Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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229. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will amend a scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13472/24]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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The Local Authority Home Loan is a Government-backed mortgage for those who cannot get sufficient funding from commercial banks to purchase or build a home. It has been available nationwide from local authorities since 4 January 2022 for first-time buyers and fresh start applicants. The loan can be used both for new and second-hand properties, or to self-build.

On 14 November 2023, I brought a proposal to my Cabinet colleagues to broaden the Local Authority Home Loan, to make finance available to purchase and renovate derelict or non-habitable properties for the first time, which was agreed. This is evidence of the Government’s continued focus on bringing vacant and derelict homes back into use, which is a major focus of Pathway 4 of Housing for All.

I have no plans to extend this further to include applicants under the Defective Concrete Block Scheme.