Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
509. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the key measures taken to support apartment building during 2025; his priorities for 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73539/25]
View answerGovernment is acutely aware of the viability gap which has emerged between the cost of delivering apartment developments and their market price and has taken a range of measures to incentivise development in this critically important area.
Measures taken in 2025 include: enabling the extension of un-commenced residential planning permissions nearing the end of their duration; rental regulation reforms including measures to boost investment in new apartments; a fourth call for the Croí Cónaithe Cities scheme which aims to bridge the viability gap for new apartments for sale; new apartment guidelines with greater flexibility vis-à-vis the size and mix of apartments; Budget 2026 taxation measures aimed at stimulating the supply of new apartments including a reduced VAT rate on the sale of new apartments and an enhanced Corporation Tax deduction for apartment construction costs.
Taken together, these measures have the potential to result in significant savings in the range of €88,000 to €160,000 per unit for new apartment developments.
The focus for 2026 will be on the implementation of these measures and closely monitoring apartment investment, planning and commencement activity to inform ongoing policy consideration.
