The Irish Government has approved an additional €696 million in capital funding to support housing delivery and community-level housing initiatives. The funding, announced by Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD, will facilitate the creation of 4,600 new social and affordable homes, the reactivation of vacant housing stock, efforts to tackle homelessness, and ongoing support for homeowners impacted by defective concrete blocks.
A significant portion of the investment is aimed at expanding social housing supply. This includes support for Approved Housing Bodies under the Capital Advance Leasing Facility scheme and for local authorities to progress new-build social housing projects, adding to the nearly 25,500 social homes currently in design and construction.
The funding also advances cost-rental housing, with substantial allocations for both Approved Housing Bodies and private sector developments under schemes designed to ensure secure, affordable tenancies. In addition, the Temporary Development Contribution Waiver Scheme is extended to further incentivize housing construction, reducing building costs and boosting supply.
Revitalization of empty and derelict properties remains a priority, with dedicated funding for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, which has already brought thousands of homes back into use. Local authorities will also receive funding for second-hand property acquisitions, including tenant-in-situ purchases, to protect vulnerable tenants from eviction.
Further support is provided through the Enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme, ensuring that homeowners affected by construction defects can continue to remediate their properties. This broad package of measures is intended to accelerate housing supply, address homelessness, and strengthen community resilience.
