Irish News Government Falls Short on Social Housing Targets in 2024

Government Falls Short on Social Housing Targets in 2024
The Government failed to meet its social housing construction targets last year, with over 1,400 fewer homes built than planned under its Housing for All strategy, newly released figures reveal.

The plan had aimed for 9,300 new social homes to be delivered in 2024, but the final tally came to 7,871, falling short of the goal.

When combined with acquisitions and other supports, the total number of social homes delivered last year stood at 10,595—still well below the overall target of 12,930.

Affordable Housing Goals Surpassed

While social housing targets were missed, the Government exceeded expectations on affordable housing, delivering 7,100 supports, surpassing the planned 6,400 for the year.

Minister for Housing James Browne acknowledged the shortfall but pointed to a broader slowdown in private construction activity as a contributing factor. However, he noted that the impact was less severe than anticipated.

"I expect each local authority to do everything possible to meet their housing targets for 2025," Minister Browne said, as he urged local governments to ramp up efforts.

Opposition Criticism

The figures sparked criticism from the opposition, with Sinn Féin's housing spokesperson Eoin Ó Broin calling the minister “out of his depth”, and accusing him of offering no new ideas to address the ongoing housing emergency.

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