[dropcap]The[/dropcap] Budget 2019 has allocated €2.3 billion towards the housing programme next year, announced the minister for finance, Paschal Donohoe at the Dáil today.
With this additional funding being allocated, by the end of 2019, €6.6 billion will have been granted to the housing supports and development.
The planned funding for the housing programme has been increased from a proposed €20 million to €89 million, facilitating around 6,000 affordable homes.
“This reflects our determination to do more to provide shelter and housing for our people. Where we find ourselves today is not where we want to be,” said Donohoe when announcing this.
Donohoe stated that more homes are being provided this year than any in the past decade.
“The infrastructural funding available per subsidised home is also being increased from €40,000 up to a maximum of €50,000, supporting the delivery of homes at up to 40% below market prices,” said Donohoe.
“Income eligibility limits of €50,000 for a single applicant and €75,000 for dual applicant households will apply and these will be kept under regular review to ensure they remain appropriate.”
There is also a further €1.25 billion being allocated towards 10,000 new social homes next year, with a combination of construction and leasing in this under the Rebuilding Ireland scheme.
An extra €121 million will also be allocated towards the Housing Assistance Payment to provide another 16,760 new tenancies in 2019.
€30 million has been granted towards homelessness services, with an additional €60 million in capital funding going towards emergency accommodation and family hubs.
By Ellen Fitzpatrick
Image credit: Reuters