Housing and Homelessness Discussed in Episode 3 of Meath County Council’s PodcastLocal Lens

Monday 3rd March 2025, 15:57 pm

The delivery of new homes and supporting tenants to stay in their existing accommodation, as well as assisting people out of homelessness, are some of the most important services provided by Meath County Council.

In the third episode of its podcastLocal Lens,which will be released on all major platforms on the morning of Tuesday, March 4, 2025,Fiona Fallon, the Director of Services with responsibility for Housing Delivery & Support andGemma Ryan, who was part of the council’s Settlement Team, discuss housing and homelessness.

It can be a complex area: there are a number of ways in which the council works to deliver new housing units and there are also a number of factors taken into account in assessing the housing need across the county.

In this episode the issue of prioritising on waiting lists, deciding what number of bedroomed units are most needed and what to do if you find yourself at risk of losing your home, are discussed.

Gemma discusses the work of the settlement team, the circumstances that can result in homelessness and the increase in people who are homeless. The work of the team includes placing people in emergency accommodation including family hubs.

We also hear from two people who got the keys to their own homes in 2024 through different schemes involving the council.

Last year the council exceeded its target of new homes but on this episode you will also hear that it can be frustrating, as well as rewarding, to work in housing allocation.

The primary message is to contact the council as early as possible if you are at risk of losing your home.

Local Lensis presented byElaine Keoghand the executive producer isAilish Shaw.

The first two episodes are available now and can be found on all major platforms and at the following link:Local Lens

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