Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I commend the Government on its leadership. We are making significant strides in respect of housing. All the key housing indicators, including commencements, completions and planning permission applications, are trending upwards, which bodes well for the future. Momentum is certainly strong and building. We are moving in the right direction when it comes to housing. The Department of housing has confirmed that 525 homes were built in Mayo last year, which was the highest number since 2008. More than 3,000 homes have been provided in Mayo since the launch of Rebuilding Ireland in mid-2016.

I must, however, acknowledge that not a single affordable home has been built in Mayo since the adoption of the Housing for All plan. While social housing is extremely important, there should be a mix of social and affordable housing for those who are seeking home ownership. I previously raised the issue with the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, and the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, and was informed that the Department is working to set specific targets for local authorities that are outside the set targets at present. I am asking for clarification in relation to where these targets are at and when they will be published because we need to set realistic targets. I said previously that 100 affordable homes in Mayo for the next 12 months is a realistic target that should be achieved. We should be ambitious in that regard.

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