Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 June 2026
136. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on his plans to deliver more affordable housing in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46793/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAffordability and the chance to own a home is at the heart of the Government’s housing policy, as embodied within the housing plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities. This action 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.
Over 1,200 starter home supports have been delivered in Meath to the end of 2025, through the Affordable Purchase scheme (102 homes), the First Home scheme (842 homes), the Vacant Properties Refurbishment Grant (105 homes), the Cost Rental scheme (via Approved Housing Bodies - 154 homes), and the Cost Rental Tenant in Situ scheme (6 homes).
Meath County Council has received funding approval to deliver 300 new homes for purchase across 16 schemes, supported by the Affordable Housing Fund, to end 2027. By the end of 2025, 102 of these homes had already been delivered.
A further three schemes are currently under assessment, with the potential to deliver an additional 32 new homes for purchase.
In addition, 8 projects have been approved to date under the Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL) scheme in County Meath, with 154 Cost Rental homes delivered to date, and a further 164 expected to be delivered by the end of 2028.
In order to further drive the delivery of affordable housing under the new plan, local authorities, including Meath County Council, will shortly commence the preparation of new Housing Delivery Action Plans (HDAPs) for review by my Department, setting out how the Starter Homes Programme will be implemented within their area. These plans will be completed and published by the local authorities in 2026.
In addition, to further support the development of Meath’s work in this area, my Department is funding 5 additional administrative and technical staffing posts.
