The new housing plan highlights the key priorities in delivering more housing for Laois according to Fine Gael TD Wille Aird.
Deputy Aird said since being returned to government housing has been the unrelenting focus of Fine Gael.
The new housing plan titled ‘Delivering Homes, Building Communities’ has pledged that a minimum of 300,000 new homes will be built by 2030.
It states that this is not an upper limit but a realistic projection of what is achievable by getting the public and private sector working effectively together.
Under the plan, the publication of which has been delayed for months, the State will deliver 72,000 social homes.
The housing plan includes the commitment of €28.2 billion of exchequer funding for housing.
Opposition parties have branded its launch as a damp squib and accused the Government of repackaging old ideas which have failed to prevent the rise in homelessness.
But Fine Gael’s Aird disagrees and says that Laois will benefit.
He said: “The measures in the new housing plan will have tangible benefits and will lead to a significant increase in the construction of homes for people throughout Laois.
“We are increasing supply by removing blockages to the delivery of housing, zoning more land for development, and building more homes backed by a housing budget of €36 billion.
“Fine Gael is providing housing options for people with allowing modular-style homes in back gardens without needing planning permission and we have changed the rules to allow developers deliver new standalone wastewater treatment plans to speed up housing supply in towns and villages.
“We are giving certainty and protection to renters through national rent controls, publishing a rent price register and strengthening the regulation of the short-term letting sector.
“We are empowering local authorities to tackle vacancy and dereliction in Laois giving them powers to bring back homes to the housing market and introducing a new Derelict Property Tax which will be collected by Revenue.
“Fine Gael also wants to support those most vulnerable. We’re providing €563 million in homelessness services to build on the almost 9,000 prevention and exits from emergency accommodation last year and removing barriers for victims of domestic violence to support them moving to a safe home.
“We’re also increasing the provision of homes suitable for older people and giving them more choice. A review of the planning exemptions for those who wish to convert their homes into separate living spaces and supporting rightsizing will help more older people make the decision they want.
“This plan ensures that the State will do more in housing, but it will also empower the private sector to further play a critical part in delivery.
“These measures will have tangible benefits for families and individuals looking to buy or rent right across Laois.”
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