Donegal sees highest increase in number of properties under Ukrainian ARP scheme

Donegal has seen the highest rise in the number of properties being awarded payments under Accommodation Recognition Payments (ARP) Scheme for Ukrainians.

The figures revealed in a Parliamentary question to Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Matt Carthy TD, show an increase in every county, and an overall rise of 3,125, in the number of properties being awarded ARP payments between January and July of this year. 

Donegal TD and Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty has highlighted this, stating it is concerning at a time of rising rents and an ongoing housing crisis. “Figures revealed to Sinn Féin show that Donegal has recorded the sharpest rise in the number of properties being awarded payments under the Accommodation Recognition Payment Scheme since the start of last year. 

"Donegal has seen a rise of over 240% - with no other county coming close. This is a rise from 608 properties in receipt of payments under the ARP scheme in Donegal in January 2024 to over 2,000 today.

“This is an extremely significant rise when you consider the small number of properties that are available to rent in Donegal at present. The failure of the government to recognise the impact of this scheme on the private rental sector is outrageous, particularly given soaring rents and the fact that we are in the middle of a housing crisis and a defective block crisis.  

“Sinn Féin have been repeatedly pointing out that this scheme was unfair because it gave Ukrainians access to housing supports, without a means test, which are not available to any other person, including those on lower wages trying to secure housing. 

"We also pointed out that money received by landlords was tax-free and therefore worth double that of rental income. This is driving up rents, particularly in parts of the state, such as Donegal, that traditionally had lower rents.

“These figures also show that there are significantly more properties than property owners coming under the scheme. 21,803 properties provided nationally by 16,900 owners clearly indicates that a large number of people have more than one property under this scheme. 

"This highlights that landlords are availing of this scheme because it financially benefits them while avoiding the normal obligations and responsibilities regarding tenancies.

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“Sinn Féin’s position is clear: there must be a fair, balanced, and planned approach to the accommodation of refugees. This responsibility must be shared right across the State — not disproportionately placed on counties like Donegal."