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Housing Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 June 2021

Thursday, 24 June 2021

Questions (34, 64)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

34. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider a plan to dramatically increase the supply of houses at the earliest possible date in order to address the issue of affordable houses for first-time buyers in view of the levels of inflation in the housing market rendering it virtually impossible for first time home seekers to provide themselves with an affordable house either by purchase or through the local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33844/21]

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Bernard Durkan

Question:

64. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent to which major building contractors can be employed to build affordable houses for sale or for rent to suitably qualified persons on lands made available through the local authorities in order to address the most urgent aspects of the housing shortage which is likely to remain for the foreseeable future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33845/21]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 34 and 64 together.

This Government is absolutely committed to ensuring that affordable, quality housing solutions are available to everyone in Irish society and this is reflected in the Programme for Government.

Over €3.3 billion has been made available in 2021 for housing - the largest budget in the history of the State. This year alone we are providing capital funding specifically to cover affordability measures including:

- €110 million for a new Affordable Purchase Shared Equity scheme and a new Equity Loan Facility to deliver Cost Rental homes;

- €50 million in Serviced Sites Funding to deliver affordable houses for sale or rent on Local Authority lands;

- €38 million in Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Funding which will support the delivery of homes on private lands including many at discounted prices; and

- €205 million to be spent by the Land Development Agency in its progression of housing including affordable homes; and

- €210 million is being made available for lending under the Rebuilding Ireland Home loan for those who cannot secure the necessary commercial loan and the Help To Buy scheme is also available via the Department of Finance.

I am also currently progressing the Affordable Housing Bill 2021 - the first ever stand-alone legislation providing for affordable housing measures. This will give a statutory basis for the introduction of Affordable Purchase and Cost Rental schemes. This Bill is currently proceeding through the Houses of the Oireachtas.

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