Mary Fitzpatrick (Fianna Fail)
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I thank the witnesses for their presentations, their statements and for all of the work they and everyone in the local authorities in Galway and Cork city do. I will begin with Galway and I want to focus on the affordability issue. The housing crisis has two main characteristics, which are supply and affordability. I am told that affordability in Galway is even worse than in Dublin recently. House price inflation has exceeded Dublin and has been well into the double digits in recent years. When was the last time the local authority in Galway city delivered an affordable home? What was the most recent affordable housing scheme? I have been told anecdotally it was 2009. Is this the case?

Over what period will the 1,005 affordable and cost-rental units be delivered? Is it up to 2026? What will make up the 1,005? I hear from my colleagues, Councillor Michael Crowe and Senator Ollie Crowe, that there is real pent-up demand for affordable housing in Galway city and there is great anxiety about seeing some delivery. Will the witnesses share with the committee how the 1,005 homes will be delivered and within what timeframe?