Fine Gael plan will deliver more new homes in Clare 

FINE Gael’s General Election manifesto aims to significantly increase home ownership throughout County Clare by streamlining the planning process, increasing the delivery of affordable homes and providing greater support for first-time buyers. 

Responding to her party’s plan for nationwide delivery of 303,000 new homes by 2030, Clare Fine Gael General election candidate Leonora Carey said that while some progress had been made in getting more homes built, 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 their local communities. 

“The 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. We’ll work with Clare County Council to ensure that affordable homeownership is a reality for many more families across the county and beyond”, Ms Carey explained.

“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. 

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

“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.

“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 moving 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 Clare their home,” Ms Carey concluded.