Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)

I wish to ask about the programme for Government commitment to earmark cost-rental units for key local workers like gardaí, teachers and nurses. We heard it at the GRA conference yesterday and at teacher conferences over Easter - housing is a key recruitment and retention issue. They need to be able to secure affordable accommodation that is accessible to the communities they serve. We already have some cost-rental unit projects in Dublin West and they are proving very popular in Hansfield, Churchfields, Mulhuddart and Hollywoodrath. There is an opportunity here involving a development in Ashtown called Rathborne Wharf that is under construction, with 326 social houses and 399 cost-rental homes funded through CALF and CREEL. It is located right beside the train station and near the Navan Road, with public transport connections all over Dublin West. Allocating 150 of those cost-rental homes to essential workers would be hugely positive and beneficial for the entire community. I have been told that a legal and policy framework is being developed by the Department of housing. Will the Taoiseach provide an update on that commitment and on the timings? Will he reiterate the need for progress and support the inclusion of Rathborne Wharf in the initiative. The homes in question will be ready in 2027.

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