Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 July 2023
63. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures he is taking to reduce the cost of construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32919/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government understands the major challenges facing the construction sector from high inflation, pressures on supplies and rising interest rates.
Under Housing for All, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, supported by my Department, has established a Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Leadership and Integration Group to support the development of MMC and the coordination of various entities that support MMC and innovation adoption particularly in residential construction. These measures will contribute to a reduction in construction cost. These measures include ConstructInnovate, National Demonstration Park for MMC, Built-to-Innovate Initiatives, the Accelerated Social Housing Delivery Programme, Build Digital Project and Training and Skills.
On 4th May, I published the Residential Cost Study report. It prioritises actions to deliver economically sustainable housing in the long-term through productivity, cost reduction, standardisation, innovation & Modern Methods of Construction. The priority actions from this report are now being progressed by my Department.
Additionally, in April, the Government approved measures under the Housing for All Action Plan to incentivise the activation of increased housing supply and help reduce housing construction costs, including the introduction of temporary time-limited arrangements for the waiving of local authority “Section 48” development contributions, and the refunding of Uisce Éireann water and wastewater connection charges.
Government continues to work hard to implement all the above measures.
