Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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550. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government to provide details concerning the implementation of the tenant-in-situ scheme by Cork City Council, particularly in light of recent developments and guidance under Circular 11/2025 (details supplied), given the pressing need for stability and clarity in the delivery of housing supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32858/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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There is a record level of investment being provided for the delivery of Housing in 2025, with overall capital funding available of €6.8 billion. The capital provision is supplemented by a further €1.65 billion in current funding to address housing need. Government's main emphasis remains on constructing new homes and that unquestionably, is the correct approach and must be the priority for all local authorities including Cork City Council.

My Department is continuing to provide substantial financial support to local authorities to acquire second-hand properties for priority categories of need, including tenants-in-situ who have been in receipt of supports under HAP or RAS and who had received a Notice of Termination. The other priority categories for second-hand acquisitions are properties that allow persons/families to exit homelessness; one-bedroom properties to deliver on Housing First targets; and specific housing required for the elderly or people with a disability.

Over the last three years, my Department has provided funding for second hand acquisitions for these priority categories, demonstrating a clear commitment to respond to shorter-term pressures that can arise. This year we are providing €325 million to local authorities for second-hand acquisitions which has been apportioned across all 31 local authorities. To date they have only drawn down 26% or c.€83m of the €325m funding allocated to them for second hand acquisitions in 2025.

Cork City Council has been given a capital funding allocation of €20 million for its acquisitions activity this year; this gives the local authority the flexibility to respond to acute situations, while we continue to support their construction programmes. To date Cork City Council has drawn down €6.9m (c.35%) of the funding available to it in 2025.

My Department continues to work with all local authorities, including Cork City Council, to ensure that any challenges that have emerged can be addressed in order to ensure that tenant in situ acquisitions remain an option during 2025 where no other solutions exist.

As was the case in previous years, local authorities are best placed to determine the most appropriate way to prioritise which acquisitions to pursue within the priority categories for second hand acquisitions, based on needs within their area, including tenant in situ, at the same time supporting anyone who is in threat of homelessness via their Tenancy Sustainment and Placefinder services.