Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Housing is the main issue. I will speak in the context of the Limerick City constituency, which I represent. My views are well known. I welcome that the budget has amended the living city initiative and extended it until 2027, which means another five years. I want to see people living in the city centre. That is something on which I have worked. Limerick city centre has a Georgian footprint. I want living there to be affordable to young people so that it is an option when they are looking around for somewhere to live. Currently, it is probably not affordable for them.

I welcome that the Croí Cónaithe grant is being extended through blanket coverage to every area in the country - rural, town and urban areas, including city centres. This will make a considerable difference.

I wish to discuss an issue that may have been missed. Young people, including couples, are approaching me. In many cases, they say that buying a second-hand home is cheaper than buying a new one. This may not be known by the general public. Therefore, the Croí Cónaithe scheme has significant potential in terms of assisting people to buy houses that are not being used. If a house is derelict, the grant can increase from €30,000 to €50,000, which is a great deal of money. Houses cost money, but people in this situation will be doing up existing houses. This provides a large number of dual benefits and is welcome.

On affordable housing, I welcome that affordable homes will be rolled out in Limerick, with 25 units in Brú na Gruadán in Castletroy, which is where I reside. As I have stated on the record previously, I would like every new estate to have 10% affordable housing. Where land was purchased prior to 31 July 2021, developers are not required to provide 10% affordable housing, only 10% social housing, so long as they get planning permission before July 2026.

I want to have this aspect examined again in respect of the overall model. Regarding the constituency I represent, the social housing income limits are too low now. They have not kept pace with the average cost of housing or average incomes. When these limits were revised 11 years ago, the average income was around €35,000. Average income today is approximately €45,000, an increase of 20%. I am calling for a 5% increase across the board, including in respect of adult dependants and also for children.

I say this because many people are coming to us who are just over the income limits for social housing. What I wish to see in use all the time is an integrated model where we look after people in respect of social and affordable housing and allow them to live in their communities. Many of the measures introduced are to be welcomed. We do not need to reinvent the wheel. If there are vacant houses, then they should be occupied. In many cases, it is cheaper to buy and renovate them than to purchase or build a new house. I also wish to see a change in the affordable side of things. Every new estate built should have 10% affordable housing and 10% social housing. This is a simple principle.

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