No HAP properties available in the west
The supply of properties within any HAP limits are predominantly in Dublin.
A new report has revealed no properties available within the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Scheme limits in September.
The Simon Communities of Ireland’s (SCI) quarterly Locked Out of the Market report, shows that just 12 properties were available under the HAP scheme across the county.
Sligo Town, Galway City Centre, and Galway City Suburbs were among the areas with no HAP properties available.
Data was not collected on the Mayo area.
The report found 1,361 properties were available to rent at any price within the 16 areas surveyed over the three dates surveyed in September. This is an increase of 58 properties (four per cent) since June 2026 and an increase of 528 properties (63 per cent) since September 2025.
Ber Grogan, Executive Director at the Simon Communities of Ireland, said: "We had hoped that Budget 2027 would finally deliver the long-awaited increase to HAP limits, but once again, there has been no change.
"Over the last ten years, rents have risen dramatically, becoming unaffordable for many households, while there’s been little change to HAP. As a result, people who rely on HAP are increasingly locked out of the private rental market, unable to secure a home they can afford despite having housing support in place. We see the impact of this every single day, across the country.
"Increasing HAP limits would be an immediate, practical step the Government could take to help people access housing. It is time for the Government to listen, act and ensure HAP reflects the reality of today’s rental market, while addressing the wider problem of unaffordable rents.”
