Emphasis on affordable and social housing



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Social and affordable housing will be one of the main focuses of the 2021 Budget.

There are indications that it will be the largest investment ever made in housing, with a value of 3,300 million euros and 12,750 new houses will be added to the stock of social housing, of which 9,500 will be built.

The remainder will be added through specific acquisitions and long-term leasing.

Financing an affordable housing plan has been a key battlefield in pre-budget negotiations.

The Housing Department is pushing for more money to be made available for this area.

However, sources say the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is reluctant, as some believe the move could boost demand rather than supply for housing.

A government source said the two departments can work out some deal where affordable housing financing would go toward new construction rather than existing stock.


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It will also focus on increasing funding for the Land Development Agency, established to coordinate state-owned lands for regeneration and development, and opening sites for the provision of housing.

A new bill expected to be approved by Christmas will put the agency on a legal footing, giving it additional powers to manage state lands.

The general objective of the agency is to participate in the construction of 150,000 new homes over the next 20 years.

The 2021 budget is also expected to see increases in funding for homeless services and other initiatives aimed at providing more homes.

There will also be good news for those looking to buy their first homes with the Home Buying Aid scheme which is expected to extend beyond Christmas.

It is also expected to outline an advanced modernization program for private housing in conjunction with new and existing social housing.

Sources within the department said there is also pressure for a substantial increase in funding for national wildlife services and wetland rewet projects.



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