Housing plans to boost ongoing progress nationwide – Dillon & Cummins

New homes are springing up every day across the country, a Fine Gael Minister and Senator have said.

With just over a week to the local and European elections, Minister Alan Dillon and Senator John Cummins have restated Fine Gael’s commitment to providing quality housing and vibrant local communities.

Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, Alan Dillon said: “We are witnessing the positive impact of Fine Gael housing policies: supply is increasing nationwide, and we want to ensure this trend continues. Over the past 12 months, around 500 people are buying their first home every week, and every working day, 350 new homes are being built across the country.

“This is meaningful progress, and there’s even more on the horizon to help families all over Ireland step onto the property ladder with confidence.”

Minister Dillon said only Fine Gael local election candidates can deliver housing needs to their local communities.

“Fine Gael’s Local Election manifesto introduces a transformative approach to housing, and deeper collaboration with councillors and local authorities.

“Voting Fine Gael on June 7th in the local elections empowers councillors to drive this vision, continuing housing progress and promoting vibrant and resilient communities across Ireland.

“Our Local Election manifesto commits to bold actions, and deeper collaboration with councillors.

“Each local authority will undertake to develop a credible Housing Delivery Action Plan and be held accountable with quarterly progress reports. We will prioritise the promotion of new housing developments on suitable lands across the country.”

Senator John Cummins, Fine Gael spokesperson on Housing, Local Government and Heritage, said: “I believe everyone deserves a place to call home, and we are determined, as a party of home ownership, to make that aspiration a reality for young people and families right across this country.

“Vacancy and dereliction must be combatted with the same vigour and success that Waterford City and County Council has achieved. Our councillors have worked with Government colleagues to ensure every local authority has at least one full-time, fully funded Vacant Homes Officer.

“The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant amounts have been improved already due to Fine Gael councillors and it is being reviewed again with the possibility of staged payments under consideration.

“The Local Authority Homes Loan will be maintained for the next five years, providing crucial financial support for those looking to purchase their homes. Likewise, the Help to Buy Scheme, which has supported over 47,000 first-time buyers, and the First Home Scheme that has enabled over 4000 buyers to bridge the gap between their mortgage and the cost of a new home, will be extended by a further five years.

“It’s vital that a strong Fine Gael team is elected to councils right across the country on June 7^th, to ensure this progress continues.” Senator Cummins concluded.