Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 July 2025
573. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average processing time for stage 1 approvals for applications to the affordable housing fund received in the past 12 months. [38972/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the beginning of 2025, the Department has approved over 1,000 proposed homes for subsidy from the Affordable Housing Fund across 21 projects. Assessments and project approvals occur on an ongoing basis and generally as a single approval rather than via a staged process. Because of the nature of the collaborative process between local authorities, the Housing Agency and the Department to find feasible solutions in a market context, a fixed application date is not always identifiable and, accordingly, a processing timeframe reckonable. Where complete and finalised applications are agreed, approval takes place in a matter of weeks.
The Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) is open on a continuous basis and available to support with subsidy project proposals from local authorities to address housing needs with affordability constraint identified in their area. Circular 23/2021 issued to all local authorities on 25 June 2021 and provides guidance on preparing an application for AHF assistance, including an overview of the marking matrix used to assess applications.
As with all Exchequer funded projects, the Department, as approving authority, considers each local authority project application for suitability and compliance with the various requirements of the applicable funding scheme. Initial assessment of a local authority proposal for eligibility for Affordable Housing Fund subsidy is carried out by the Housing Agency and funding approval is granted to eligible schemes on foot of a review of the application and the Housing Agency's Assessment Report.
The affordable housing pipeline continues to grow as new schemes are identified, planned and approved and my Department continues to engage with all Local Authorities with a view to identifying further opportunities to advance affordable housing projects throughout the country. The Affordable Housing Delivery Unit of my Department, in conjunction with the Housing Delivery Co-ordination Office of the Local Government Management Association and the Housing Agency, are always available to advise and support local authorities in developing and refining project proposals to respond effectively to affordable housing need.
