Plans by the Housing Minister to fast-track the delivery of 30,000 new homes has been welcomed by the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI).

Minister Coveney revealed proposals to speed up housing delivery in major urban centres in Dublin, Cork and other locations as part of the Government's 'Rebuilding Ireland' initiative.

SCSI's President Claire Solon said the Minister's intention to reform the planning process "must be backed up" by increasing staffing in councils and An Bord Pleanala to meet the potential increase in large scheme applications

"We welcome and support the latest actions announced by the Minister to help stimulate the housing market in key areas of demand in an effort to address the lack of supply," she said. "In particular we welcome the fast-tracking of residential housing schemes and the identification of significant land holdings for potential development.

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"The intention to reform the planning process is a very practical way to ensure faster turnaround of projects. However, this intention must be backed up with the provision of increased manpower in local authorities and An Bord Pleanala to meet the potential increase in large scheme applications.

"Availability and cost of land for development, VAT, site costs and the availability of labour to get developments started on site all need to be addressed. Availability of development finance at affordable levels to fund these projects is also key to ensuring the delivery of the Minister's proposals.

"Government has no choice but to get involved in the provision of finance in a more significant way if they are looking for quick solutions. It's done in other countries, particularly after significant downturns and we need to adopt this approach here."

Ms Solon also questioned if enough finance would be available to allow potential householders to purchase these new homes.

"While a proportion no doubt will be targeted at the rental market, the homes that are made available for purchase must come in at a cost which will fit well within the Central Bank's macro prudential rules policy," she said.

(LM)