MORE SUPPORT NEEDED TO DELIVER SOCIAL AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING – CHI

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Co-operative Housing Ireland (CHI) recently completed 40 new homes in Wexford and used the opportunity to emphasise to the new Minister for Housing, the key role played by Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) in meeting social housing needs nationwide.

Wexford’s Leas Cathaoirleach, Ger Carthy joined the new Minister for Housing James Browne in launching the social housing development at Forthview,in partnership with Wexford County Council, the Department of Housing, Housing Finance Agency and developer, Darragh Ryan.

Pictured at the launch of the new homes in Wexford (l-r): CHI’s National Operations Manager Danny Whelan, Director of New Business Development Padraic Clancy, Minister for Housing James Browne TD (centre), Chairperson Gerry McDonogh and Neighbourhood Delivery Manager Eimear Lynch.

Gerry McDonogh, Chairperson of CHI, emphasised the strong partnership CHI has with the Department of Housing and the need for funding to increase to keep pace, and to deliver more social housing.

“To enable CHI and Approved Housing Bodies to keep pace with current delivery targets – even before any revision – increased funding, a proportion in the form of grants, is required. As it stands, 10,000 new social homes are to be provided in 2025, half of which will be by AHBs. The Programme for Government and future targets should see this increase to an average of 12,000-20,000 year on year to 2030.

“This development is a testament to the strength of co-operative housing, the importance of collaboration in delivering homes that meet the needs of communities, and we want to do more. We are delighted to welcome families into their new homes here in Forthview.”

“The delivery of these new homes at Forthview is a great example of what can be achieved when local authorities, AHBs, and the Government work together. Co-operative Housing Ireland now provides 331 homes to households in Wexford.

“Wexford County Council is committed to providing safe, high-quality homes for families and individuals, and this development marks a significant step forward in that effort,” noted Cllr Ger Carthy Leas Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD said that the project, enabled by funding from his Department’s Capital Advance Leasing Facility, reflects the strong state and voluntary sector collaboration needed to make these projects happen.

“The Government is now scaling up and delivering more social and affordable homes than we have in a generation and aims to provide even more. Well located, high-quality homes such as Forthview make a real difference in the lives of families, individuals and communities.”

Minister for Housing, James Browne TD with new residents at the Forthview Estate in Wexford – sisters Nicole and Rachel Zsurzs.