Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 April 2017
65. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his views on the fact that the construction of new homes has hit a seven-year high and yet homelessness here is still on the rise; the reason for this phenomenon; the changes that are required to the housing policy to rectify this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15028/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe long-term solution to homelessness is to increase the supply of homes. A range of measures are being progressed in this regard under the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness which was launched in July 2016 and which provides a multi-stranded, action-oriented approach to achieving the Government’s key housing objectives, including tackling homelessness in a comprehensive manner.
The Action Plan is designed to accelerate all types of housing supply – social, private and rental. Over the lifetime of the Plan, some 47,000 new social houses will be provided, supported by Exchequer investment of over €5 billion, and housing output generally will be progressively increased towards the target of producing 25,000 houses per year through all channels.
It is intended that the long-term housing needs of homeless families will be met through housing supports, such as the enhanced Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme, and general social housing allocations. Significant progress is being achieved in this regard, with housing authorities achieving over 3,000 sustainable exits from homeless accommodation into independent tenancies during 2016, a record level of exits in a calendar year.
A range of schemes and social housing programmes have been developed and continue to be rolled out to support homeless individuals and homeless families. This includes a variety of build, acquisition and leasing schemes, including rapid delivery programmes and schemes which will bring properties which are currently vacant or derelict back into use.
The Monthly Housing Activity Report: February 2017 provides the most up-to-date data on residential planning permissions, housing commencements and completions, and social housing output and can be accessed through the following link:
http://rebuildingireland.ie/news/housing-activity-continues-to-strengthen/.
