Roscommon County Council's first affordable housing scheme

By Rebekah O'Reilly

A total of six affordable housing units will be made available in the first quarter of 2026, under Roscommon County Council's Affordable Housing scheme, in a first for the county.

The Scheme of Priority for Affordable Dwelling Purchase Arrangements was set out by Cllr Dominick Connolly during the December meeting of Roscommon County Council.

"This will be the first time that we'll be going with our affordable scheme," said Chris Flynn, Roscommon County Council, Director of Service.

"We've already carried out a survey across Monksland, Roscommon, and Castlerea, so we have an idea of the demand."

Details of the locations of the properties are not yet available.

Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice proposed that 10% in all Part V schemes would be assigned to affordable housing and then be reverted to social housing if not taken up.

Part V Housing Schemes refer to a section of Ireland's Planning & Development Acts where developers provide a portion of land or housing for social and affordable homes within new developments, allowing local authorities to secure integrated, mixed-income communities and capture land value for public housing needs.

"It gives everyone a chance," he added. This suggestion was seconded by Cllr Emer Kelly.

“We need to stop this madness. Couples and young people can't afford to build or rent. What's going wrong? It's just not acceptable. We need to protect the common good," said Cllr Tom Crosby

Cllr John Keogh also showed his support for 10% of Part V schemes being assigned to affordable housing.

He added: "Cllr Crosby hit the nail on the head. The cost of construction is ridiculous, and there's price gouging going on. There's inequalities and injustices, the threshold is low in this country for social housing when compared to Westmeath. I hope the affordable scheme will deliver for those people who fall outside the social supports."

Sharing his frustration with the current housing crisis, Cllr Michéal Frain added: "Our new generation of young people who are working, working hard and in good jobs, are now the new poor."

The Director of Services noted that he wasn't sure Roscommon County Council have the power to default 10% of Part V schemes for affordable housing and 10% for social housing (a total of 20%).

"I think we would have to foot the bill (for the affordable housing)," he added.

Cllr Fitzmaurice suggested to write to the Department of Housing, which received unanimous support from the chamber.