Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
726. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the way that an individual may apply for affordable housing in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41071/22]
View answerHousing for All is the Government’s plan to increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 per year over the next decade. Under Housing for All, the Government will deliver 54,000 affordable homes between now and 2030, to be facilitated by local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), the Land Development Agency (LDA) and through a strategic partnership between the State and retail banks.
2022 represents the first year of a very ambitious programme of delivery of affordable housing. Significant funding has been secured and is being made available by Government to support delivery of affordable housing for purchase or for cost rental by local authorities, AHBs and by the Land Development Agency (LDA). As affordable housing for purchase or cost rent becomes available, housing in those schemes, and their prices or rents, will be advertised by the local authority, the approved housing body or the LDA and applications will be sought from those eligible.
In addition, the First Home Scheme, which was launched on 7 July, supports first-time buyers in purchasing new houses and apartments in the private market through the use of an equity share model, similar to that employed in the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme. The First Home Scheme aims to support in the region of 8,000 households in acquiring new homes in the private market in the years 2022 to 2026, with an overall budget of €400 million. Further details are available on the Scheme website at www.firsthomescheme.ie, including the regional price ceilings which prospective purchases must fall within. Applicants can check eligibility and apply on the website.
In implementing Housing for All, each local authority has now prepared a Housing Delivery Action Plan for 2022 to 2026. Local authorities with a strong and identified affordable housing need, including Wicklow County Council, were asked to include planned affordable housing delivery in their Action Plans. Local Authorities will advertise affordable purchase schemes in accordance with legislation as they become available and individuals will be able to make applications to the local authority in the manner prescribed.
