Almost 20,000 applications for housing have been made to Dublin City Council this year, an increase of 3,000 on last year. The precise number of people seeking accommodation is unclear as applications may be made in respect of individuals or families.

The number of applications stands at 19,327 compared with just over 16,000 in 2013. The area of greatest need is the city’s northside.

Everyone on the list has already had their need for housing established by the council. More than a third of applicants are living in overcrowded conditions or have particular medical or welfare needs. A total of 1,136 applicants are homeless.

In addition to the main waiting list, 5,645 tenants are already living in social housing but are seeking to transfer; a quarter of these are living in overcrowded conditions.

Need to move

The figures were supplied this week to Lord Mayor of Dublin Christy Burke, who is to meet Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly shortly to agree a plan to deal with the crisis.

“The list in Dublin city is growing at an enormous rate and there doesn’t seem to be any particular programme in Government to deal with it,” he said. “But the Minister, Mr Kelly, has agreed to meet with me and an all-party delegation from the council, because this has to be dealt with urgently.”

The group of greatest concern was those who were homeless, Mr Burke said, but the waiting lists were growing for all categories of applicant.

The city is divided into 10 housing areas and applicants may choose to be considered for housing in any three.