Rebuilding Ireland - About the plan

Designed to accelerate housing supply in this country, Rebuilding Ireland is tackling our country’s housing shortage. This action-driven plan will result in a dramatic increase in the delivery of homes nationwide. Ambitious and imaginative in its reach, and radical in its approach, this plan will address the needs of homeless people and families in emergency accommodation, accelerate the provision of social housing, deliver more housing, utilise vacant homes and improve the rental sector.

Over 20 towns to be added to 4% rent cap list.

Minister for Housing Simon Coveney has said up to 25 towns and most of Galway city will be designated as rent pressure zones limiting annual increases to 4%.

Credit Unions set to target mortgage market.

Credit Unions are set to enter the mortgage market with up to €400m available for new loans.

Property rises see 8.6% annual growth in November - CSO.

In the year to November, residential property prices at national level increased by 8.6%. This compares with an increase of 6.9% in the year to October and an increase of 4.2% in the twelve months to November 2015.

HAP, Housing Assistance Payment.

What is HAP?

HAP is a form of social housing support provided by all local authorities. HAP means that local authorities can provide housing assistance for households who qualify for social housing support, including many long-term Rent Supplement recipients.

Coveney announces 'rent pressure zones' in Dublin and Cork.

Plans to limit how much landlords can increase rents in designated areas have been announced by the Minister for Housing.

Mortgage Protection For First Time Buyers.

Mortgage Protection Insurance (MPI) is not an optional extra for mortgage holders. Under the 1995 Consumer Credit Act, mortgage lenders are required by law to ensure borrowers take out mortgage protection insurance in Ireland. Why?

Construction industry boosted by new orders growth in September.

The monthly measure of activity in the construction sector showed further gains in September.

First-time buyers need up to four years to save deposit.

New research by Central Bank economists suggests that it takes up to four years for a first-time buyer to save up a deposit for a house in south Dublin.

In other urban areas of the country, the time to save a deposit is much lower, at around 18 months, while in rural areas it is less than one year.

Galway County Council votes to increase property tax.

Home owners in Co Galway are facing a 10% increase in Local Property Tax payments next year.

Limerick 2030 - An Economic and Spatial Plan for Limerick.

Limerick City and County Councils have announced details of an ambitious plan which will transform Limerick city centre, its economy, and the way it is marketed as an ideal location for investment over the next 17 years.

Rents in Dublin 3.9% higher than 2007 peak.

The latest Residential Tenancies Board rent index shows that, nationally, rents rose by just under 10% in the second quarter of this year, when compared to last year.

Peter McVerry Trust.

Peter McVerry Trust is a charity set up by Fr Peter McVerry to reduce homelessness and the harm caused by drug misuse and social disadvantage.

Bank of Ireland enhances mortgage cashback offer amid strong competition.

Bank of Ireland is to enhance its cashback offer for mortgage customers by giving an additional 1% of the value of loan back in cash, as competition in the sector here intensifies.

The Housing Agency.

The Housing Agency was set up in May 2010 to work with and support local authorities approved housing bodies, and the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government in the delivery of housing and housing services.