9. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the number of new affordable homes in Dublin for 2025; the proposed number for 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53922/25]

Sentiment score: 0.06

This question is about so-called affordable housing schemes.

Sentiment score: 0.00

I thank the Minister. One of the problems we have at the minute is that the Government’s social and affordable housing targets are too low. Not only are they too low, but they are simply not being met. The Government has failed in its pre-election promise of 40,000 new homes to be delivered this year, but I want to concentrate on the affordable purchase schemes. Last year, the Government only delivered 779 affordable purchase homes. Even with this low number, the affordable housing that came out of that was way too expensive, with so-called affordable houses in my own area in Dublin Mid-West costing up to almost €500,000. I do not know how people think that is affordable. This is making it impossible for ordinary workers and families to afford a home of their own. I do not see anything in yesterday's budget that will make these homes more affordable or bring down the prices. I have a simple question. Does the Minister think €500,000 is an affordable house under the Government's affordable housing scheme?

Sentiment score: -0.06

The Minister can criticise Sinn Féin’s housing plan all he wants, but I am going to be straight with him. I live in the real world, and the prices of affordable houses in my own area in Dublin Mid-West are simply not affordable. I will give some examples. A two-bedroom affordable home in Clonburris costs €380,000. A three-bed affordable home on the same scheme costs €418,000 and a four-bedroom affordable home costs €465,000. How is this affordable? Pop up the road to Saggart, another part of Dublin Mid-West, a three-bedroom affordable home costs a whopping €494,000, almost €500,000 for an affordable house under the Government's affordable housing scheme. I do not know what planet the Minister is living on, but €500,000 is simply not affordable to ordinary workers and families who are trying to put a roof over their head. I have a simple question: does the Minister think that €500,000 is an affordable price for a house under the Government's affordable housing scheme?

Sentiment score: 0.01

These are public homes built on public land.

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Our spokesperson wrote a book on it.

Sentiment score: 0.00