Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
716. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether he has considered a CALF application for 60 houses in Carndonagh (details supplied); if so, his decision in relation to this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34935/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates a number of funding programmes that assist local authorities to work in partnership with Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to construct and purchase homes and make them available for social housing. One such programme that local authorities and AHBs progress Social Housing projects through is the Capital Advance Leasing Facility (CALF).
CALF funding is capital support provided to Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) by local authorities to facilitate the funding of construction or purchase of new social housing units. This loan facility can support between 25% and 30% of the eligible capital cost of the housing project, with the remaining finance sourced by the AHBs from private lenders (usually the HFA) with the housing units provided to local authorities for social housing use under long-term lease arrangements known as Payment and Availability Agreements (P&A).
All funding provided to AHBs to support social housing is made available by my Department through local authorities. Indeed, local authorities, as the statutory housing authorities, are the decision makers in relation to the suitability of a proposed social housing project. For example, local authorities are required to ensure that any project appropriately reflects the housing need in that particular area and that there is sufficient need in the area to support the units over time; provide a level of assurance around the costs associated with projects; the properties comply with relevant standards and regulatory requirements; and the objectives of creating and maintaining sustainable communities are being met.
In relation to the specific housing development in Carndonagh, Co. Donegal referenced, I can confirm that my Department is not yet in receipt of a finalised application for this project.
