Written Answers. - Local Authority Housing.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:
89
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for the Environment and Local Government
the number of housing units created through the public housing programme in the past 12 months; if this number is a sufficient response to the requirements of his Department as envisaged under this programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[1691/00]
Michael Bell
Question:
91
Mr. Bell
asked the
Minister for the Environment and Local Government
the number of applicants on local authority housing waiting lists at the latest date for which figures are available; the number of local authority housing units completed during 1999; the number to be completed during 2000; the number of persons who will be on local authority housing lists at the end of 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[1571/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 89 and 91 together.
The results of the assessments of housing needs undertaken by local authorities at the end of March last, indicated a total of 39,176 households in need of local authority housing. In addition, the housing needs of a further 6,400 households were considered by local authorities as being most suitably met by other measures including voluntary housing, rent supplementation and other social housing schemes. Details of the results of the assessment were placed in the Oireachtas Library on 5 October last.
The total number of houses completed or acquired by local authorities during 1999 was approximately 3,700 and the level of local authority house completions is expected to be in excess of 4,000 units this year. I also expect that authorities will commence the construction of, or acquire, in excess of 5,500 houses this year. I will have a clearer indication of the overall position when my Department receives from all local authorities their proposed housing programme for the current year. Authorities have been particularly asked to front load their programmes as much as possible where housing needs have escalated significantly.
The local authority housing programme is, of course, only one of a range of ways in which the needs of households on local authority waiting lists may be met and I am confident that the enhanced multi-annual local authority housing programme together with the output from the complementary social housing measures and vacancies occurring in the existing stock, will enable the housing needs of over 11,000 households to be met this year, compared to some 9,700 last year.
I am very conscious of the increased level of social housing need and priority is being given in tackling this need. The introduction of a multi-annual programme will enable authorities to provide a better and more effective mechanism for meeting social housing needs.
