Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 October 2025
74. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will ensure that the new housing plan makes it possible for Donegal County Council to construct affordable housing projects across the county. [53700/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll local authorities, including Donegal, prepare their own Housing Delivery Action Plan setting out their planned approach to meeting identified social and affordable housing needs.
Donegal County Council has published its plan for the years 2022-2026 at the following link: www.donegalcoco.ie/en/services/housing/plans-policies-and-publications/housing-delivery-action-plan.
The Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) is available to assist local authorities towards the cost of developing affordable purchase or cost rental homes where significant affordability needs have been identified.
My Department understands that Donegal is proactively exploring opportunities for suitable AHF projects.
The Ready to Build serviced sites scheme enables local authorities to provide sites at a discount to eligible applicants who want to build their own home. The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant continues to support the purchase and refurbishment of vacant and derelict properties. Both these affordable housing opportunities are promoted on Donegal County Council’s official website.
It is also worth noting that the First Home Scheme is available nationwide to support eligible home buyers in the private new housing market through an equity share arrangement.
My Department, the Housing Agency and Housing Delivery Co-ordination Office of the Local Government Management Association are available to assist Donegal in any aspects of the development of its affordable delivery programme.
