Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 December 2022
251. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the rising number of elderly people living on the brink of homelessness (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61011/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIncreased supply across all tenures is key to eradicating homelessness. Housing supply is increasing under Housing for All.
There is a strong pipeline, with 44,715 dwellings granted planning permission in the 12 months to the end of June 2022. 27,773 new homes were completed in the twelve months to end September 2022 - greater than the total for 2021 or any full year since the CSO completions series began. There were 26,608 units commenced in the year to October 2022 and we are on track to exceed the Housing for All target of 24,600 new build homes in 2022.
Record State investment of €4.5bn will be made available in 2023 to support the largest State home building programme ever, with 9,100 direct build social homes and 5,500 affordable homes.
Having regard to immediate pressures, the aim of the emergency winter eviction ban is to reduce the burden on homelessness services and the pressure on tenants and the residential tenancies market. To assist in managing demands on housing services after the winter period and ensure that there is no cliff edge impact on 1 April, the ban provides for deferred Notices of Termination to take effect on a phased basis over the period from 1 April to 18 June 2023.
As a further emergency measure, I have also written to local authority Chief Executives, informing them of my decision to continue the delegated sanction, to purchase homes where the tenant is at risk of homelessness, for the duration of the emergency winter eviction ban and up to the end of the transition period in June 2023.
