Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 Apr 2003

Vol. 564 No. 1

Written Answers - Local Authority Housing.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

100 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the total number of persons on local authority housing lists at the latest date for which figures are available; the way in which this figure compares with the corresponding figure for the equivalent dates in each of the previous five years; the total number of local authority dwellings completed or acquired in 2002; the anticipated number for 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8743/03]

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

The results of the statutory assessment of local authority housing need, which was undertaken by local authorities in March 2002, indicated that a total of 48,413 households were in need of housing, compared with 39,176 households in March 1999. Detailed information on the results of the 2002 assessment was published in my Department's September quarterly edition of the Housing Statistics Bulletin, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library. Local authorities completed or acquired 5,077 units in 2002. Details by individual local authority basis will be included in my Department's Annual Housing Statistics Bulletin for 2002 which will be published shortly. My Department has received schedules of each local authority's construction and acquisition programme and these are currently being examined. Current indications are that the number of completions or acquisitions in 2003 will be of the same order as that in 2002.