407. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47571/26]

On 21 January 2026, the Government launched the new €1 billion Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund (HIIF).  The core objective of the Fund is to unblock infrastructure constraints and activate lands that are identified for housing development.  The Fund is managed by the Housing Activation Office in my Department.

A total of 138 applications were received under the first call for applications from 30 Local Authorities and the Land Development Agency.  Following a detailed assessment process, 82 projects have been approved for inclusion in the HIIF programme under Call 1.

A full list of projects accepted to the HIIF programme can be accessed at the following link: https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/9d47d273/Housing_Infrastructure_Investment_Fund_Call_1_-_List_of_Projects.pdf

The Killarney Strategic Links road is included in the list of approved projects accepted onto the HIIF programme.  The project relates to the construction of a section of road between the N22 Killarney Bypass and the R876 Park Road that will directly unlock lands with the capacity to deliver approximately 500 residential units and indirectly unlock a further 581 residential units.

Kerry County Council have completed preliminary design work for the link road and it is anticipated that the project will proceed to planning in Q4 2026.  The Housing Activation Office will work with Kerry County Council and relevant stakeholders to support the timely progression of this important housing enabling infrastructure project.