Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
701. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the affordable housing delivery targets for 2024; if he will provide, in tabular form, a breakdown by affordable purchase (LA affordable purchase scheme, First Home Scheme and Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant) and by cost-rental (local authority/AHB/LDA); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15175/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraHousing for All sets out the range of actions necessary to increase the supply of housing out to 2030 comprising of 54,000 affordable homes to be delivered by local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), the Land Development Agency (LDA) and through the First Home Scheme, which is a strategic partnership between the State and retail banks. The overall target for Affordable and Cost Rental Homes for 2024 is 6,400.
Local authorities have published 5 year Housing Delivery Action Plans (HDAP) setting out affordable housing delivery targets up to 2026. The Housing Delivery Action Plans do not include additional affordable homes that will be delivered by the LDA, AHBs, First Home and via the higher Part V requirements introduced in the Affordable Housing Act 2021. The plan for each Council is available on their individual websites.
The Department continues to liaise with all local authorities and other delivery partners in relation to the further development of an affordable housing delivery programme that will respond effectively to all affordable housing requirements identified at a local level.
In addition, the First Home Scheme, supports first-time buyers in purchasing new houses and apartments in the private market through the use of an equity share model, similar to that employed in the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme. Since September 2023, the First Home Scheme now supports those who wish to build their own home.
The scheme is available nationwide and more information can be found at www.firsthomescheme.ie/
Finally, the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, launched in July 2022, supports bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use as homes, with support of up to €50,000 being provided for the refurbishment of vacant properties and a further €20,000 available where the property is derelict. The grant is making the refurbishment of these properties into homes an affordable option for buyers and owners.
