‘State is paying for substandard homes’: 80% of HAP properties inspected in Cork city last year failed

There were 8,488 non-HAP private rental properties inspected, with 57% of them ing. This means HAP properties were almost twice as likely not to be compliant.
HAP is a social housing operated by local authorities which supplements rent for people with a long-term housing need. The properties are rented from private landlords, with the council paying all or some of the rent.
Figures provided by Cork City Council show that — of 1,791 inspections of HAP properties carried out in 2024 — just 348, or 20%, ed.
Overall, 10,279 inspections of private rental properties were carried out last year by Cork City Council, with 5,198, or just over 50%, ing.
There were 8,488 non-HAP private rental properties inspected, with 57% of them ing. This means HAP properties were almost twice as likely not to be compliant.
Sinn Féin councillor for Cork City North West, Michelle Gould, said that the figures show that the HAP system is “broken”, telling
: “The long-term impacts of living in homes that are mouldy and damp has been shown time and again. It is particularly damaging for children and older people.”