Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 October 2025
85. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to clarify the methodology through which local authorities are funded to support the purchase of land and meet the development costs of providing affordable housing schemes within their administrative area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53177/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAffordability and the chance to own a home is at the heart of Government housing policy. Since 2021 over 14,500 affordable housing supports have been delivered by a range of delivery partners under the various affordability measures in place.
The Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) is available to support local authorities to address identified affordability needs in their area by providing a grant subsidy ranging from €50,000 to €150,000 per home, depending on the location and density of the housing scheme concerned, as a direct subvention towards the costs of developing the scheme, which may include land or any other costs directly associated with housing delivery.
The subsidy enables the local authority to offer the home to eligible candidates at a discounted affordable purchase price that is at least 15% below market prices or at a cost rent set at least 25% below comparable market rents.
The discounted affordable price paid by purchasers is based on their purchasing power and means. The affordability gap between the market value of the home and the upfront price being paid by the purchaser(s) sets the size of equity stake held by the local authority, generally redeemable at a time of the purchaser's choosing.
Specific funding for site acquisition for social and affordable housing is available to local authorities from the Land Acquisition Fund administered on behalf of my Department by the Housing Agency. Funding availed of and deployed by a local authority for land acquisition for affordable housing represents an advance element of the Affordable Housing Fund subsidy available to deliver upfront affordable prices for those homes.
1,736 affordable purchase and 307 cost rental homes have been delivered with AHF support up to and including Q1 of 2025.
