Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 January 2026
152. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update made on the Programme for Government commitment to earmark certain cost rental units for key local workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4872/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is acutely aware of the housing challenges faced by many sectors of society including key workers and we are working to address these challenges head on.
The Government's new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, reinforces and expands the range of existing measures being implemented by the State to tackle the issues of supply and affordability. This is enabled by a record €6 billion capital investment in 2026 alone - the highest ever capital investment in the history of the State. We will deliver 90,000 affordable housing supports over the lifetime of the plan, under the starter home programme, to provide for more affordable homes to purchase and rent.
Cost Rental is a key element of the Government's strategy to improve affordability in the rental sector and to provide secure, long-term homes for moderate-income households, including those who may be categorised as key workers. The core principle of Cost Rental is that the rents cover the development, management and maintenance costs of the homes. This ensures that the long-term future of the homes is financially secure, while also having rents that are not subject to the pressures of the open market. All Cost Rental projects, supported by the State, must also achieve starting rents that are at least 25% below comparable local market levels.
In line with the Programme for Government commitment to earmark certain cost rental homes for key local workers, I made the Affordable Housing Act 2021 (Cost Rental Allocation Plan) Regulations 2025, last July. These Regulations allow for Cost Rental landlords to employ Allocation Plans which may prioritise particular homes for those with a link to an area though residence, employment or education. This will support people to live and work in their local area.
The definition of key worker is complex. We have learned, especially through the Covid years, that very many people working in the economy and in public, health and social services are key workers and making that distinction is not straightforward.
My Department continues to explore further options for targeting cost rental homes at key workers.
