Over 800 new social and voluntary housing units are to be provided at a cost of €100m by local authorities around Ireland between now and 2014.
Minister for Housing and Planning, Jan O'Sullivan, yesterday gave the green light for proposals from local authorities for the provision of new permanent housing units which are intended to provide accommodation for people with special housing needs including the elderly, homeless persons and people with a disability.
"Everyone knows that Government finances are very restricted. As Housing Minister I am determined that the much reduced capital budget available is targeted at those most in need as outlined in the Government's Housing Policy Statement, published in June 2011. Against the backdrop of a very challenging fiscal climate, I am particularly pleased to be able to provide €100 million in capital funding at this time to provide over 800 households with quality accommodation that is safe, secure and appropriate to their requirements," stated Minister O'Sullivan.
Some €35 million is earmarked for the voluntary housing sector for the provision of 377 housing units across 30 local authorities.
"Voluntary housing bodies, often in conjunction with the HSE, provide a range of services and supports to tenants, thus enabling older persons to continue to live independent lives in their own community. Adding 377 new housing units to the voluntary stock will have a positive impact for a lot of people and allow elderly people, in particular, to continue to live in and contribute to their own community," said the minister.
Local authorities will be allocated some €65 million for the purchase of an estimated 246 houses and the construction of a further 185 houses, largely to meet special housing need.
