11. Deputy Catherine Ardagh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the support his Department is providing for the provision of cost-rental apartments at St Michael’s Estate in Inchicore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12742/25]
Sentiment score: 0.14
St. Michael's Estate in Inchicore was meant to be a flagship cost-rental development, but progress, as we know, has been slow. Planning permission was granted in July 2023. Dublin City Council is seeking a loan of €132.5 million to fund the cost-rental units. Given that work on the site was due to start this month - main construction is not now expected until November - can the Minister clarify what exactly is causing the delays and whether loan approval is holding up the project?
Sentiment score: 0.33
That is all very welcome but construction is yet to start. It looks like it will not be starting until late this year, with a completion date in 2028. As the Minister explained, this is a fantastic project of 578 mixed-tenure units plus 52 social housing units by Circle Voluntary Housing Association. It will be a fantastic development, but is there anything that the Minister can do to expedite the funding for the project or to provide direct financial support to the council in order that there will not be any further delays with the funding?
Sentiment score: 0.48
Dublin City Council plans to outsource the management of this development. Can the Minister confirm if that decision will affect the affordability of tenancy protections for cost-rental tenants? Additionally, if the €132.5 million loan is not approved quickly, what alternative measures can be taken to ensure that the project moves forward without further setbacks?
Sentiment score: 0.02
12. Deputy Catherine Ardagh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the support his Department is providing the tenant in situ scheme in 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12743/25]
Sentiment score: 0.14
The tenant in situ scheme has been hugely successful for many constituents in Dublin South Central. Nationally, it has prevented 20,000 people from losing their homes. Colleagues from across the House have all had people coming to our clinics who are waiting for this scheme to be properly recommenced. In light of the announcement of additional funding, which is very welcome, how many extra homes will be secured through the scheme by Dublin City Council specifically, particularly given the huge demand that exists in the city of Dublin?
Sentiment score: 0.26
I thank the Minister. The extra funding is extremely welcome. The demand for the scheme continues to grow. We all have people literally looking to get into our constituency offices to try to find out when the scheme will be recommencing. Can the Minister confirm if the new allocation will fully meet the need that exists or will a further increase be required? Are there measures in place to speed up the process relating to purchases, especially as some tenants have been left waiting months. The bureaucracy relating to trying to get approved for these schemes has been very difficult to deal with in the past. Obviously, different local authorities have different methods of conveying the properties. Some do not use electronic fund transfers and some are only using cheques. Is there a streamlined process for local authorities to purchase properties?
Sentiment score: 0.11
Has the Government considered streamlining the application process? Do all local authorities have the necessary resources to ensure quick turnaround once the circular is issued? If demand exceeds the current budget, will further funding be made available by the Department?
Sentiment score: 0.08