The Housing Agency has welcomed the announcement of significant investment in housing in Ireland, as set out in Budget 2021.
With a total housing allocation of €3.3 billion – a 24 per cent increase on Budget 2020 –Budget 2021 provides not only the largest investment in housing in Ireland to date, it also indicates a significant commitment to a long-term approach to addressing Ireland’s housing and homelessness challenges.
Welcoming the €110m package of affordability measures outlined at the comprehensive budget briefing from the Minister for Housing, Local Government, and Heritage today, The Housing Agency’s Chief Executive John O’Connor said:
“The Housing Agency welcomes Minister O’Brien’s commitment to a sustainable, and long-term investment in affordable homes for purchase or rent. Our vision is to promote sustainable homes and communities; this budget represents a commitment to that vision.
“In particular, we welcome the investment in affordable purchase shared equity and cost rental homes. Long-term investment in affordable housing is a critical measure to achieve affordability for households into the future.
“With plans to deliver 12,750 new social homes through build, acquisition and leasing programmes, including building 9,500 new social homes, The Housing Agency looks forward to working with the Minister and his Department to achieve the ambitious targets set out in the Budget.
“We will also work with local authorities, approved housing bodies, and the broader housing sector to deliver a sustainable investment in affordable homes for purchase or rent.
“The Housing Agency’s role in housing policy, support and delivery has expanded in recent years, the allocation of €10.8m to the Agency reflects our commitment to deliver homes in sustainable communities to meet current and future needs.”
