Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Apr 2003

Vol. 564 No. 1

Written Answers - Local Authority Housing.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

315 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if he will issue a directive to the various local authorities with a view to achieving specific targets to alleviate housing shortage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9017/03]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Cullen)

The national development plan, which included housing for the first time, is ensuring that the housing needs of an expanding and changing population are met in a comprehensive fashion. There have been record levels of overall housing supply in recent years, with 57,695 completions in 2002 up almost 10% on 2001 levels. There has also been significant progress made in delivering the social and affordable housing targets under the NDP. It is estimated that more than 12,600 units of social and affordable housing were provided in 2002, a 45% increase on the 2000 figure.

There has been a good response from local authorities and voluntary housing associations in increasing housing activity under relevant programmes, including those targeted at low income groups and those with social housing needs and special housing needs, such as the elderly, disabled and homeless persons and Travellers. The National Development Plan 2000 to 2006 sets targets at a national level for most of these programmes and they are generally progressing well. As targets are already in place, together with processes for the allocation of resources and the monitoring of activity under these programmes, I do not consider that my Department needs to issue individual directives on these matters to local authorities.

Furthermore, local authorities have particular responsibilities in the development of housing strategies under Part V of the Planning and Development Act. These strategies assess housing need, including social and affordable housing, in the particular local authority area, and set out measures to address these needs. I am confident the amendments made to Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000, which are contained in the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2002, will contribute to the increase in the overall supply in the housing market and, in particular, to ensuring a continued good supply of social and affordable housing.