Re-opening of tenant-in-situ scheme welcomed, but Cork TD has concerns over funding

The tenant in situ (TiS) scheme is accepting new applications in Cork city following funding approval from the Government, but a Cork TD has expressed concern that this agreement could require borrowing from next year’s funding.

The scheme sees the council buying homes from private landlords who are seeking to sell on the open market, if the tenants are at risk of homelessness as a result.

The council announced in April that their TiS scheme for 2025 was ceased with immediate effect after the Government did not provide enough funding for the council to cover expenses it had carried over from 2024, which the Government had approved.

This left many people whose homes had gone to 'sale agreed' in limbo, as the council was unable to proceed with the purchases.

At least two families had to present at emergency accommodation due to their landlords putting their homes on the open market. One man who has been waiting 15 months from when he was told his property would be bought told The Echo he is “still waiting” for his home to be purchased, saying: “I really don’t know what’s going on. I’m just lucky my landlord has the patience of a saint.”

A Cork City Council spokesperson told The Echo: “To continue to support local authorities in responding to acute local situations, the Government approved an increase in the funding available for second-hand social housing for 2025, from the €60m initially available under Housing for All, to €325m, through the allocation of an additional €265m.

“Cork City Council had a significant commitment under TiS acquisition with some units hanging over since 2024. Our allocated budget of €20m for 2025 has been committed to these.

“Subsequently we were informed under the agreed NDP, capital funding to 2030 now provides the department with greater capital funding certainty for 2026 and beyond, so Cork City Council has already committed elements of our budget to further acquisition for 2026 delivery under the categories above, including the TiS scheme which remains open.”

The council also told Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central Thomas Gould, after he asked if the scheme had re-opened to new applicants: “Applications for TiS are being accepted.”

Mr Gould told The Echo: “This is good news for the families who are currently facing eviction in Cork city, who could qualify. I hope it gives them some hope and we will now see sales progress quickly to prevent homelessness.

“However, it is very concerning that the scheme has only been reopened by allowing local authorities to borrow from next year’s unannounced allocation. This is the exact predicament that saw the scheme closed for the majority of this year in Cork city.

“The Government were clearly hoping to shut down the tenant in situ scheme — the only thing that is preventing homelessness right now — but we fought back against that and it is clear that they have been forced now to reopen the scheme.

“We need to see increased targets next year so that the scheme can operate fully. We need the criteria to be expanded.”