In January 2026, the Government launched the new Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund (HIIF) to support direct investment in the critical infrastructure needed to unlock housing delivery in towns and cities across the country. The HIIF is a multiannual €1 billion fund and will be managed by the HAO within my Department. It represents the largest housing infrastructure investment announced by the State in many years. The fund is designed to address infrastructure constraints that are preventing or delaying housing development, particularly in locations where housing can be delivered at scale and at pace.
Call 1 of the HIIF opened for applications from local authorities and the Land development Agency (LDA) on 21 January 2026 and closed on Friday 27 February 2026. Applications have been received from 30 local authorities, including Laois County Council, and from the LDA. I can confirm that two applications were received from Laois County Council under the HIIF for (1.) the Borris Road/Dublin Road Urban Distributor Road and (2.) the Dublin road - Collier lane Junction enhancement. Confirmation of receipt of both these applications issued to Laois County Council on 6 March.
The Housing Activation Office team are actively reviewing the applications against the scheme criteria. Recommendations will be brought forward in accordance with the governance arrangements for the Fund shortly.
The HIIF Call 1 Scheme Outline document can be found on my Departments website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-housing-local-government-and-heritage/publications/housing-infrastructure-investment-fund-call-1-scheme-outline/.
