Green Party Housing Policy Delivering Cost Rental Homes in Balbriggan

7th July, 2021

Minister Joe O’Brien attended at Taylor Hill, Balbriggan as Ireland’s first Cost Rental Homes come on-stream.  The 25 new homes were delivered by Clúid Housing in partnership with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, The Housing Agency, The Housing Finance Agency, Fingal County Council and Glenveagh.

Cost rental is a new concept in Ireland and a cornerstone of Green Party Housing policy whereby tenants will pay rents that are based only on the cost to build, manage and maintain the properties.  The rents will consequently be a minimum of 25% below open market value and are aimed at middle income households who do not qualify for other housing supports, but who are finding it extremely challenging to find affordable accommodation to rent on the open market.

Minister O’Brien said:

“I am delighted to see the first cost rental homes being delivered in Balbriggan. Cost Rental homes are a cornerstone of Green Party housing policy and these new homes are coming as a result of the Green Party’s input into the Programme for Government to improve the supply and affordability of rental accommodation and the security of tenure for renters.” 

“As part of the Programme for Government there is a commitment to develop a cost rental model for the delivery of housing that creates affordability for tenants and a sustainable model for the construction and management of homes.   In doing this, we will be informed by international experience of the delivery of cost rental, such as the ‘Vienna Model’.

Minister O’Brien continued:

“This is a great day for Balbriggan and Fingal to be first to offer the cost rental option.  The Government is committed this year to delivering 440 cost rental homes which will bring some must needed support to families who are struggling with exorbitant high rents in the open market.”

Applications for these properties are open from today (July 7^th) on the Clúid website and the houses will be ready to move into by early August.

For further information contact johanna.walsh@oireachtas.ie