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

In the limited time I have, I will say that this is a matter the Deputy has raised on many occasions and we take what he says on board. We want that mix. The LDA is moving into that affordable purchase space. We want to look to increase that.

The Croí Cónaithe cities scheme was launched in May 2022. This scheme is a viable measure designed to support the building of apartments for sale that would otherwise not be built, providing a greater range of tenure in our urban centres. The scheme aims to bridge the gap between the delivery cost for buildings and apartments and the market price, where the cost of building is greater.

People can also avail of the first home scheme and can use it in conjunction with the Croí Cónaithe scheme, and also in terms of the help-to-buy scheme. The Croí Cónaithe cities scheme is part of a suite of housing measures designed to increase social, affordable and private supply.

As the Deputy referenced, the LDA can apply under the scheme to develop and sell apartments at market to owner-occupiers. The LDA can also deliver affordable purchase apartments at below market value.

The Deputy's point is well made. We are working with the LDA.

The LDA is very much doing that mix. In terms of affordable purchase, even in my own area of Limerick it is working with the local authorities. It is something that we keep under constant review.

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