O’Shea Welcomes €9.5 Million for Cork County Council Under 2026 Second Hand Social Housing Acquisitions Programme

The Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage has today announced a national allocation of €373 million under the 2026 Second Hand Social Housing Acquisitions Programme, with Cork County Council set to receive €9.5 million to support housing needs across the county.

Welcoming the funding, Deputy John Paul O’Shea who is a TD for the Cork North West constituency said the allocation will provide vital support for individuals and families across Cork North West who are facing significant housing challenges.

“This €9.5 million allocation for Cork County Council is very welcome and represents a substantial investment in helping some of the most vulnerable households in our communities. The acquisitions programme plays an important role in ensuring that families in precarious housing situations, including those at risk of homelessness, can access secure and suitable homes,” Deputy O’Shea said.

The national allocation of €373 million represents an increase of more than €80 million on the €290 million drawn down by local authorities in 2025. Of the total funding announced:

• €150 million is ring-fenced to support households exiting long-term homeless accommodation.

• €50 million is allocated to Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to provide homes for older persons, people with disabilities, and care leavers.

• €157 million will be available for local authorities to use at their discretion, including for tenancy sustainment and tenant-in-situ acquisitions.

A contingency fund of almost €16 million will support local authorities that are in a position to exceed their base allocations.

Deputy O’Shea noted that the acquisitions programme operates as a targeted measure to address urgent housing need. “While the long-term solution to our housing crisis is the continued acceleration of new social housing builds, this programme provides an essential safety net. It ensures that where families receive a Notice of Termination, or where individuals are stuck in long-term homeless accommodation, local authorities have the resources to intervene and secure a home for them,” he said.

He also highlighted the continuation of the multi-annual approach, which allows local authorities to commit up to 30% of this year’s allocation to acquisitions that may complete in 2027. “This flexibility is crucial for Cork County Council as it plans and progresses acquisitions in a structured and strategic way. The funding will make a tangible difference in towns and villages right across Cork North West and the wider county.”

Deputy O’Shea concluded by reaffirming his commitment to working with Cork County Council and the Department of Housing to ensure the full allocation is drawn down and used effectively to meet local housing needs. “I will continue to advocate for sustained and increased investment in housing across Cork North West so that more individuals and families can have the security and dignity of a place to call home.”