Housing targets missed AGAIN
Figures for last quarter of 2023 show shortfall
HOUSING Minister Daragh O’brien missed his social and affordable housing targets for 2023, new figures have shown.
Last year 11,939 new social homes were delivered by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies, including 8,110 new-build homes, 1,830 acquisitions and 1,999 homes through leasing programmes.
The target was 13,130.
The long-awaited figures for the fourth quarter last year were published yesterday.
Despite not meeting the targets Mr O’brien said the figures show there is progress in housing given the increase in delivery on 2022 figures.
He added: “It is clear that the momentum we could see building last year has continued and intensified. PROGRESS
“In 2022 we were able to hail the best social housing provision since the ‘70s and in 2023 we performed even better with a 16% increase in the number of homes delivered. “I know that today we are talking about the numbers but behind these figures lies the fact that this delivery is providing valuable life-changing support to tens of thousands of our citizens.
“I intend to keep this momentum going. The initial acquisition target we set ourselves of 200 was revised upwards to 1,500 in March 2023.
“I am pleased to say that was exceeded by 22% meaning thousands of people, families and individuals, are safe and secure in their home for life.”
Tanaiste Micheal Martin said the figures were a big improvement on previous years’ outputs.
He continued: “Social [housing] is 11,000 delivered. Compared to anything ever achieved in the last 10 years, it is way ahead.
“I would point out the fact that it is an incredible turnaround from where we were three years ago.
“Yes, the targets are there. The targets are meant to stretch us and we want to go and achieve them.”