Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
206. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of first-time buyers in Galway that have benefitted from the first home scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37340/26]
View answerThe First Home Scheme supports first-time buyers in purchasing new houses and apartments in the private market, or building their own home, through the use of an equity share model, within price ceilings established across the country.
The Scheme is overseen and managed by the First Home Scheme Ireland Designated Activity Company (DAC), on behalf of the shareholders - the State and participating mortgage lenders (AIB, BOI, and PTSB).
This DAC is responsible for collating and issuing statistical information as it pertains to the scheme. To Q1 2026, the scheme has approved a total of 261 eligible applicants to purchase their homes in Galway, (95 in Galway City and 166 in Galway County). In the same period, 124 applicants have drawdown funds to purchase their first home (50 in Galway City, and 74 in Galway County). Information on First Home Scheme delivery by local authorities can be found on the FHS website at: www.firsthomescheme.ie/about-the-company/quarterly-updates/.
The Starter Homes Programme, of which the First Home Scheme is a central component, is supporting thousands of individuals and families get access to a home. More information on the delivery under this Programme, broken down by Local Authority, is available in the quarterly affordable delivery statistics published by my Department on www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/collections/overall-social-and-affordable-housing-provision/#affordable-housing-delivery.
