Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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335. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will provide an update on allocating a portion of cost-rental properties in Dublin for essential workers. [8175/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is acutely aware of the housing challenges faced by many sectors of society. Housing for All, Ireland's housing plan to 2030, contains a suite of actions that have and continue to increase the provision of housing through accelerating supply and increasing the affordability of homes.

Cost Rental housing is a key tool in our efforts to make rents more affordable and renting more secure. Since the launch of Housing for All, 2,640 cost rental homes have been delivered nationwide, including over 1,600 across the four Dublin local authorities.

My Department is currently exploring options for the setting aside of certain Cost Rental units for key local workers as set out in the Programme for Government. This includes exploring opportunities to build on recent legislative changes brought in by my predecessor last year.

The Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2024 included new provisions related to the Cost Rental sector which are likely to improve access for certain cohorts, including those who may be categorised as key workers. The changes will mean friends and work colleagues can come together to access Cost Rental and will also allow cost rental providers to prioritise such homes for those with a link to an area though previous residence, place of employment, or children’s education. This will support people to live and work in their local area.

My Department is now developing the required legal and policy framework, including regulations, to provide for the implementation of these changes to cost rental.