Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 January 2026
1499. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the solutions that are in place for people who are over the income threshold for social housing but under the income threshold for cost rental schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2373/26]
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.
The new housing plan sets out a broad range of measures which will activate and accelerate new homes delivery and provide affordable housing supports. The plan has a strong focus on deliverability and removes structural barriers to homebuilding – unlocking land, reforming planning, delivering infrastructure and creating conditions for investment.
Government is investing an unprecedented level of funding to support housing supply, which will underpin, inter alia, the new Starter Homes Programme, delivering an average of 15,000 affordable housing supports annually to 2030. We are making homes accessible and affordable, increasing social and affordable housing output and improving rental security. The Plan supports homeownership —while revitalising villages, towns and cities.
In addition to a keen focus on tackling vacancy and dereliction, the plan provides for an expanded remit for the Land Development Agency, working to extend the First Home and Help to Buy Schemes to 2030, an increase in affordable cost rental tenancies, an expanded local authority delivered starter homes for purchase programme which will see an increase in affordable homes for purchase nationwide and a new support for those creating Living over the Shop homes.
Government has introduced several schemes to help first time home seekers to buy or rent homes. Since 2021, close to 19,000 affordable housing supports have been provided via these measures, nationwide. These supports will be retained, streamlined and expanded under the umbrella of a new Starter Homes Programme to further tackle the issues of supply and affordability, and ensure that first time buyers and renters all over the country in need of assistance, are supported by Government.
Scheme criteria and support levels for affordable purchase schemes are kept under regular review, taking account of developments in the housing market. I will continue engaging with all delivery partners to ensure that the Starter Homes Programme enables the delivery of a strong pipeline of affordable housing supports, over the lifetime of the plan.
