Claim that first-time buyers in Louth are being ‘outbid’ by county council

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

Claims that first time buyers are coming up against Louth County Council in the housing market emerged at the January meeting of Dundalk Municipal District.

Cllr. Maeve Yore told the meeting that buyers who were hoping to purchase their first home had been in contact with her to raise concerns that the council were buying up properties.

She said they were being “outbid” in some cases by the local authority, adding that in one older street in Dundalk there were four houses now owned by the council.

Cllr. Yore added that it was a government approach which, she argued, was not going to help the housing crisis.

Cllr. Fiona Mhic Conchoille said she was dealing with a family who loved the council house they are living in, but they are in need of more space.

She asked if, rather than "going onto a transfer list and waiting for years”, an extension or attic conversion could be added to enable them to stay in their family home.

Cllr. Antoin Watters queried the waiting times on the housing list, telling the meeting that it was causing some anxiety among people waiting to be allocated a home.

Christine Mullen, Administrative Officer (Housing) at Louth County Council said that there is a budget for housing acquisitions this year.

She didn’t have specific information about first-time buyers being outbid by the council, but committed to providing a response.

In relation to queries over an attic conversion or extension to a council property, she said that only disability adaptations are carried out by the council.

It wouldn’t be “cost effective” to build extensions, she added. But there should be more three and four bed houses becoming available in 2026.

Ms. Mullen told councillors there is a backlog in the housing list, largely due to the social housing needs assessment conducted in November 2025.

"But staff are working through this as fast as they can, and this will reduce the waiting times."

She said anyone on the list can reach out the housing section if they have their documentation, with questions they might have.