Fine Gael plan will result in more homes and more home ownership across Longford

Fine Gael pledges to deliver more housing for Longford as part of a nationwide delivery of 303,000 new homes by 2030.

Longford-Westmeath General Election candidate Senator Micheál Carrigy said: “Fine Gael knows housing is front and centre for people across Longford. We’ve made huge strides in getting more homes built, but we know there’s more to do.

“303,000 new homes by 2030, means 12,000 affordable homes every year, creating pathways for people to put down roots and build lives in the areas they love.

“Help to Buy scheme is to be extended and increased to €40,000, expanded to cover first-time buyers of second-hand homes, and continued for an additional five years.

Also read: GEM Construction to commence work on multi million euro Longford care centre campus project

“We’ll work hand-in-hand with Longford County Council to ensure that affordable homeownership is a reality families across Longford and beyond.

“12,000 social homes each year is a key part of our new plan. No family should be left in limbo; every community deserves a solid foundation, and we’re determined to make that happen.

Also read: Smyth commits to represent Longford Westmeath in general election

“For those navigating the process of buying a home in Longford, we’re making it simpler and faster, aiming for an 8-week turnaround from ‘sale agreed’ to keys in hand.

Also read: Longford-Westmeath constituency profile: What you need to know #longfordwestmeathelection2024

“For balanced growth across the country, we’re targeting 50% of new homes in our major cities and 50% across other regions, ensuring every corner of the country sees progress.

“With a public audit of zoned and serviced land, a clearer, quicker planning process, and more resources for An Bord Pleanála and local councils, we’ll make sure housing projects don’t get tangled up in red tape.

“By targeting 10,000 new apprentices each year by 2029, we’ll bring fresh talent into construction, to give young people the chance to start careers in a field that’s helping to shape Ireland’s future.

Also read: Longford Independent candidate says abolition of town councils were ‘an act of political vandalism’

“We’re backing renters too. By raising the Rent Tax Credit to €1,500 per renter, or €3,000 for a couple, and we’ll continue the Landlord Tax Credit until 2030, ensuring tenants have stable homes.

“Fine Gael led the charge in rebuilding Ireland’s housing sector when it was on its knees. Now, we’re doubling down to turn that progress into lasting change. With this new commitment, we’ll keep the momentum, delivering homes, stability, and a better future for every family and individual who call Longford home,” concluded Senator Carrigy.