Malcolm Byrne (Wicklow-Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

80. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he plans to introduce a new local infrastructure housing activation fund, or similar scheme, to help unlock land for housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24801/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In July 2016, my Department invited local authorities to apply for funding under the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF), the objective of which is to provide public off-site infrastructure to relieve critical infrastructure blockages. The types of infrastructure being provided include roads, bridges, diversion of power-lines, drainage works, as well as public amenities (parks). It received over 70 applications. It should be noted the scheme closed to new applications in 2017.

In December 2023 the Government approved a decision to extend the LIHAF scheme until the end of 2025 to allow the completion of the remaining projects.

On 29 April 2025, the Government agreed to the establishment of a new Housing Activation Office (HAO) in my Department. The Office will identify and seek to address barriers to the delivery of public infrastructure projects required to enable housing development, through the alignment of funding; and co-ordination of infrastructure providers. The Office will develop a co-ordinated programme of public infrastructure investment to address infrastructure barriers impacting housing delivery. It is envisaged that the Office will manage a multi-annual housing infrastructure budget under the new Towns and Cities Infrastructure Investment Fund to support investment in infrastructure and facilities needed to enable housing delivery. The nature of the funding will be determined as part of the review of the National Development Plan, the capital investment plan for the period 2025-2035.

Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North-West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

82. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government for an update on the Oscar Traynor Road housing development, and on the timeline for delivery. [24568/25]