Construction BUSINESS

Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, Simon Coveney, has announced the details of Pillar 2 ‘Accelerate Social Housing’ under Rebuilding Ireland – an action plan for housing and homelessness.

The Government’s plan has set ambitious targets of doubling the annual level of residential construction to 25,000 homes and delivering 47,000 units of social housing in the period to 2021.

In regards to social housing, this would be a significant achievement if the goal was reached. According to a FactCheck from theJournal.ie, only around 334 social housing units were built in 2015. While social houses built and social houses delivered are two very different things, a dearth in supply of new units may significantly derail the aim of 47,000. This aim will be supported by investment of €5.35 billion.

Other aims under Pillar 2 include: accelerated housing assistance payment delivery, establishment of a dedicated Housing Delivery Office and Housing Procurement Unit, extensive supports for local authorities and approved housing bodies, streamlined approval processes and housing that meets the needs of the vulnerable.

Minister Coveney says: “Local authorities have recruited 500 necessary staff and they now have a pipeline of projects that will be delivered as quickly as possible. Since May I have approved projects with a value of €150 million, which will see 800 homes delivered. In 2017 local authorities and approved housing bodies will provide 5,050 homes through building, buying and leasing. This will be a major kick start to the delivery of 47,000 social homes at a cost of €5.35 billion by the end of 2021 which is a key priority for me.”