Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 October 2017
604. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the measures he will take to introduce affordable housing in order to allow persons on middle incomes the prospect of gaining a foothold on the property ladder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41428/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra611. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to introduce a new rent-to-buy scheme for those seeking to purchase a home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41525/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra616. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when an affordable housing scheme will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41620/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 604, 611 and 616 together.
The Government recognises the housing affordability pressures faced by many households, particularly in certain parts of the country. It is for this reason that the overarching objective of the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness is to increase the supply of new homes to 25,000 per annum by 2020. In particular, the aim is to increase the supply of high-quality social and affordable homes, as quickly as possible, in areas where demand is greatest.
Recent housing activity reports, available on, www.rebuildingireland.ie, show that strong supply-side measures being implemented under Rebuilding Ireland are beginning to have a positive impact, with all output indicators showing positive upward trends, including a strong supply programme of almost 700 social housing construction projects that will deliver over 11,000 homes at various stages of the approval process. The Social Housing Construction Projects Status Report for Quarter 2 2017 can be accessed at: http://rebuildingireland.ie/news/social-housing-schemes-2017/.
However, it is crucial that we continue to build on this momentum and focus on supply, particularly on the supply of homes at more affordable price points. In terms of affordability, low- to moderate-income households, renting in and around our cities, may struggle to secure suitable and affordable housing.
In this regard, as signalled previously, as part of the targeted review process of Rebuilding Ireland, I am focusing in particular on issues of housing supply and affordability, building on the measures already being advanced under the Action Plan. I expect this work to be completed shortly and I am considering the potential role of new initiatives around affordable housing policy. I expect to be in a position to announce measures in this regard in the coming weeks.
