THE NUMBER of people seeking social housing in Galway has almost doubled since last year as the impact of the financial downturn continues to bite.
Galway County Council yesterday revealed how more applications for housing for the coming year have been received from people claiming financial hardship than the entire demand for social housing last year.
A study carried out in March 2008 showed there were 1,077 people seeking social housing in Co Galway but this has now jumped to 2,010. It was also disclosed yesterday that 1,117 people looking for social housing claim that their financial position has left them with no choice.
Labour councillor Colm Keaveney said that the figures were alarming, “but they are indicative of what is happening all around Ireland. People are losing jobs, losing income and are just unable to buy houses or get accommodation.
“Unfortunately, the situation looks like it will get worse during 2010 and the number of people who will need assistance will just keep increasing,” added the Tuam-based councillor.
The housing application list includes 277 people who are looking for accommodation on medical or compassionate grounds; 127 who are members of the Travelling community; 110 applicants are elderly people and 89 are disabled.