TEACHERS, NURSES AND other key workers will have housing reserved for them in cost-rental developments to alleviate staff shortages in schools and hospitals.

The Department of Housing is currently exploring “options for the targeting of certain cost rental units for key local workers”, Education Minister Helen McEntee confirmed.

In response to Social Democrats housing spokesperson Rory Hearne, who questioned the minister about how the government plans to address housing-related issues when it comes to retaining key workers, such as teachers, the minister said that since early July, regulations were put in place around ‘allocation plans’ for cost rental homes. 

‘Allocation plans’

Under the changes, there is now a new option to prioritise local workers who have a link to an area though residence, place of employment, or children’s education.

“This will support people to live and work in their local area,” said McEntee. 

Hearne told The Journal that there is a “clear need for affordable housing for key workers”, stating that aside from rental options, houses that are affordable for key workers must also be made available. 

“The Government must commit to ensure that there is both cost rental and affordable purchase housing available for key workers such as nurses,” he said. 

“Currently the lack of affordable housing for key workers from health to education to transport is impacting on the ability of the state to deliver key public services,” said Hearne. 

The government must seriously engage with the idea of ensuring key workers have access to affordable homes, he said. 

The minister said in the autumn, there will be opportunities “to build on amendments made in last year’s Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act”, which included new provisions related to the cost rental sector which are intended to improve access for certain cohorts, including those who may be categorised as key workers.

The idea, was first floated by former Education Minister Norma Foley, in January of this year. 

Cost rental homes are aimed at people on middle incomes who may have difficulty paying the rent in private rented accommodation, but who don’t meet the income criteria for social housing support. The eligibility for the units includes income thresholds. 

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The State-subsidised model gives long-term tenures at rents approximately 25% below local rates. However there have been criticisms that the rents under the model remain too expensive for many people. 

The education minister said the government is “acutely aware” of the housing challenges faced by many sectors of society.

She said the government recognises the need for additional cost rental homes, and the “need to ensure key local workers can avail of these homes, including teachers, particularly in areas of high housing demand”.    

Other changes under consideration include provision for multiple-occupancy, which will mean friends and work colleagues can come together to access cost rental homes. 

The Department of Housing is understood to be currently developing the required legal and policy framework for these changes. 

The Government’s new housing plan is due to be published in the new Dáil term.