Dublin Simon welcomes publication of the new national housing plan. To increase housing supply, success of the plan will be based on real implementation. 

Dublin 13th of November: Dublin Simon Community welcomes the publication of the long-awaited housing plan published this morning. In particular, the charity broadly welcomes the initiatives in the new national housing plan for additional funding, revised housing and social housing targets and investment in housing infrastructure. However, from its own experience, the charity believes success will only be based on real implementation. The charity welcomes the commitment to build more social housing ranging from one-bedroom to four-bedroom homes. Additionally, the organisation is pleased to see funding for social housing acquisitions for families in long-term homelessness and increases to Housing First tenancies for single people and families. A mix of both second-hand and new-build homes is required to support those households in long-term homelessness.  

Catherine Kenny, CEO of Dublin Simon Community, said, “As our initial response to the publication this morning, Dublin Simon welcomes the increased ambition in social and affordable housing output targets. We have engaged with the Department of Housing on changes to policy and tangible actions required to address long-term homelessness and blockages in housing supply. From our perspective, given the nature of support we provide in frontline homeless services, a holistic homeless implementation plan must now be developed arising from the publication today. Measures and incentives related to homelessness announced, including the need for a prevention framework, the review of Housing Assistance Payment scheme and capital investment in emergency accommodation are required in parallel to substantial housing delivery. The largest cohort within homelessness is the just over 7,000 single adults. While it’s critical that every child and family experiencing homelessness must be supported to exit homelessness without delay, for single adults, clear, measurable targets to end long-term homelessness are equally required.  

As an Approved Housing Body, we believe we are key to overcoming the housing crisis with our partners in the sector, the Department of Housing and local authorities in providing high-quality, sustainable homes that meet the needs of our population. We believe significant progress can be made by further resourcing what has been proven to be effective or what has the potential to work well, with a renewed efficiency. We will be supportive of our colleagues in the sector in continuing to invest in housing solutions in the lifetime of this plan. Key to the delivery will be in the successful implementation”. 

The exploration of new initiatives and structures, such as review of the Housing Assistance Payment and Rental Accommodation Scheme, are certainly valid. However, Dublin Simon believes that housing targets are only meaningful if achieved and we need to see a significant increase in the output of new-build homes that are genuinely affordable. Social and affordable homes must be targeted for those experiencing the worst effects of this crisis. This is detail that is needed. 

In conclusion, Dublin Simon looks forward to reviewing the details of the plan in the coming days and working alongside the Government, our colleagues across the sector and our teams to ensure we make home a reality for as many people as possible in the coming years.