Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 6 Dec 2001

Vol. 546 No. 1

Written Answers. - Local Authority Housing.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

16 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the total number of families re-housed by the local authorities, excluding housing co-operatives or other voluntary housing schemes, in the 12 month period to date; the amount by which the numbers on the housing waiting lists have correspondingly been reduced as a percentage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31155/01]

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

48 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his estimate of the total number of applicants on local authority housing lists; the amount by which he estimates the number of applicants has increased since the last assessment of housing needs, conducted in the spring of 1999; the number of local authority houses completed during 2000; the number of voluntary sector houses completed in 2000; the number expected to be completed in 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31120/01]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Molloy)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 48 together.

The results of the statutory assessment of housing needs undertaken by local authorities at the end of March 1999 indicated a total of 39,176 households in need of local authority housing. From ongoing contacts with local authorities my Department estimates that needs may have increased by some 20% between March 1999 and March 2001. An accurate estimate of the position will be established by the next statutory assessment of housing needs, due to be undertaken by local authorities at the end of March 2002 in accordance with detailed guidelines to be issued by my Department shortly.

Local authority housing output, including both new building and acquisitions, is expected to reach some 5,000 units this year compared to 3,207 units last year. Voluntary housing output this year should be the highest level ever recorded at about 1,200 units compared to 951 last year and 579 in 1999. The Government is fully aware of the increased level of social housing need and priority is being given to tackling this need through the local authority housing programme and other important complementary initiatives. I am confident that the enhanced multi-annual local authority housing programme, together with the increased output from the complementary social housing measures and vacancies occurring in the existing stock, will enable the housing needs of around 11,000 households to be met this year.

The total number of households to be provided with accommodation under the various social housing programmes this year – 11,000 – represents between 20% and 25% of the total numbers on the waiting lists. The extent of the impact on the total numbers on the waiting lists will not be clearly known until the results of the coming statutory assessment of needs are available.