348. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are plans to review or increase the income eligibility thresholds for social housing support administered by Wexford County Council; the housing options available for households, particularly working couples, whose incomes are marginally above the social housing threshold but cannot afford private rental accommodation and may be at risk of homelessness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21272/26]

The baseline income thresholds increased by €5,000 for all local authorities with effect from 1 January 2023. The thresholds thus increased to €40,000, €35,000 and €30,000 for Bands 1, 2 and 3 respectively. These thresholds are net income thresholds, i.e. gross household income less income tax, PRSI, Universal Social Charge and Additional Superannuation Contribution.

My Department has been examining the existing income limits in the context of current market and household income conditions, including the suitability or otherwise of the current framework having regard to the significantly changed landscape since the standardised income limits were introduced. This includes examining the findings of research commissioned by my Department and this work is ongoing.

For households with incomes above the relevant social housing limits, Cost Rental housing may be an option. Under the Delivering Homes, Building Communities plan, Cost Rental is a key element of the Government's strategy to improve affordability in the rental sector and to provide secure, long-term homes for moderate-income households. The rents are set to cover the costs of delivering, managing, and maintaining the homes, without the influence of market pressures. All State-supported cost rental projects must achieve cost-covering rents that start at least 25% below comparable new properties in the private rental market, and therefore present a significant saving to the tenant from the outset.

Cost-covering rents are different depending on a range of factors, including the size and typology of dwelling and the location, as well as the level of State funding towards the capital costs. Since rents for Cost Rental homes are set according to the actual costs of delivering, managing, and maintaining the homes, recent inflation in delivery costs has proven challenging. All delivery partners are actively managing costs to ensure that these new homes are provided at the best rents that are achievable.

My Department is providing substantial funding to Local Councils, the Land Development Agency and the Approved Housing Bodies to deliver Cost Rental homes. Since the launch of Cost Rental in 2021, around €2.25 billion in Exchequer funding has been approved for Cost Rental projects and delivery is accelerating, with over 4,500 homes delivered by the end of Q3 2025 and with a substantial future pipeline now in place.