'It's a challenge': Longford TD Micheál Carrigy to chair Oireachtas housing committee

Last week saw the Government release their report on last year's housing targets.

The figures show that 7,126 affordable homes and 10,585 social homes were delivered in 2024.

7,800 of the social homes delivered were new builds. However, while the target for affordable housing was met, the target for social housing was missed by 2,345, which left them 18% below the social housing target.

Micheál Carrigy TD was last week appointed as the chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Housing.

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While the committee has yet to sit, Deputy Carrigy said, “All I can say is it’s a challenge, I'm open to working with colleagues across all parties to try and identify where the blockages are.

“To try and increase the supply of housing and increase affordable housing and to try and make sure that those who are looking to get on the property ladder can get it.

“Whether that be engaging with the banks, building institutions and engaging with the departments.

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“The committee has a role to look at any legislation in regards to the whole area, housing, local governments, and heritage.
“I’ll be putting my shoulders to the wheel to do my best and to make a positive change.”

Longford County Council commented on their targets in 2024 and onward.

“A key action under the Government’s ‘Housing for All - a New housing plan for Ireland’ is that local authorities develop and submit Housing Delivery Action Plans to include details of social and affordable housing delivery.

“Longford County Council’s target for social housing units under the Housing Delivery Action Plan 2022-2026 are 75 units in 2024, 82 units in 2025 and 83 units in 2026.

“42 units were delivered in 2024,” they declared, “It is not anticipated that the full 82 units will be delivered in 2025.”

“But, a detailed programme of works is in place to ensure the council exceeds the combined target for the period 2024-2026, thereby making up any deficits from 2024/25.”

However, in their response, the council noted, “One of the projects currently in the pipeline is the housing development at Ard Michael on the Ballinalee road in the Longford Road in Longford Town which will include 68 social housing units.”