Activity under the voluntary and co-operative housing schemes has been increasing steadily over the last five years. Some 1,600 units of accommodation were provided last year compared with 950 units in 2000, which represents an increase of more than 59%. The number of units completed and in progress at the end of June 2005 stood at 2,564 and it is anticipated that the number of units which will be completed this year will exceed 1,600.
The Government is fully committed to developing and expanding the sector and to supplying the necessary resources and support to enable it to become an important and significant force and provider in the housing area. Provision for funding for the schemes has been increased significantly from €44 million in 1999 to €237 million in 2005. In conjunction with this funding for the voluntary housing programmes, my Department has also initiated the development by local authorities of five-year action plans, commencing in 2004, for the delivery of social and affordable housing, including the voluntary programme, to ensure a systematic and integrated approach to the effective use of these resources.