Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 July 2024
263. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has considered ensuring all cost-rental developments have organic waste facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27996/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraHousing for All targets the delivery of 18,000 new Cost Rental homes in the period out to 2030. A strong pipeline is in place and under continuous development by Local Authorities, by Approved Housing Bodies using the Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL), by the Land Development Agency, and now also by private providers under the Secure Tenancy Affordable Rental (STAR) scheme.
The core principle of Cost Rental is that the rents cover the development, management, and maintenance costs of the homes, so that the long-term future of the homes is financially secure, but that rents are not subject to the pressures of the profit-driven open market. Rents will increase only in line with general consumer inflation, remaining stable in real terms while continuing to cover ongoing costs. Cost Rental homes also come with the added advantage of long-term, secure tenancies regulated by the Affordable Housing Act 2021.
Cost Rental homes currently being delivered into the sector are new-build homes constructed to the appropriate current building standards, including energy efficiency requirements.
My Department has not considered requiring that all cost-rental developments have organic waste facilities. Such a requirement would need to be considered carefully in the context of the overall effect on costs and increased rents.
