Speaking after the budget announcements today, Executive Director of the Irish Council for Social Housing, Mr Donal McManus welcomed the announcement saying ‘this is a first step to advancing a programme which will boost supply of social housing to those most in need’. He stated, ‘‘The ICSH has previously called for a multi annual development programme for social housing which benefits both those in housing need and the economy’.
According to Mr McManus, ‘in its pre-budget submission the ICSH had sought €100m for CAS and the announcement by Government of €80m for 2015 will enable approved housing bodies to deliver special needs accommodation to the most vulnerable’. He added, ‘this funding stream has been oversubscribed in recent years and there is a pipeline of much needed housing schemes that is ready to go in 2015’.
Approved housing bodies also have a proven track record in property management and therefore could play a key role in the Public Private Partnerships proposed to manage these homes.
Mr McManus concluded by saying ‘It is important to expedite the special purpose vehicle to use state finance to leverage in private finance which is off balance sheet and does not contribute to national debt. The Social Housing Strategy should outline the planned development programme and structure to allow for delivery in order to meet commitments set out for the future’.
The ICSH also welcomed the €10.5m increase in funding for Homeless Services and Accommodation
ENDS
For further information contact Donal McManus or Karen Murphy on 01 6618334
Notes for Editors/
- The Irish Council for Social Housing is the National Federation of social housing organisations with up to 300 housing associations affiliated nationwide.
- Housing associations (approved housing bodies) now provide over 27,000 homes for families, elderly, homeless people and people with disabilities.