Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 September 2024
76. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures he is taking on social and affordable housing in Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36712/24]
View answer81. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the impact of Housing for All in Carlow since its launch; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36711/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 76 and 81 together.
Housing for All, the most ambitious and comprehensive housing plan in the history of our State, was published in September 2021. The Plan contains a suite of actions that have and continue to increase the provision of housing through accelerating supply and increasing the affordability of homes for our citizens, including those in Carlow. Data in relation to new dwelling completions is published by the CSO on a quarterly basis. In Carlow, 625 homes have completed between Q4 2021 and Q2 2024 inclusive. In relation to housing commencements in Carlow, building began on 944 homes between September 2021 and July 2024 inclusive, with 691 of these commencing since the start of 2023.
Following the publication of Housing for All in September 2021, I asked all local authorities to prepare Housing Delivery Action Plans. These Plans detail the social and affordable housing needs in their areas over the period 2022-2026, in line with targets set in Housing for All. A copy of Carlow County Council’s Housing Delivery Action Plan is available on their website.
My Department publishes comprehensive social and affordable housing statistics on a quarterly basis in all local authority areas. The social housing delivery and pipeline for County Carlow is strong.? From 2021 to Q1 2024, Housing for All has delivered 551 social homes in Carlow through build, acquisition and lease. The Construction Status Report shows there were 17 schemes of 195 homes on site in Carlow at the end of Quarter 1 2024, with a further 4 schemes of 37 homes at various stages of design and procurement.
Furthermore, a total of 42 affordable housing solutions have been delivered in Carlow through the First Home Scheme, Cost Rental Tenant in Situ Scheme, Local Authority Affordable Purchase, and the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant. Full delivery statistics are published on my Department's website: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/#affordable-housing-delivery
My Department is available to meet with Carlow County Council to discuss their affordable housing pipeline with assistance of the Housing Delivery Co-ordination Office within the Local Government Management Association. I have also sanctioned two additional staff to support the delivery of affordable housing in Carlow, which I expect will assist Carlow County Council to develop their affordable housing pipeline.
In addition, the First Home Scheme, launched in July 2022, supports first-time buyers in purchasing new houses and apartments in the private market through the use of an equity share model. Full information on the scheme is available on the First Home Scheme dedicated website, www.firsthomescheme.ie. Statistical data on delivery across all affordable housing streams during 2022, as published on my Department's website last month, shows that activity has begun to take place under this scheme for Carlow and is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/#affordable-housing-delivery.
The new Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is also available in Carlow and it provides for grants for refurbishment of vacant properties of up to €50,000 or €70,000 if the property is derelict. I also announced last year, a new Ready to Build serviced sites scheme under the Fund where local authorities will provide sites at a discount to people who want to build their own home. Information on both of these schemes is available directly from Carlow County Council.
A successful application under Call 2 of the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, over €17m is currently allocated to Carlow County Council to help fund the Public Realm and Pedestrian Linkage Proposal for Carlow Town. This proposal, comprising of 6 individual projects, is a continuation from the Carlow Town project under Call 1 which seeks to provide Carlow Town with plentiful, accessible and exciting public spaces. This will improve town centre linkages and increase pedestrian mobility from Potato Market through to Barrack Street with wider connectivity to Carlow College and the Railway Station.
Housing for All is having a sustained, positive impact across the country. The Plan will continue to deliver nationally for years to come including for the people of Carlow.
