Significant aspects of Government's revised housing plan have already been revealed, sources say

Multiple sources in Government said that while the plan will contain unannounced measures, significant elements of it have already been revealed by housing minister James Browne. Picture: Gráinne Ní Aodha/PA

Senior government figures have sought to downplay the scope of the revised housing plan, just a week out from it being formally unveiled.

Multiple sources in Government said that while the plan will contain unannounced measures, significant elements of it have already been revealed by housing minister James Browne.

This includes reforms made to rent pressure zones, changes to apartment size guidelines, as well as changes to the Vat rate on apartments provided for in Budget 2026.

“There are bits to come in the plan but a lot is out there already,” one source said.

However, it is expected the new plan will have a significant focus on homelessness.

A number of other measures have already been set out, including Taoiseach Micheál Martin previously confirming that there would be an extra €2.5bn provided to the Land Development Agency (LDA).

This extra funding, Mr Martin said, would provide the LDA with the capacity to become the largest builder in the State by 2028.

There is also a push to reach a deal with banks to get credit institutions to provide further financing to small builders.

Sources defended the delays to the plan, saying there was a need to deliver both the updated National Development Plan and the budget first.

Independent engagement

It comes as Independent Government ministers and Regional Independent TDs met with Mr Browne on Wednesday, as part of their engagement with the new plan.

Forestry minister Michael Healy-Rae said the meeting was to “feed in interests and requests” from Independent ministers.

He said that, once the plan is published, he will need to explain and defend the measures as outlined in the document.

“I can’t do that unless I’m involved in it,” Mr Healy-Rae said.

However, Mr Healy-Rae declined to set out specific measures he sought to have included in the plan.

Dublin Bay North TD Barry Heneghan said discussions on the plan are “still ongoing”.

“I’ve been engaging with the minister to put forward ideas on delivering more homes for my constituents in north Dublin, including cutting red tape and improving coordination with local authorities and the construction sector. We need more supply.”

Measures already announced by Mr Browne include reforms to rent pressure zones, with legislation to give effect to the proposals being provided to TDs on Wednesday.