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23 Sept 2025
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23 Sept 2025
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SOME people on Limerick’s housing waiting list have been left facing an “impossible” choice: lose your pet, or lose your offer of a home.
That’s according to Aontu councillor and housing activist, Cllr Sarah Beasley, who says she’s met some constituents who have had their pets put to sleep so they can avail of a home.
“Can you imagine being on the housing list for 20 years, then you get an offer, and then you’re told, you can have the house, but if you have a dog, you can’t have the house,” asked the northside councillor.
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At this month’s metropolitan district meeting, Cllr Beasley asked how many people on the housing waiting list were refused a tenancy due to having a family pet.
In a written reply from Mary Hayes, a senior executive officer on the local authority, she was told that this information is not recorded.
“However, pet ownership is discussed during assessments to help match properties with suitable properties.”
Limerick City and County Council generally allows its tenants to keep a maximum of two domestic pets in their council properties, provided the pets don't become a nuisance to others and their waste is disposed of daily.
However, there are some exceptions to this.
“I know loads of people who have surrendered their pets, or had their pets put down,” Cllr Beasley said.
Separately, almost 200 people have turned down offers of social housing from the council in the last five years.
The information came to light following a question from Cllr Beasley.
Two-thirds of the 194 people who refused housing gave a reason that the property was not suitable to their needs, or within their area of choice - but unsuitable.
Some people did not reply to offers, some gave no reason, or a personal reason.
Twelve of the 194 people were happy to remain in their current property, with four stating the offer was for a home outside their area of choice.
When a person applies for social housing in Limerick, they can pick up to three areas they would like to live.
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