Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
505. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the key measures taken to expand affordable housing provision during 2025; his priorities for 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73535/25]
View answer510. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the key measures taken to support first time buyers during 2025; his priorities for 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [73540/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 505 and 510 together.
The Government’s new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030, sets out a broad range of measures that will accelerate new homes delivery and provide affordable housing supports, thereby assisting first time buyers and renters all over the country. The new plan prioritises deliverability, removing structural barriers to homebuilding by unlocking land, reforming planning, delivering infrastructure and creating conditions for investment.
A key component of this plan, the new Starter Homes Programme, will deliver an average of 15,000 affordable housing supports annually to 2030, while at the same time having a keen focus on vacancy and dereliction. The Plan supports homeownership and secure rental —while revitalising villages, towns and cities.
In particular, the plan provides for an expanded remit for the Land Development Agency, extends the First Home and Help to Buy Schemes to 2030 and expands the local authority delivered starter homes for purchase programme, which will see an increase in affordable homes for purchase nationwide. It also creates a new support for those creating Living over the Shop homes.
Since 2021, Government has introduced several schemes to help first time home seekers to buy or rent homes, with close to 16,900 affordable housing supports having been provided via these measures, nationwide.
My Department proactively engages with the housing delivery partners, on a regular basis, to monitor and support their delivery of affordable housing. Scheme criteria and support levels for affordable purchase schemes are kept under regular review, taking account of developments in the housing market. I will continue engaging with all delivery partners, to ensure that the Starter Homes Programme delivers a strong pipeline of affordable housing supports, over the lifetime of the plan.
