New homes built in Kildare can't be reserved for teachers, nurses and gardaí

Kildare County Council says it cannot reserve housing for public servants.

It was responding to a query from Naas Mayor Seamie Moore asking if it would be feasible to acquire affordable or cost rental houses for “local families and for workers in key services like An Garda Síochána, nursing and teaching” in the Naas area.

READ NEXT TRAFFIC: Park and ride facility set to be developed in Kildare

He said, at a Naas Municipal District committee meeting, that three government departments had previously provided accommodation in Naas and added that many public servants travel long distances to work in Naas at the moment.

But KCC said that while it supported the delivery of housing in Naas and across the county “it would not be feasible or appropriate for the council to request that such homes be reserved specifically for certain occupational groups such as An Garda Síochána, nursing, or teaching.”

It added these homes are allocated “based on transparent eligibility criteria, primarily income thresholds and housing need, rather than occupation” in line with national policy.

It also said introducing occupational preference could be considered discriminatory and may not comply with equality legislation.

It added that deciding who qualifies as providing  as “key services” would be complex “and could lead to disputes or inconsistencies, administrative burdens and potential legal challenges.”

.