James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy again for raising this question. It is a matter he has worked very hard on and has campaigned on to ensure we can have those affordable homes, which are an essential part of our housing delivery and to ensure we have private homes people can afford to buy, affordable homes people can access, and social homes across the spectrum so everybody has access to a home they can afford. I hear the Deputy on Galway East. I will be visiting both local authorities in the coming weeks and engaging with them to see what more we can do to support them in delivering affordable homes.

In supporting the development of Galway city and county's affordable housing programme, the Department is funding dedicated affordable housing administrative and technical staffing posts, with seven in Galway city and six in Galway county. There are 14 cost-rental homes to be provided in Barna in early 2026, which should be part of a cost-rental equity loan scheme as well. We want to see more affordable homes and will continue to work with the local authorities and local Deputies.

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