Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
770. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he will issue a new directive in respect of the revised subsidy that his Department will grant to support the delivery of affordable homes in rent pressure zones under the site support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41110/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraContained within the Programme for Government was a commitment to extend the Serviced Sites Fund (SSF). In line with this commitment, a review of the SSF progress and projects to date was undertaken and, having regard to feedback from local authorities, a number of significant improvements to the funding scheme, now named the Affordable Housing Funding scheme, have been agreed and communicated to local authorities by way of Circular last month.
The changes include expanding the scope of costs covered to subvent the all-in development cost of delivering the housing, which may include land purchase costs; taking applications as they are developed on a rolling basis as opposed to time constrained funding calls; and, allowing funding support to now exceed the current maximum of €50,000 per affordable dwelling on a stepped scale to €100,000, based on location and density.
The improved and expanded funding scheme will provide key, enhanced support to local authorities in making available new dwelling units for purchase or rent at affordable prices.
