Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
182. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures he is taking to address the growing gap between wages and house prices, including the affordability gap facing first-time buyers and renters; and the further policy or legislative measures planned to improve housing affordability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37221/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Governments housing action plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities, reinforces and expands the range of existing measures being implemented by Government to tackle the issues of supply and affordability, under a new Starter Homes Programme, which will deliver an average of 15,000 starter home supports annually to 2030.
In particular, the plan provides for an expanded remit for the Land Development Agency, extends the First Home Scheme and increases affordable cost rental tenancies. It also expands the local authority delivered Starter Homes Purchase Scheme, which will see an increase in the number of starter homes for purchase nationwide.
The Help to Buy Scheme, administered by the Revenue Commissioners, will also remain available for first-time property purchasers under the new plan, to assist with the deposit required to purchase or self-build a new home. This scheme can be used in conjunction with both the First Home and Affordable Purchase Schemes and allows eligible applicants to claim up to €30,000 or 10% of the property value, whichever is lower.
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.
More broadly, increased housing supply will help moderate price growth, ease affordability challenges across the country and help those aspiring to own their own home realise this goal. Over 38,000 homes were completed in the 12 months ending Q1 2026, the highest level of rolling 12-month completions since the CSO began recording the series in 2011. While the number of new homes purchased by first-time buyers in the 12 months to end Q1 2026 has increased almost 24% year-on-year from 6,414 to 7,944.
Overall, the housing action plan seeks to continue to accelerate delivery of new homes by focusing on activating land and creating the optimal environment to encourage housing activity – including regulatory reform, tax incentives and the largest ever capital investment in the history of the State, with €275 billion invested in infrastructure over ten years through the National Development Plan.
