Minister of State for Planning and Local Government John Cummins TD today launched the new government housing plan, ‘Delivering Homes, Building Communities’ highlighting measures to accelerate housing delivery across Waterford.

The plan aims to deliver over 300,000 homes nationwide by 2030, with significant local investment targeting new homes, infrastructure, and support for families in emergency accommodation.

Key Measures for Waterford

Minister Cummins said the plan will unlock serviced land in strategic areas across Waterford through a new €1 billion Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund.

The plan will also expand vacancy and dereliction programmes, including:

  • Enhanced Vacant Property Refurbishment Grants for over-the-shop living

  • Introduction of a new Derelict Property Tax to bring unused properties back into use

The minister added that local SMEs and builders in Waterford will be supported to adopt Modern Methods of Construction, speeding up delivery and improving quality.

Streamlining Planning and Reducing Delays

The plan includes measures to simplify the planning system, remove obstacles, and streamline decision-making timelines. Cummins said:

“Effective planning is key to getting homes built at speed. This plan will implement reforms to ensure timely decisions and cut red tape.”

Planning exemptions will be fully utilised, and further legislation may address spurious objections and delays in judicial reviews.

Affordable Home Ownership and Rental Support

Waterford residents will benefit from the Starter Homes programme, which will support the purchase or renovation of 90,000 properties nationwide.

The plan also aims to:

  • Expand the Housing First Programme by 50%, providing over 2,000 secure tenancies

  • Fund €100 million in 2026 for second-hand property acquisitions to assist families in emergency accommodation

  • Introduce national rent controls and strengthen tenant protections

Waterford-Specific Impact

In Waterford alone, hundreds of properties have already benefited from the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant. The new plan expands this scheme further and introduces the Derelict Property Tax to encourage the use of idle properties.

Cummins said the plan will empower local authorities, the LDA, Approved Housing Bodies, and private builders to deliver homes at scale.

“This plan is about removing obstacles, unlocking land, and supporting local communities to deliver homes quickly,” he added.