The Housing Finance Agency has announced €500,000 in funding for 19 community-focused initiatives across 10 counties.
The HFA provides loan financing to Approved Housing Bodies, Local Authorities and Higher Education Institutions to support the delivery of social and affordable housing.
This latest funding will be provided through the HFA's Social Investment Fund (SIF), which supports projects that enhance communities, promote inclusion and improve quality of life in areas where HFA-funded homes are delivered.
This year's enhanced fund - doubled from €250,000 in 2024 to €500,000 in 2025 - will support a range of projects, including children’s play areas, community cafés, youth arts and creativity programmes, digital access and skills schemes as well as indoor communal spaces for elderly residents.
Housing Finance Agency CEO Deirdre Collier said this year's Social Investment Fund marks a significant increase from last year, when 12 initiatives received funding, totalling €250,000.
"The growth of the fund reflects our commitment to helping build vibrant, inclusive communities alongside the delivery of social and affordable housing," she said.
"The Social Investment Fund is designed to complement housing developments by providing facilities and initiatives that enrich residents’ quality of life. We're proud to back initiatives that promote wellbeing, encourage community engagement and support social inclusion - particularly for residents in specialist housing and underrepresented groups," she said.
"We also want to champion innovation and sustainability. By funding creative, forward-thinking projects, the HFA is helping communities to meet not only today’s needs but also to plan for a more sustainable future," she added.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne said that the Housing Finance Agency plays a key role in facilitating the delivery of the social and affordable housing needs throughout the country.
"Initiatives such as this Social Investment Fund are central to creating homes and communities where families can be supported to live safely and securely. With funding for these projects doubled since last year, 19 communities across 10 counties will benefit from the inclusive community supports these projects create, alongside the increased delivery of social and affordable housing the HFA have provided funding for," the Minister said.
"Social and affordable housing schemes are continuing to expand and develop year on year, supported by unprecedented levels of investment from this Government and in partnership with local authorities and AHBs including the HFA. I am determined to continue this progress of housing and supports to create sustainable communities," he added.
