Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the announcement of the recent approval of social housing developments in County Mayo, with 33 units to be constructed on Turlough Road and a further 75 units proposed for Snugboro in Castlebar. These initiatives will undoubtedly contribute to alleviating the social housing shortages in the area. The pipeline in the years ahead also looks positive. However, the absence of affordable housing units within the projects stands out as a missed opportunity for many aspiring homeowners in our community. Despite previous discussions with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, and the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, to set forth a realistic goal of introducing 100 affordable houses in Mayo, it appears we are yet to see significant progress in that area. Balance is crucial, especially for a generation of young people who are encountering unprecedented barriers to securing their own homes. I ask that we consider setting affordable housing targets within each local authority, given the availability of government funding for such schemes and the distinct variability of housing costs among many local authorities. I also ask the Taoiseach to provide an update on work that is being put forward to the Government in this regard.

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