Cllr. Connolly, Chairperson of the Housing, Integration, Community and Culture SPC introduced the Draft Scheme of Priority for Affordable Dwelling Purchase Arrangements. Members were advised that the adoption of a Scheme of Priority is a reserved function of the Local Authority and is subject to Ministerial review prior to final approval.

The following key points from the Draft Scheme of Priority were presented:

Regulation 5 of S.I. No. 21/2023 – Affordable Housing (No.  2) Regulations 2023) provides that in relation to 70% of the homes advertised by a housing authority, homes must be prioritised based on suitability first:

1.         Households of at least 3 persons to be given priority for four-bedroom homes and households of at least 2 persons to be given priority for three-bedroom homes, and then.

2.         First come, first served.

For the remining 30% of homes, the housing authority must firstly prioritise based on household size as set out above. After that, the Local Authority can apply additional criteria as it sees fit.

In relation to the 30% of dwellings, where the number of applicants exceeds the number of affordable dwellings for sale, the housing authority will prioritise households in the following manner:

1.         Priority given to households whose accommodation needs would be adequately catered for by the type of dwelling in question as per section 5.1 of the scheme.

2.          Priority to be given to eligible households whose current address as given in the application form is within the Municipal District of the relevant affordable scheme for a minimum period of 2 years on the date of application.

3.          Priority to be given to the eligible applicants in the date and time order that their applications were received.

Director of Services, Chris Flynn, explained that The Affordable Housing Scheme is a first for Roscommon with 6 units expected in Q1 2026. A survey was carried out to establish demand and the scheme of priority needs to be established initially.

Members made the following observations on the scheme:

• Welcomed the scheme, remarking the high construction costs and house prices currently.
• It was proposed that 10% of Part V developments would be allocated as Affordable Housing and 10% as Social Housing, and if the Affordable Houses were not allocated, the units could return to Social Housing.
• Affordable Housing is an alternative to get on the property ladder and limits over saturation of Social Housing.
• Members expressed the view that the scheme may assist in reducing the Social Housing waiting list.
• Members stated that they would like to see Affordable Housing delivered across the county to ensure that no towns are overlooked.

In response, Director of Services, Chris Flynn stated that currently the Department fund the 20% allocation of social housing, and they may not fund 10% allocation of affordable. He also reminded Members of the First Choice Homes Scheme which is also available for prospective homeowners.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Connolly

           SECONDED by Cllr. Holland

It was AGREED to approve The Scheme of Priority for Affordable Dwelling Purchase Arrangements

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Fitzmaurice

           SECONDED by Cllr. Kelly

It was AGREED to write to the Department and the Minister for Housing proposing that 10% of all Part V Schemes are allocated and funded for affordable housing, and 10% allocated and funded for social housing.  Where affordable housing units are not taken up within a specified timeframe, these units shall revert to social housing.