Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 October 2020
145. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the proposed selection criteria for homes being allocated for cost rental; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29333/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government is committed to ensuring that affordable, quality housing solutions are available to everyone in Irish society, and this is reflected in the Programme for Government "Our Shared Future". The Programme commits to putting affordability at the heart of the housing system through the progression of State-backed affordable housing, including the development of a Cost Rental model. Cost Rental is housing where the rents cover only the costs of delivering, managing, and maintaining the homes.
Work to outline the consistent and sustainable delivery of Cost Rental at scale has been undertaken through an inter-departmental multi-agency Cost Rental Working Group, and is also being assisted by an external research project sponsored by the European Investment Bank (EIB) on behalf of my Department. Cost Rental is intended for a target cohort of households with incomes above the limits for social housing provision. Cost Rental is not intended to replace traditional social housing, which remains a priority for this Government, but to complement it in building mixed, sustainable communities.
It is envisaged that Cost Rental homes supported by Government investment will be allocated to applicants who meet eligibility criteria. The precise eligibility conditions are being developed in light of the on-going policy development work outlined, and these conditions will be set in advance of the completion of the first Cost Rental projects.
