Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2017
1302. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the resources available to support local groups seeking to meet their housing needs through the co-operative housing model; his plans to issue a circular to local authorities encouraging support for co-operative housing groups including the provision of low-cost sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45801/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1329. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the progress made in regard to the introduction of an affordable housing scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46444/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1357. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the date on which he plans to introduce a new affordable housing scheme; the way in which it will differ from the scheme of 2011; the criteria of eligibility for the new scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46974/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1302, 1329 and 1357 together.
As I have previously signalled, the Government recognises the housing affordability pressures faced by households with low to moderate income in parts of the country where housing costs are highest. Therefore, housing affordability has been examined by my Department as part of the targeted review of Rebuilding Ireland, taking account of the measures already taken and those announced as part of Budget 2018. The outcome of this, including any additional measures, will be outlined in the coming weeks.
In terms of funding, as part of Budget 2018, I have secured funding of €25 million, to be provided over 2018 and 2019, to unlock local authority-owned land specifically to deliver affordable housing. Local authorities have already worked very successfully with co-operative housing bodies in delivering infrastructure on local authority-owned sites so that co-operatives can make affordable housing available. I would like to see this model made available on a far greater scale.
My Department is currently drawing up the criteria for access to this scheme, which will be communicated to local authorities in the coming weeks.
