Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
675. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has plans for when long term leasing arrangements are concluded; if social housing tenants will need to be rehoused elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12699/24]
View answerUnder the Housing for All strategy, the Government plans to increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 homes per year over the next decade. This includes the delivery of 90,000 social homes, 36,000 affordable purchase homes and 18,000 cost rental homes. Housing for All is supported by an investment package of over €4bn per annum, through an overall combination of €12bn in direct Exchequer funding, €3.5bn in funding through the Land Development Agency and €5bn funding through the Housing Finance Agency.
Under the Housing for All plan, entry into new long term leasing, which includes Enhanced Leasing, will be phased out by the end of 2025 and my Department is continuing to engage with local authorities in this regard. Long term leasing targets were set to deliver 3,500 social homes from 2022 to 2025, tapering down from 1,300 units in 2022 to 200 units in 2025.
It is the responsibility of the local authority to ensure any social housing tenants are rehoused as and when lease arrangements end as appropriate.
Housing for All commits to ending long term leasing by the end of 2025. This policy remains unchanged. Notwithstanding this, leasing continues to be an important mechanism for expedited delivery to meet social housing needs as build supply ramps up to meet demand.
