Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
669. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether his Department has engaged with local authority or community leaders in Donaghmede regarding housing and infrastructure delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6383/26]
View answerThe Housing Activation Office (HAO) has been established in my Department, where the office is coordinating and accelerating the delivery of infrastructure projects that are essential to unlock housing development on sites nationwide.
The HAO has undertaken extensive engagement with various stakeholders to identify and address infrastructure barriers to housing delivery. This has included formal meetings with the 31 individual local authorities, including Dublin City Council (DCC).
To underpin delivery, a new Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund (HIIF) was announced as part of the new housing plan, Delivery Homes, Building Communities 2025-2030. I launched Call 1 on 21st January 2026, inviting applications for grant funding to support direct investment in critical housing infrastructure projects. This initial Call focuses on advanced infrastructure projects that can be delivered in the 2026–2028 timeframe and activate the early delivery of housing. DCC, along with all local authorities and the LDA have been invited to submit applications by 27th February 2026.
In addition, the Housing Activation Office will continue to work with all relevant stakeholders, including DCC, to coordinate the delivery of infrastructure projects needed to unlock housing development on sites nationwide.
Government is also investing an unprecedented level of funding to 2030, supporting local authorities and other delivery partners, in the provision of social homes and affordable options to households throughout the State.
As part of my Department’s programme of strategic engagement, we are meeting local authorities on the delivery of 90,000 affordable starter home supports, as set out in the new plan Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025 – 2030. As part of this engagement, all local authorities, including DCC, will prepare new Housing Delivery Action Plans, replacing plans made under Housing for All. HDAP’s will set out how the Starter Homes Programme will be implemented within each administrative area. This development of HDAP’s will be undertaken in collaboration with delivery partners, including the Land Development Agency and Approved Housing Bodies, and will be informed by local needs, taking account of the requirement to provide the right mix of homes within their area.
