Housing plan puts children first, says Ardagh

Fianna Fáil TD Catherine Ardagh has welcomed the plan the party’s “ambitious and focused” housing plan.

She said the plan is “backed by the funding, accountability and realistic solutions needed to deliver real results.”

The plan sets out a series of measures to ensure every child and family has access to a safe, secure and high-quality home, per the government.

The plan includes capital funding of €100 million in 2026 for the acquisition of second hand properties to support the exit of families longest in homeless emergency accommodation and the Housing First programme.

It also includes a dedicated Child and Family Homelessness Action Plan, implementing a coordinated cross-departmental and cross-agency approach to tackle all aspects of child and family homelessness.

Over the lifetime of the plan, 72,000 social homes will be delivered, with local authorities playing a pivotal role supported by streamlined processes, additional resources, and standardised designs.

Deputy Ardagh said:

“Fianna Fáil’s housing plan puts children and families first. As a party, as a government, and as a nation, we cannot overstate that any child being homeless is unacceptable. It cannot be normal. 

“Every child deserves the best start in life, and that cannot happen in emergency accommodation. This plan commits to taking every possible step to end child homelessness once and for all.”

In early 2026, a National Homelessness Prevention Framework will be launched with NGOs and charities to support the most vulnerable.

Quarterly and annual tables comparing new builds to targets for each local authority will be published to ensure accountability.

A new five-year Action Plan for Apprenticeships will tackle construction skill shortages and support faster housing delivery.

Deputy Ardagh concluded by saying:

“We have made real progress in delivering new homes, but the work is far from over. This plan provides the framework, and now it is up to all of us to make it a reality. 

The housing crisis affects every community, and by working together, we can end homelessness and build a stronger, fairer nation.”