Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We have a challenge. I thank the Deputy for the question. The Affordable Housing Act 2021, which I commenced in August 2021, laid the provisions for the introduction of two new affordable purchase schemes. This will see new homes made available via local authorities, the Land Development Agency and a new national first home scheme. The measures will primarily assist first-time buyers or those under the fresh start principle trying to purchase homes but unable to secure sufficient finance to do so. These will be very important for delivery of housing this year.

I have confirmed that 36,000 affordable purchase homes will be delivered in the period to 2030 and have put in place an unprecedented level of funding to do so. While Ó Cualann Cohousing Alliance, with county council support, delivered some affordable purchase schemes in 2021, the Covid-19 pandemic and associated restrictions on construction sites had a significant impact on anticipated delivery of homes.

Fortunately, significant progress has been made that will see very many more affordable homes made available in 2022. The first of these homes will be made available next month in Boherboy, County Cork. The advancement of these schemes with the funding we are providing has allowed us in 2022 to set a target to deliver approximately 2,500 affordable homes for purchase this year. That does not include the cost rental and affordable rental homes. That figure will increase incrementally over the years to come.

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