Budget 2021 provides for an unprecedented level of funding to deliver housing programmes next year through an overall investment of €3.3 billion, an increase of €641m or 24% on 2020. This investment will ensure that the housing needs of over 28,500 households are met in 2021 and this will include the delivery of new social homes for people with a disability, older people and Travellers. In addition, my Department will fund a range of targeted schemes and initiatives specifically designed to support these households in 2021.
Over €20 million will be provided for a range of Traveller specific accommodation and extra measures to protect Travellers in response to Covid-19. This funding will also support the provision of social workers employed by local authorities to work with the Traveller community including in the area of homelessness prevention.
A funding package of in excess of €70 million will be available for the carrying out of home adaptation works for private and social homes, thereby facilitating people with disabilities and older people to continue to live in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. Funding of over €1 million will support initiatives for people with disability and for the continued implementation of the Joint Policy Statement on Housing Options for the Ageing Population. This will include the development of a new pilot scheme aimed at people aged 65 and older who are on a social housing waiting list or in a social housing property that is too big for their requirements.
My Department will work with local authorities to determine work proposals and related funding requirements in 2021 and funding will be advanced as projects are completed and claims fall due for payment. Further details in respect of the 2021 funding provision for housing programmes is set out in the Budget 2021 Expenditure Report which is available at the attached link:
http://budget.gov.ie/Budgets/2021/2021.aspx
