Gender and regional breakdown and type of Homeless Accommodation provided
New Dwellings Completions CSO
Published quarterly by Central Statistics Office.
New methodology for counting new build output [Q1 2016]
Full release Includes details of ESB Connections [unfinished estates, re-connections]
New dwellings by size, type of dwelling and location.
Ireland Residential Investment CBRE
Index of residential investment since 2012 published quarterly.
Residential as % of overall Irish investment.
Regional breakdown
22Student Accommodation RI
Quarterly progress Report on Purpose Built Student Accommodation.
Breakdown – completions, under construction, planning permission granted and applied for.
Rental and House Price Reports DAFT
Reports produced quarterly on asking prices for dwellings and for renting.
Regional breakdown. Data series back to 2006.
House Prices Davy Stockbrokers
Property Report published quarterly [MyHome.ie] on house prices.
Rent Supplement [Social Welfare Services] DEASP
Annual report – Statistical Information on Social Welfare Services.
Rebuilding Ireland [Implementation] DHPLG
Quarterly: Action Plan Status Report
Annual: Social Housing Delivery [latest for 2018]
Housing Statistics DHPLG
Large volume of housings statistics published on the Department’s website.
Construction starts [commencement notices] / Home Bond registrations / Cost Index
Social housing build / acquisition / leasing / rental assistance programmes / special needs
Supply of Building Land [now the Residential land Availability Survey]
Mortgage and House Price – average property prices / mortgages / arrears
Public Housing – housing stock / rental income & arrears / sales / repossessions
Private – rental inspections / adaptation grants
https://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/statistics/housing-statistics
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