Kildare politicians want to be represented on housing organisations

One of the elected Kildare county councillors should be represented on large approved housing bodies.

AHBs exist to be independent, not-for-profit organisations, which provide affordable rented housing for people who cannot afford to pay private sector rents or buy their own homes.

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At a Kildare county Council meeting, Cllr Suzanne Doyle said any AHB which manages more than 500 properties should have a councillor on its board and this should be approved by the Minister for Housing.

She also said that the nominated councillors should have experience around housing.

“A link with the public is needed,” said Cllr Doyle, adding that KCC is represented on other bodies such as the Kildare and Wicklow Education and Training Board.

Cllr Doyle said the voice of the tenant is “not being given the same weight” and there is “an imbalance of  power.”

She said in some instances tenants use the Residential Tenancies Board in the event of disputes and they shouldn’t have to do this. There was support for her call that “there needs to be advocacy for tenants.”

KCC official Annette Aspell said that AHBs have properties all over Ireland and the people on the existing boards are “very professional.”

Ms Aspell said that the taking on of this role is an onerous task.

Two AHBS have 500 or more units in Kildare - Clúid (734 units) and Tuath (906 units).