LIMERICK is to receive the welcome boost of €15million in government funding for the purchase of second-hand homes for social housing and tenant-in-situ properties.
That’s according to Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Limerick TD Niall Collins, who described the funding injection as “hugely welcome”.
The allocation comes following Housing Minister James Browne’s national budget increase for second-hand social housing acquisitions from €60m to €325m.
Minister Collins confirmed that €15m has been allocated to Limerick City and County Council under the funding round.
“This €15 million allocation is hugely welcome as it will be used by Limerick City and County Council to acquire second-hand homes this year to help tackle homelessness,” Minister Collins said.
“1,509 social homes have been delivered in Limerick from 2020 to 2024: 1,071 new builds, 208 through acquisition, and 230 through leasing. More than 353 social houses in Limerick have also been refurbished under the Voids Programme.
“This needs to be built on and that is why I welcome the decision by Housing Minister James Browne to significantly increase the 2025 budget for the second-hand social housing acquisitions programme which includes tenant in situ purchases.”
Minister Collins praised the Housing Minister for the increased government spending, which he said will help those who are “most vulnerable” in the current housing crisis.
“What we need now is delivery and the acquisitions scheme, combined with the delivery of the targets for new-build social housing in the Programme for Government, (which) are central to our efforts to prevent and eliminate homelessness,” Minister Collins said.
