Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed new figures showing a significant increase in the delivery of Government supports to help people purchase or rent affordable homes and bring vacant properties back into use.

Figures show that 2,683 Starter Home supports were delivered in the second quarter of 2026, representing an increase of more than 46% on the same period in 2025.

Overall, 4,699 supports were delivered in the first six months of 2026, an increase of 57% compared with the corresponding period last year, when 2,980 supports were delivered.

Minister Canney said the figures demonstrated the significant progress being made in supporting people to access affordable housing.

“These are very positive figures and show that Government measures to support people in purchasing or renting affordable homes are continuing to deliver.

“The 46% increase in supports delivered during the second quarter, together with a 57% increase in the first half of the year, represents significant progress.

“The Government is committed to delivering an average of 15,000 Starter Home supports annually in the period to 2030, and these latest figures show that delivery is moving in the right direction.”

The supports include the Starter Home Purchase Scheme, the First Home Scheme, the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant and Cost Rental homes.

The First Home Scheme recorded strong growth, with 996 supports drawn down in the first half of 2026, an increase of 56% year-on-year.

Under the Starter Home Purchase Scheme, 565 homes were delivered in the first half of 2026, an increase of 65% on the same period last year.

Under the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, 1,739 grants were paid in the first six months of 2026, an increase of 30% on the same period last year.

Cost Rental delivery more than doubled, with 1,399 homes delivered in the first six months of the year, an increase of 111%. This included 927 homes in the second quarter, up 68% on the same period in 2025. More than 7,600 Cost Rental homes have now been delivered nationally since the scheme was introduced.

Minister Canney added: “These supports are making a real difference for people trying to secure a home of their own or access affordable rental accommodation. We need to continue building on this progress and ensure that more people and families can benefit.”