Local Housing Crisis Deepens: Over 1,000 Left Without Affordable Homes in Omagh

The local housing crisis in Omagh is intensifying, with over 1,000 people left without affordable homes last year, according to stark new data from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE).

Presented this week to the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, the figures highlight the urgent need for action to tackle housing stress across the district. In Omagh town, 793 applications for affordable housing were submitted, including nearly 600 from individuals classified as being in housing stress. Shockingly, only 83 applicants were successfully housed, leaving 90% without a home.

Across the wider Fermanagh and Omagh district, 2,296 people applied for affordable housing between 2024 and 2025, yet just 230 were allocated a property. The NIHE estimates a pressing need for 289 new homes in the Omagh area alone.

Barry McElduff, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, emphasized the impact on young people:
“Access to affordable housing is a critical issue, particularly for younger generations. Many in our community worry about securing a home in both the private and public sectors. It’s vital that we take action to ensure everyone can access safe, affordable housing.”

Cllr Dermot Browne described the figures as evidence of a deepening housing crisis:
“Rents are becoming increasingly unaffordable, house prices are at record highs, and the social housing waiting list continues to grow. The pace of new home construction is simply not keeping up with demand.”

Grainia Long, Chief Executive of the NIHE, said the organization is actively working to address the shortage:
“We are continuing to identify land and properties suitable for development. Through the ‘Call for Sites’ process as part of the Fermanagh and Omagh Local Development Plan, projections indicate a need for 942 new homes across the district between 2024 and 2029.”