Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 January 2026
185. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current uptake of the first home scheme in County Offaly; the steps being taken to increase awareness and access; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4948/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAffordability and the chance to own a home is at the heart of the Government’s housing policy, as embodied within the new housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities. The Plan reinforces and expands the range of existing measures being implemented by the Government to tackle the issues of supply and affordability, thereby supporting the increased provision of new homes to purchase and rent.
The Government is investing an unprecedented level of funding to support housing supply, which will support the new Starter Homes Programme in delivering an average of 15,000 affordable housing supports annually to 2030. With a strong focus on deliverability, the plan will enable housing delivery partners, including the First Home Scheme, to accelerate the supply of new starter home supports, providing thousands of individuals and families with increased access to secure and affordable housing solutions nationwide.
The First Home Scheme supports first-time buyers in purchasing new houses and apartments in the private market, or building their own home, through the use of an equity share model. The Scheme is overseen and managed by the First Home Scheme Ireland Designated Activity Company (DAC), on behalf of the shareholders - the State and participating mortgage lenders. This DAC is responsible for collating and issuing statistical information as it pertains to the scheme. To Q4 2025, the Scheme has approved 80 eligible applicants to purchase their homes in Offaly and has seen a continuous increase in uptake year on year.
The Government is committed to increasing access to home ownership including through the continued support of the First Home Scheme. On 13 May 2025, the Government approved an additional €30 million State commitment to the First Home Scheme, bringing the total State commitment for the Scheme to €370 million. This is matched 50:50 by the participating banks, and brings the total commitment to the scheme to €740 million. The new housing plan includes an action to work with the participating banks to extend the First Home Scheme to 2030. Furthermore, an action was included to engage with the pillar banks to develop a support for first-time buyers seeking to purchase and renovate derelict or long-term vacant properties.
The First Home Scheme has an active marketing and advertising strategy, including social and traditional media channels and attendance at relevant events. Additionally, a Starter Homes communications campaign led by my Department will raise awareness of the Government's work in promoting affordable homeownership across Ireland, to help first-time buyer’s access affordable, quality housing. The campaign will also focus on increasing awareness of affordable housing and driving engagement across digital and traditional advertising channels about the different affordable and Cost Rental supports available.
