I am calling on Roscommon County Council to introduce the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme in all Towns in County Roscommon where there is a lack of housing and consider 10% social and 10% affordable in Part V acquisitions. This will help people on moderate incomes to buy new homes at reduced prices.

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

Roscommon County Council was not initially identified as one of the counties with an affordability need in the Government's Housing for All plan. However, the ongoing escalation in housing costs and the persistent lack of supply particularly in urban areas of the county has underscored the growing need for intervention to address these challenges. Recognising this, Roscommon’s Housing Department proactively initiated discussions with the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage in 2024 to explore opportunities for affordable housing projects within the county.

As a result of these discussions, the Department has approved the creation of a temporary post for a Staff Officer. This officer, whose appointment is anticipated in the near future, will play a key role in administering forthcoming affordable housing.  The primary focus will be on working with developers to leverage Part V requirements in urban centres identified as having significant housing needs. This targeted approach aims to ensure that affordable housing solutions are integrated into new developments, addressing supply shortages and making homeownership a viable option for individuals and families on moderate incomes.

Members supported the motion and made the following points:

·         A large number of people are in a difficult situation whereby they do not quality for Social housing or a mortgage due to their income.

·         An Affordable Housing Scheme would be beneficial for all.

·         The Croí Cónaithe Scheme is working very well in the refurbishment of older properties, but the time limits need to be reviewed.

·         The lack of supply of houses is letting the country down.

·         Any initiative that helps people buy or build a house is very welcome.

·         This motion has been brought at a very appropriate time.

·         Housing remains a major crippling issue in the country.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fitzmaurice

SECONDED by Cllr. Crosby

It was AGREED to call on Roscommon County Council to introduce the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme in all Towns in County Roscommon where there is a lack of housing and consider 10% social and 10% affordable in Part V acquisitions.

Director of Services Fiona Ni Chuinn addressed members regarding this motion and responded to the points raised. Roscommon County Council are committed to progressing an affordable scheme in 2025. Government funding has been provided to provide support staff to put a scheme in place. Part V will not cover every town in County Roscommon, and there will an onus on the Local Authority to prove to the Department that there is an affordable issue within an area. Expressions of Interest will be done by scheme because affordability is tied into the market value of the property, and the equity gap between the amount a person can pay and their eligibility limits for a mortgage. Roscommon County Council will work with people availing of the Croí Cónaithe Scheme and is nearing the end of the time limit. The First Home Scheme is another Government Scheme which provides for equity shares available with mortgage lenders to get them onto the property market.

Members discussed the comments by the Director of Services and made the following points:

·         It was suggested to amend the Croí Cónaithe scheme to include the option of stage payments.

·         It was suggested that an independent engineer involved in the project could certify the works carried out to free up resources within the Local Authority to allow for stage payments.

Director of Services Fiona Ni Chuinn advised members that the Croí Cónaithe Scheme has been very successful, but it also brings challenges. Stage payments have not be mentioned in any Government Directive. The work carried out and payments made must be in line with the thresholds of the scheme. Additional resources are required to carry out the process for approval multiple times as would be required in stage payments.

I am calling on Roscommon County Council to introduce the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme in all Towns in County Roscommon where there is a lack of housing and consider 10% social and 10% affordable in Part V acquisitions. This will help people on moderate incomes to buy new homes at reduced prices.

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply:

Roscommon County Council was not initially identified as one of the counties with an affordability need in the Government's Housing for All plan. However, the ongoing escalation in housing costs and the persistent lack of supply particularly in urban areas of the county has underscored the growing need for intervention to address these challenges. Recognising this, Roscommon’s Housing Department proactively initiated discussions with the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage in 2024 to explore opportunities for affordable housing projects within the county.

As a result of these discussions, the Department has approved the creation of a temporary post for a Staff Officer. This officer, whose appointment is anticipated in the near future, will play a key role in administering forthcoming affordable housing.  The primary focus will be on working with developers to leverage Part V requirements in urban centres identified as having significant housing needs. This targeted approach aims to ensure that affordable housing solutions are integrated into new developments, addressing supply shortages and making home ownership a viable option for individuals and families on moderate incomes.

Members supported the motion and made the following points:

·        A large number of people are in a difficult situation whereby they do not quality for Social housing or a mortgage due to their income.

·        An Affordable Housing Scheme would be beneficial for all.

·        The Croí Cónaithe Scheme is working very well in the refurbishment of older properties, but the time limits need to be reviewed.

·        The lack of supply of houses is letting the country down.

·        Any initiative that helps people buy or build a house is very welcome.

·        This motion has been brought at a very appropriate time.

·        Housing remains a major crippling issue in the country.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fitzmaurice

SECONDED by Cllr. Crosby

It was AGREED to call on Roscommon County Council to consider introducing the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme in all Towns in County Roscommon where there is a lack of housing and consider 10% social and 10% affordable in Part V acquisitions.

Acting of Services Fiona Ni Chuinn addressed members regarding this motion and responded to the points raised. Roscommon County Council are committed to progressing an affordable scheme in 2025. Government funding has been provided to provide support staff to put a scheme in place. Part V will not cover every town in County Roscommon, and there will an onus on the Local Authority to prove to the Department that there is an affordable issue within an area. Expressions of Interest will be done by scheme because affordability is tied into the market value of the property, and the equity gap between the amount a person can pay and their eligibility limits for a mortgage. Roscommon County Council will work with people availing of the Croí Cónaithe Scheme and draw down timing requirements. The First Home Scheme is another Government Scheme which provides for equity shares available with mortgage lenders to get them onto the property market.

Members discussed the comments by the Acting Director of Services and made the following comments:

·        It was suggested to amend the Croí Cónaithe scheme to include the option of stage payments.

·        The Cathaoirleach requested that in due course there is a presentation to the Council on the available grant schemes for housing.

Acting Director of Services Fiona Ni Chuinn advised members that the Croí Cónaithe Scheme has been very successful, but it also brings challenges. Stage payments have not be mentioned in any Government Directive. The work carried out and payments made must be in line with the thresholds of the scheme. Additional resources are required to carry out the process for approval multiple times as would be required in stage payments.