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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 10 Oct 2002

Vol. 555 No. 1

Written Answers. - Housing Strategies.

Bernard Allen

Question:

221 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his Department has issued a directive to local authorities outlining the percentage or mix of social housing within a private development as permitted under the Planning and Development Act, 2000; if such housing applies only to zoned land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17599/02]

Under the Planning and Development Act 2000 each planning authority is required to develop a housing strategy to take account of all the housing needs of its area, including those for social and affordable housing. The authority then determines the percentage, up to a maximum of 20%, of land zoned for residential use, or for a mix of residential and other uses, which is to be reserved to meet the identified need for social and affordable housing. Authorities may decide to apply different percentages to different areas, subject to not exceeding 20%, or the general percentage specified in the housing strategy, if this is lower.

Guidelines for planning authorities on Part V of the Act, and the preparation of housing strategies along with a model housing strategy were issued by my Department in December 2000. While the guidelines set out the factors to be considered by planning authorities in the preparation of their housing strategies, including a requirement to set out local social and affordable housing policies and to ensure mixed and balanced developments, they did not specify a particular percentage for the social housing element, as under the Act this is a matter for each local authority. The model housing strategy, using Louth as the model county, describes a methodology for calculating the extent of social and affordable housing need. In utilising Part V, planning authorities have been advised to maximise the extent to which needs can be met by the provision of affordable housing.

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