REVEALED: Scale of aggression faced by Kilkenny housing staff

​A total of 87 incidents of violence and aggression have been documented within Kilkenny County Council’s Housing Department since the beginning of 2023.

​Figures released by the local authority show that 22 incidents were reported in 2023, followed by 19 in 2024 and 28 last year.

A further 18 incidents had been reported in 2026 by the time the figures were released following a Freedom of Information request in July.

Responding to further queries from Kilkenny Live, the council stressed that not every reported incident involved physical violence.

“Kilkenny County Council takes all incidents of violence, threats, intimidation, and aggressive behaviour towards staff very seriously,” a spokesperson said.

“The safety and wellbeing of staff is a priority, and the council is committed to providing a safe working environment for employees and members of the public.”

The council said housing staff regularly work with people experiencing homelessness, housing distress, financial hardship, health difficulties, addiction issues and other complex personal circumstances.

​It said staff are often dealing with sensitive situations while supporting some of the most vulnerable members of the community.

A range of measures are in place to protect staff, according to the Council, including violence and aggression management training, health and safety incident reporting and investigation procedures, risk assessments and management support.

Staff also have access to the Employee Assistance Programme for confidential counselling and support, while the Council engages with An Garda Síochána “where circumstances warrant”.

Physical security measures at the Housing Office include secure reception facilities, purpose-designed meeting and interview rooms and a security guard during opening hours for walk-in customers.

The Council said additional measures can also be introduced following an assessment of individual circumstances. An active safety committee meets regularly at the Housing Office to monitor health and safety issues, review incident trends and discuss measures to improve staff welfare and workplace security.

The Council said its incident reporting systems are primarily intended to record incidents and trends, while actions taken following individual incidents can be dealt with through separate operational processes.

It said it continually reviews its policies, procedures and security arrangements and is satisfied that appropriate measures are in place to protect staff while maintaining accessible public services.

The figures emerged after Kilkenny Live sought records relating to incidents where the conduct of a member of the public resulted in the Council taking a formal protective measure in respect of one or more Housing Department staff.

In its decision, the Council said its Housing Department reports incidents of violence and aggression to its Health and Safety Department who hold a spreadsheet containing information on those incidents, but the spreadsheet does not contain details of formal protective measures.