Pablo Rodríguez, the Canarian Minister for Public Works, Housing and Mobility, has presented a budget of €551 million for his department for 2027 to the island’s Parliament’s Budget and Finance Committee. This substantial financial plan aims to strengthen investments in housing while ensuring key infrastructure projects, including road networks, public transport, and coastal developments, continue.
In his presentation, Rodríguez highlighted the interconnectedness of housing, infrastructure, and mobility, stating, “These budgets respond to the current needs of the Canary Islands.” He emphasised that where public housing is built influences how residents will travel and that the island’s transport systems shape local opportunities. “We must attend to immediate needs without losing sight of the territorial model required for the Canary Islands in the medium term,” he added.
The Canarian Housing Institute (ICAVI) is set to receive €249 million – a 26% increase from the previous year, making it the largest budget in the agency’s history for the fourth consecutive year. Of this, €93.3 million is earmarked for constructing public housing, while €84.7 million will fund rental assistance, youth housing initiatives, and other programmes. Additionally, €51 million will go towards rehabilitating existing buildings.
Rodríguez stated that the joint efforts of ICAVI and VISOCAN will expand public housing across the islands, currently totalling 3,963 units under development.
Addressing the parliament, he remarked, “Housing is a top concern for Canarian families, and the funding allocated reflects our commitment to enhancing public housing availability and easing access, particularly for those facing significant challenges.”
VISOCAN will pursue various initiatives to improve the supply of affordable housing, including the Rehabita Canarias programme and partnerships with local authorities and the private sector.
The road infrastructure sector is allocated €227.4 million, with €215 million specifically for the 2027 instalment of the Roads Agreement. This funding will enable ongoing commitments and progress on planned roadway projects across the archipelago.
The transport and mobility budget will total €147.3 million, primarily focusing on public transport support, including direct transfers to local councils and measures to provide free public transport.
Rodríguez also discussed plans for sustainable mobility, noting that the budget includes support for developing new legislation and urban mobility plans. An allocation of €244,091 will facilitate the study and implementation of dedicated bus lanes.
“Our planning integrates both road infrastructure and public transport,” he asserted. “The Roads Agreement allows us to advance vital projects while making public transport a feasible alternative to private vehicles.”
Furthermore, €30.4 million will be directed to Canarian ports, with nearly €19.9 million dedicated to improvements aimed at enhancing port services and promoting sustainability.
Rodríguez concluded by underscoring the value of the coastline, stating that investments in ports, renewable energy initiatives, and legislative frameworks are essential for managing the marine environment effectively, emphasising the need for a tailored regulatory approach for the archipelago’s unique context.
