Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2023
256. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update under Housing for All to end long-term leasing by local authorities and approved housing bodies through phasing out new entrants and focus on new-build to provide social housing homes. [7118/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder Housing for All the Government plans to increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 homes per year over the next decade. Over 300,000 new homes will be built by the end of 2030, including a projected 90,000 social homes, 36,000 affordable purchase homes and 18,000 cost rental homes.
This includes the delivery of 47,600 new build social homes in the period 2022-2026. Housing for All is supported by an investment package of over €4bn per annum, through an overall combination of €12bn in direct Exchequer funding, €3.5bn in funding through the Land Development Agency and €5bn funding through the Housing Finance Agency.
Housing for All sets out that there will a managed phasing out of new long term leasing projects over the lifetime of the plan. It is envisaged that 3,500 units will be delivered through long term leasing from 2022 to 2025. The number of new entrants and projects into the long term leasing scheme is reducing over the lifetime of the plan; tapering down from a target of 1,300 units in 2022 to 200 units in 2025.
As a necessary measure to accelerate social housing delivery in response to emerging pressures being experienced across the housing system, The Housing Agency in conjunction with my Department has been exploring the introduction of an emergency new targeted leasing initiative. Proposals were sought under an expression of interest process from market providers for the potential delivery of approximately 1,000 properties through a time-bound and limited targeted leasing intervention in the areas of greatest need. This initiative is still under consideration at present. These 1,000 homes would be separate and additional to the current long term leasing scheme.
Housing for All commits to ending long term leasing by the end of 2025. This policy remains unchanged, however leasing continues to be an important mechanism for expedited delivery to meet social housing needs as build supply ramps up to meet demand.
