One-off council houses ‘a no-brainer’ solution for rural Donegal

Councillors on the Housing Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) have said that more one-off, rural council houses would have many benefits for Donegal.

Such benefites include simpler, cheaper housing and support for the ageing population.

SI housing is a type of rural, single council house whereby the applicant provides the site and Donegal County Council builds a social housing unit. 

At Wednesday’s Housing SPC meeting, committee members heard that of 23 applications for SI houses since January 1, 2022, 12 are not proceeding. The remaining 11 applications, were either built, under construction or at an ongoing assessment stage. 

Eamonn Brown of Donegal County Council’s Housing Department said that in the case of those not proceeding, reasons included the site not being suitable, the need being met by existing housing, or a change to the circumstances of the applicant.

Mr Brown pointed out that there was a section for expressing interest in SI housing on the standard housing application form. He encouraged councillors who were assisting people with applications to ensure that they provided  supporting documents such as proof of ownership of the site.

A number of councillors have for some time been expressing their concerns that SI housing is not built.

At Wednesday’s meeting, Cllr Gerry Crawford (FF) from the Liford-Stranorlar Municipal District (MD) said he believed that despite the presentation to councillors, there was a policy to not build SI houses. 

“Some of the ones not proceeding were put on the council waiting list and I bet you they are still on the waiting list,” he said. 

“I know of a family that had 60 acres of land. They wanted to build an SI house beside their elderly parents. They were told there were houses available in the nearest town. Those six houses were built and there was nothing since.

“Donegal has the highest aged population in Ireland and it probably has the highest rural population. 

“I think there should be one family member allowed to build in proximity of the family home.”

Cllr Ciaran Brogan (FF) agreed, saying that in the Letterkenny-Milford MD, there were many people who would rather live in rural areas and villages than move into larger towns. 

He also stressed the practical and financial value of such a housing programme. 

“There is a huge challenge around the materials cost etc, and the simplest model available is the SI model,” said Cllr Brogan. 

“The site is handed over. From a design and architectural model the same template is there, you don't need all these new design fees. 

“And the cost works for the smaller builder to go in and build one-off houses. It is a win-win situation. 

“We should be sending out the message that if people have their own land and are in need of housing, we will meet them in their own MDs. 

He called for the council to take a very clear position on SI housing, adding: “When you look at all the hurdles we have, I think this is one that could help us to overcome a lot of them.”

Cllr Donal Mandy Kelly (FF) agreed, and he also questioned the viability of the policy.

“The process needs to be simplified,” he said. “It is  a no brainer. It worked years ago and there is no reason why it couldn’t work now. 

“It was a great benefit to people in rural areas that have their own land.”

Cllr Kelly said it was always in the top two or three topics that people wanted to discuss when he was going from door to door. 

“I feel very strongly about SI houses,” he said. 

Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Martin Harley (FG) stressed that the needs of an ageing population needed to be taken into account. 

“People just want to be near their parents to help and assist them,” he said. 

“I welcome that we are building SI houses again but I think there is a bigger demand out there. 

“If we make it more streamlined and more accessible we will meet housing needs.”

Mr Brown acknowledged the comments of the councillors.

“At an area level we are sympathetic,” he said. “We are working within the policy and the Department approval. 

“The challenge remains of the availability of alternative accommodation which we have to consider. But I will consider that further with the director and the team in housing capital.”