Where an immediate short term housing need arises, immediate support may be available from the housing department of the local city/county/town council. However, there is no obligation on local authorities to house all those in need.

The Citizen Information Service is a good starting point for information on the housing possibilities available in different areas of the country. 

Check this list of the contact details for all local authority offices to identify the relevant town, city or county council.

The Citizens Information Service has set out details on the various housing options that might be available to those who find themselves in need of support:

• Emergency and temporary accommodation – this comprises mostly of hostel accommodation for those who are homeless. Other forms of emergency accommodation include bed and breakfasts, hotels or family hubs. 
• Social housing – housing provided by local authorities or voluntary bodies for adults who cannot afford to provide it for themselves. A dedicated form must be completed to apply to the local authority for social housing. Each local authority publishes its own version of this form.
• Private rented housing can be supported financially by a weekly Rent Supplement to help pay the rent.

State Support in respect of housing needs and in particular rent supplement is administered by the local Health Centres – details as follows:

Carlow   Cavan   Clare   Cork   Donegal   Dublin   Galway   Kildare   Kerry   Kilkenny   Laois 

Leitrim   Limerick   Longford   Louth   Mayo   Meath   Monaghan   Offaly   Roscommon   Sligo   

Tipperary   Waterford   Westmeath   Wexford   Wicklow

Resources

Focus Ireland provides nationwide services and supports for persons who are homeless or are threatened with homelessness.

Contacts