Construction BUSINESS

The Government has formally released its housing and homelessness project labeled ‘Rebuilding Ireland’.

The 114-page document aspires to increase all types of housing supply and provide 47,000 new social houses over the following six years as well as targeting an yearly overall build of 25,000 units per year.

The plan targets homelessness and aims to ensure that by this time next year hotels are used for families in only limited circumstances.

There will be extra help for those with mental health and addiction issues as well as supports for the rental sector and greater use of empty units.

The lack of homes and homelessness was described as a national crisis by all political parties earlier this year.

The plan, which was approved by Cabinet this morning, is the Government’s response to that crisis.

Launching the document, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said the Government was honouring the promise in its Programme for Government.

The plan would need the commitment of the entire sector and the real involvement of local government, he added.

Mr Kenny said the economic turmoil of the recent past meant we were not building sufficient houses, some people were struggling to afford a mortgage, and others were being made homeless through no fault of their own.

Mr Kenny paid tribute to Minister for Housing Simon Coveney and thanked the committee’s approach, saying the plan sets out a clear road map.

He said €5.5 billion will be available for social housing and infrastructure and that the plan will help private housing infrastructure and build on the private rental market.

The drafting of the plan has been a collaborative process and successful implementation will rely on all involved, the Taoiseach said, adding that there will be no task the Government will undertake that will have such a direct impact on people’s lives.

Minister Coveney said the Government was determined to change dramatically the State’s response to those who found themselves homeless.

The Rapid Build programme target would be trebled, and vacant properties would be utilised, he said.

In the short-term, there would be nutrition and dietary initiatives for homeless families in short-term accommodation. There would be health supports for the sector with the budget for dealing with homeless people with health issues trebled to €6 million.

On social housing, he said the biggest new idea was creating mixed developments of social and private housing using publicly-owned land banks.

That would create diverse and vibrant communities while at the same time tackling the stigma attached to social housing, he added.

Mr Coveney said the planning system would change to encourage suitable new builds in the right places.

Developers would be able to go direct to An Bord Pleanála with plans for estates of over 100 houses and Government would put pressure on the Bord to approve suitable projects in a timely manner, the minister added.