Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2026
425. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the priority the Government is giving to the delivery of affordable housing throughout County Kerry for working individuals and families who are above the income threshold for social housing but cannot afford to purchase a home at current market prices; if funding has been set aside to accelerate the delivery of affordable housing schemes in Kerry. [51039/26]
View answerAffordability and the chance to own a home is at the heart of the Government’s housing policy, as embodied within the housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities. This plan reinforces and expands the range of existing measures being implemented by the Government to tackle the issues of supply and affordability, thereby supporting the increased provision of new homes to purchase and rent.
To date, over 140 starter home supports have been delivered in Kerry to the end of 2025, through the First Home scheme (16 homes), the Vacant Properties Refurbishment Grant (121 homes) and the Cost Rental Tenant in Situ scheme (4 homes).
In response to demand for affordable homes within the urban areas of Killarney and Tralee, I understand that Kerry County Council - which like all Local Authorities has lead responsibility for determining and addressing housing needs within its geographical area - has recently engaged with the development sector, seeking partnerships to develop affordable housing.
In order to further drive the required delivery of starter homes under the new housing action plan, local authorities, including Kerry County Council, will shortly commence the preparation of new Housing Delivery Action Plans (HDAPs), for review by my Department, setting out how the Starter Homes Programme will be implemented within their areas. These HDAPs, replacing those previously drawn up under Housing for All, will be informed by local affordable housing need, and will involve collaboration with delivery partners, including the Land Development Agency, the Approved Housing Bodies and the wider development sector, as applicable.
Both my Department and the Housing Agency remain available to assist Kerry County Council with the planning and development of affordable housing schemes, supported through the Affordable Housing Fund.
