Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 April 2024
697. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average duration of the lease agreement in place for properties restored under the repair and leasing scheme; the cost of the scheme in every year since 2017; how many units are targeted for 2024; the reasons the majority of homes delivered to date are concentrated in one local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15171/24]
View answerHousing for All commits to supporting local authorities to drive expanded take-up of the ongoing enhanced repair and leasing scheme (RLS). To this end, in July 2023, I increased the maximum cost of repairs allowable under this scheme from €60,000 (including VAT) to €80,000 (including VAT) per unit delivered.
The 2024 Housing for All target for RLS is 130 units. In January 2024, my Department issued targets for 2024 RLS delivery to each local authority, with a total target issued of 228 units. These targets were set following consultation with the local authorities and demonstrate the growing ambition for this scheme across local authorities.
The cost of RLS in respect of all local authorities to end 2023 is published on my Department’s website at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/#repair-and-leasing-scheme-rls.
The average duration of lease for units operational under the scheme at end 2023 is 18.91 years.
Waterford City and County Council is the leading local authority in delivering units under RLS. It participated in the original pilot scheme, commencing in October 2016. To end 2023, Waterford has delivered 312 homes under RLS, 56% of national delivery. This includes the largest RLS project to date, St Joseph’s House, Manor Hill, where 71 homes have been created in a previously vacant convent in a city centre location. The scheme is a key source of one and two-bedroom properties, which continue to form the highest percentage of social housing need. This is reflected in Waterford, where 48% of homes provided to end 2023 by RLS are one-bed units; with a further 37% providing 2-bed homes.
