Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 January 2018
103. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the demand for co-operative housing in Galway city and county; if so, the status of plans for the provision of co-operative housing in the city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4453/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government recognises that housing affordability is a major issue for some households in parts of the country, including Galway. While initiatives introduced to date are having a positive impact and will have a greater impact in time, the need for further targeted measures is recognised.
For this reason, on 22 January, I announced a package of initiatives to help alleviate affordability pressures faced by households, particularly in areas of high housing demand and high accommodation costs. The measures are designed to enable low- to moderate-income households that do not qualify for social housing supports, to purchase or rent homes, particularly in Dublin, Galway, Cork and other major urban areas. Close cooperation between local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies and/or housing co-operatives is clearly envisaged within the suite of measures announced.
The new measures included the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan, an Affordable Purchase Scheme and an Affordable Rental Scheme. Further details on this suite of initiatives are available on my Department's website at the following link:
http://rebuildingireland.ie/news/min-murphys-statement-on-affordable-homes/.
The delivery of affordable housing will rely on the State developing the full potential of its residential land bank. All local authority Chief Executives have been requested to submit proposals, by mid-February, for the delivery of additional affordable housing in their areas. In addition, a Residential Land Management and Development Group has been established and will play a key role in driving delivery as speedily as possible. The Group will meet with all local authorities, including the two Galway Councils, to explore the most appropriate approaches in individual local authority areas, including the potential for collaborative engagements with Approved Housing Bodies.
