Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien, is set to present plans to prolong the waiver on development levies and the water connection rebate to the Cabinet in the upcoming week. This move is part of a series of initiatives aimed at boosting housing development in Ireland. Let’s delve into the details of the proposed schemes and the broader housing targets set for the country.
Minister O’Brien shared insights on various key developments during the Irish Home Builders’ Association Housebuilding Summit, shedding light on the government’s commitment to enhancing housing affordability and availability.
Minister O’Brien’s initiatives include extending the waiver on development levies and the water connection rebate, alongside plans for the Help to Buy and First Home Bridge the Gap scheme for a five-year period. These proposals have garnered significant support and are progressing through the necessary approval processes within the government.
During a recent Cabinet subcommittee meeting, Minister O’Brien confirmed the significant progress made on the Help to Buy and First Home Bridge the Gap scheme, hinting at imminent Cabinet discussions to finalise these measures. The minister also secured approval for an additional €40 million injection into the First Home Bridge the Gap Scheme, with matching contributions from financial institutions.
Looking ahead, Minister O’Brien emphasized the importance of setting new housing targets for the remainder of the decade, pending the release of a population report by the ESRI in the autumn. He stressed the necessity of expanding land availability for construction to accommodate increased housing goals, signalling forthcoming engagements with local authorities to facilitate the zoning of additional land.
Furthermore, Minister O’Brien reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the Planning and Development Bill through the Houses of the Oireachtas before the summer recess, underscoring the government’s dedication to streamlining the regulatory framework for housing projects.
Conor O’Connell, Director of Housing and Planning at the Construction Industry Federation and the Irish Home Builders’ Association, expressed optimism regarding the proposed target of 50,000 homes annually, as outlined by Taoiseach Simon Harris. O’Connell highlighted the importance of strategic land zoning, infrastructure development, and cost stability in ensuring the feasibility and affordability of housing projects.
As Ireland navigates its housing challenges, Minister O’Brien’s proactive approach and collaborative efforts with industry stakeholders signal a concerted push towards addressing the housing shortage and enhancing housing affordability for citizens across the country.
