Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 July 2024
145. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures he has taken to improve the provision of affordable housing since July 2020; his assessment of the impact of these measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30296/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraHousing for All sets out the range of actions necessary to increase the supply of housing out to 2030 comprising of 54,000 affordable homes to be delivered by local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), the Land Development Agency (LDA) and through the First Home Scheme, which is a strategic partnership between the State and retail banks.
Since the launch of Housing for All, over 5,800 affordable housing solutions have been delivered. In 2023 alone, over 4,000 affordable housing supports have been delivered via our delivery partners, an output which has more than doubled since the previous year, and represents an increase of 128% on 2022 activity, which highlights the significant progress achieved to date in relation to affordable housing from a standing start. Our various schemes are now operating at scale, with this momentum continuing as the pipeline is developed.
In addition, Government measures such as the increased financial support for delivery of Cost Rental homes by Approved Housing Bodies through the revised Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL) and the Secure Tenancy Affordable Rental scheme (STAR) have directly assisted in addressing viability challenges in the sector while activating uncommenced sites for the provision of affordable housing. These measures are kept under constant review to ensure that both the supply of cost rental and affordable housing is secured.
Other measures such as the Local Authority Home Loan, the Help to Buy Incentive, the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, and the Ready to Build Scheme are also available to help make homeownership more affordable.
Finally, to incentivise the activation of increased housing supply and help reduce housing construction costs, on 23 April 2024, the Government approved an extension for the waiving of local authority “section 48” development contributions in respect of residential development commenced up to 31 December 2024, and the refunding of Uisce Éireann water and waste water connection charges in respect of residential development commenced up to 30 September 2024.
