Vol. 519 No. 7
102 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the areas throughout the country currently registering the greatest housing demand; the steps, if any, he has taken to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14828/00]
Demand for housing generally is influenced by many factors, including demographic changes, economic growth, employment, levels of real personal disposable income and mortgage interest rates and, accordingly, it is not possible to quantify precisely the relative demand for housing for particular areas at a particular point in time.
The Deputy will be aware that an assessment of housing needs was undertaken by local authorities at the end of March last year and results were published in my Department's housing statistics bulletin, September quarter 1999, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library.
The Local Government (Planning and Development) Bill, 1999 will require local authorities to prepare housing strategies to meet the housing needs of all sectors of the population in their area, including those in need of social and affordable housing. Under the Bill, local authorities will be required by law to ensure that sufficient land is zoned to meet housing needs for the period of their development plan.
I have also appointed consultants to undertake a detailed evaluation of recent developments in the housing market, including an examination of supply and demand for housing. The study, which is being carried out by Peter Bacon and Associates in conjunction with my Department, will be completed shortly and will be considered by Government, together with a comprehensive policy response, as soon as possible thereafter.
