Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD today announced that the Government has approved an additional €265m capital funding in 2025 for the Second Hand Acquisitions Programme.
This increased funding will allow for a significant programme of acquisitions in 2025 for priority categories of need such as:
- Tenant in Situ Acquisitions
- Older persons and persons with a disability
- Exits from homeless services and
- Buy and Renew acquisitions which tackle vacancy
The introduction of mandatory eligibility criteria for tenant in situ acquisitions for 2025 will ensure that the priority categories of need outlined above can benefit fairly from the second hand acquisitions programme and that the funding available will be targeted at those most in need.
Speaking today, Minister Browne emphasised: “Homelessness is a top priority for me. It is important that we help those in emergency accommodation to exit to a permanent setting as soon as possible. It is even more preferable to help people to avoid entering homelessness in the first instance where we can. Housing acquisitions have proven to be effective in this regard where no other options exist for social housing supported tenants who are at risk of losing their home.
“With the funding announced today, we will be targeting priority needs such as families and children, older people, persons with a disability and where the opportunities exist turning vacant properties into viable homes.”
Local authorities will receive a capital funding allocation for second hand acquisitions and this will be communicated directly to local authorities by the Department.
