Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 February 2024
222. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 179 of 22 February 2024, his views on two further applications for affordable purchase schemes in Ennis that were received by his Department in December 2023 and January 2024 and are currently under assessment; if that assessment has now been completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9875/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI welcome the efforts that are being made by Clare County Council to develop an affordable housing delivery programme that will respond effectively to localised affordable housing needs that it has identified in its functional area, including the key urban centre of Ennis.
The Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) is open and available to support all local authorities to address any affordability needs identified in their area. Circular 23/2021 issued to all local authorities on 25 June 2021 and provides guidance on preparing an application for Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) assistance, including an overview of the marking matrix used to assess applications. Circular 06/2023 issued to all local authorities on 21 February 2023 and provides further guidance for local authorities such as Clare where localised need with affordability constraint has been identified.
Assessment of two applications for Affordable Housing Fund assistance at Ennis continues in my Department, in conjunction with the Housing Agency, and in liaison with Clare County Council as appropriate, in accordance with guidance and assessment criteria in place.
My Department, along with the Housing Agency and the Housing Delivery Coordination Office of the Local Government Management Agency will continue to advise and support Clare in respect of its planned response to affordable housing needs in its area.
