Housing Activation Office (HAO)

The Housing Activation Office is a key Government initiative to speed up homebuilding by removing infrastructure delays.

The HAO brings together experts from:

• Uisce Éireann, ESB Networks, National Transport Authority, and Transport Infrastructure Ireland
• Local authorities and the Department of Housing
• Specialists in planning, project management, and infrastructure delivery

Its role is to coordinate stakeholders, identify infrastructure blockages, and unlock land for housing development—especially in larger towns and cities where homes can be delivered at scale.

• Engages directly with 31 city and county councils to identify barriers.
• Works alongside the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) to support sustainable communities.
• Focuses on local infrastructure needs for multiple housing sites.

To succeed, the HAO will use the new €1 billion Infrastructure Investment Fund to:

• Remove infrastructure delays not covered by existing capital plans.
• De-risk development sites in towns and cities.
• Support planning and delivery for new sustainable communities.

The HAO will also coordinate with a Housing Activation Delivery Group and an Industry Group to ensure public and private investment is aligned.