Government to spend over half a billion on social housing

The Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government, Mr. Phil Hogan T.D., said that almost 70% of the €766 million budget for his Department will go directly to support Housing in 2014. The total housing allocation for 2014 will result in an investment of over half a billion on a range of programmes and is evidence of the Government’s commitment to housing  in very difficult financial times.

“I welcome very much the fact that investment in new social housing infrastructure has been given priority in this Budget and that in excess of 4,500 units will be provided in 2014 through leasing and existing housing capital programmes.”, said Minister Hogan.

Momentum will continue on the major regeneration programmes with significant commitment to Limerick Regeneration, and the Ballymun Regeneration Scheme to reach substantial completion in 2014. 185 new units will be delivered over the 2013/2014 period under the social housing investment programme. Up to 2,500 new transfers will take place under the Rental Accommodation Scheme and approximately 1,200 additional new leased housing units will come on line in 2014 bringing the overall operational number to 5,700 in 2014.

14,100 social houses will achieve improved energy efficiency through a retrofitting programme, of which 12,500 will be upgraded as part of the Government’s capital stimulus package. This will result in warmer homes and lower energy costs for thousands of families.

There will be a continuing focus on meeting the needs of the most vulnerable in society. 175 new housing units for people with special needs will be developed and up to 150 new leased units will be delivered to cater specifically for people with disabilities leaving institutional care.

The Government also gave the go ahead today for Minister Hogan to immediately commence a pyrite remediation scheme. This will come as welcome news to homeowners living with the terrible affliction of pyritic heave, who have been abandoned by those that were responsible for the problem. The Minister confirmed that he will announce details of the scheme tomorrow.