Zoned land needed for housing
Newly built houses. Istock
Recent housing statistics have shown significant increases in housing commencements across the South-East, with a 16 per cent rise in Waterford, however there are concerns regarding the lack of residentially zoned lands.
Ronan O’Brien, Regional Manager of the Southern Region with the Construction Industry Federation said: “The census in 2022 showed a 20 per cent increase in the population of the South-East Region since 2006.
"In order to maintain the momentum of increased housebuilding in the region, we need to ensure there is enough zoned and serviced residential land."
Mr. O’Brien commended the Government for introducing various schemes that have increased housing supply, however said that the sign off of such schemes is "lengthy".
“A critical factor in the increase in housing commencements was the ability of housebuilders to commence with confidence, knowing that there was going to be an end purchaser. This is why the Local Authority Affordable Purchase, Help to Buy and First Home Schemes are also so important," he said. “However, timelines for sign-off of all schemes from central Government are lengthy with a significant number of steps in the process, which can impact on their viability.”
The South-East Irish Home Builders’ Association are hosting a workshop in the Tower Hotel on Tuesday, May 14, from 2pm to 5pm.
