Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 November 2025
197. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to outline details of new affordable housing schemes being supported by his Department; to provide details of submissions received from Laois County Council for the development of such schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66321/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAffordability and the chance to own a home is at the heart of Government’s housing policy, as embodied within the new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025 – 2030. To this end, Government is fully committed to continuing to accelerate the delivery of affordable housing supply over the lifetime of the plan.
In recent years, Government has introduced several schemes to help people to buy or rent affordable homes, under Housing for All. Since 2021, close to 16,900 supports nationwide have been provided via these measures. Under Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025 – 2030, these supports will be retained, streamlined and expanded to form a Starter Homes Programme to ensure that first time buyers and renters in need of support, are supported by Government.
To date, Laois County Council has delivered three affordable purchase projects supported by the Affordable Housing Fund, with 36 affordable purchase homes.
In addition, 28 cost rental homes have been delivered to date in Co. Laois, by Approved Housing Bodies.
Additionally, over 315 households in Co. Laois have availed of affordable supports through a mix of the First Home Scheme, the Vacant Properties Refurbishment Grant and the Cost Rental Tenant in Situ scheme.
Building on this progress, and utilising the measures outlined in Delivering Homes, Building Communities 2025 – 2030, my Department will continue to engage with all delivery partners to further the development of the affordable housing delivery pipeline in Co. Laois.
