Departmental Reviews

Tuesday, 5 March 2024

Questions (427)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

427. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a list of all schemes and funding streams related to housing delivery that are currently under review or due to be reviewed in 2024; the expected completion date of these reviews; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10702/24]

View answer

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51

Housing for All, the Government’s housing plan to 2030, has now entered its third year of implementation. There is an annual commitment set out in the Plan to update the actions including their associated timelines and responsibilities to achieve sustained momentum and implementation. This provides an opportunity to review the progress made to date and to ensure that Government’s focus remains in the areas of most need. The most recent Updated Action Plan was published on 14 November 2023 and can be accessed at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/97015-housing-for-all-action-plan-update-and-q3-2023-progress-report/

The continued implementation of Housing for All is aimed at increasing and accelerating the delivery of housing whilst also sustaining the progress made to date into the longer term. In this regard, my Department keeps the suite of housing delivery schemes set out in Housing for All under ongoing review to ensure their continued effectiveness and that they support the delivery of housing at scale. In addition my Department is reviewing various policy areas which enable delivery, which reviews are detailed in the Updated Action Plan referred to above.

Alongside the continuous review work being undertaken by my Department across all schemes, formal reviews of individual schemes or funding streams are taken at certain key points in time. In this context, the table below details the schemes and funding streams related to housing delivery that are currently under formal review or due to be reviewed in 2024. Details of these, including the expected completion dates are in the table below.

Scheme / Funding Stream	Expected Completion Date	Statement
Croí Cónaithe Towns Schemes	Q3 2024	When the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund was launched, a commitment was given that a review of the schemes under the Fund (the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant and Ready to Build Scheme) would be undertaken by mid-2024. This review is now underway.
National Regeneration Programme	Q1 2025	Circular N11/2007, which underpins the funding of the Social Housing National Regeneration Programme, was published in 2007. The Department is committed to undertaking a strategic review of the Programme, to ensure its continued alignment with policy objectives. The specifics of this review have not yet been formalised, however, it is anticipated that relevant stakeholders will be consulted, as appropriate. In considering an indicative timeframe for the review, consideration will be given to the most appropriate period in order to ensure best engagement from relevant stakeholders.
Land Acquisition Fund	Q3 2024	Under Housing for All, Government committed to a review of the Land Acquisition Fund, taking into consideration the expected benefits, the land requirements to meet Housing for All targets, and the actions arising from the land strategy.

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.