Minister Cummins encourages first time buyers in Waterford to explore options available to them

A young family’s experience of buying their first home with Government support shows what can be achieved when first-time buyers explore the schemes designed for them.

Minister of State for Planning & Local Government, John Cummins TD is urging prospective homeowners to reach out to their Fine Gael TD or Senator to help them explore what they are eligible for and how the supports can be combined to make home ownership a reality.

He did as it emerged over 36,000 homes were built in 2025. The Banking & Payments Federation of Ireland this week confirmed mortgage draw downs, dominated by first time buyers, is at its highest level since 2008.

Minister Cummins recently opened a 25-unit affordable housing scheme in Tramore, County Waterford.

Developed by R McDonald & Sons and made available for sale by Waterford City and County Council, under their Affordable Purchase Scheme, the development consists of a mix of two- and three- bedroom terraced and semi-detached A-Rated homes.

Minister Cummins met with Lareina and Ross Kirwan who moved into their new home as a result of support from the available schemes and Minister Cummins’ office. The couple who have a young family availed of the Affordable Purchase scheme and Help To Buy. 

Minister Cummins said: “Housing has been the unrelenting focus for Fine Gael, and this is a perfect example of how partnerships between the local authority, Government and local builders are working together to deliver homes for people.

“A wide range of schemes are now in place to support people who want to buy their first home. These initiatives offer real, practical pathways to home ownership, and I would strongly encourage prospective buyers to engage with them, explore what’s available, and take advantage of the supports that are there to help turn the goal of home ownership into a reality. Lareina and Ross’ story is a clear example of how Fine Gael is getting people into their first homes.”

“These schemes are continuing to prove hugely successful, in that they allow people to secure homes that meet their needs at prices which they can afford. I am currently finalising proposals that will continue to support much-needed delivery – such as allowing modular-type homes in back gardens to be exempt from planning permission. We will continue to introduce common-sense practical measures that provide housing options for people, speed up delivery and unlock housing supply at the scale and pace we need.”

Speaking having received the keys to her new home, LareinaKirwan said: “We didn’t think we’d be in a position where we’d ever be able to buy our own home.”

“It’s surreal to be here now. We were between thresholds, we were above the threshold for any sort of social assistance and falling short for a mortgage. Minister Cummins’ office came back to us, and I think that the biggest thing for us was walking out of the office that day, we now thought that there was hope. We didn’t know about the Help to Buy and the Affordable Purchase. We wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them.”