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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Nov 2003

Vol. 575 No. 4

Written Answers. - Local Authority Housing.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

154 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if he has the power to direct local authorities to address the housing crisis; the extent to which he has done so to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28615/03]

The Government's overall housing strategy is to increase housing supply to meet demand and to improve affordability, particularly for first-time buyers. Arising from this strategy, 2002 was the eighth successive year of record house completions with 57,695 units completed, an increase in output of 9.7% on 2001. A further substantial increase in housing output is anticipated for 2003.

Under the Planning and Development Act 2000, each planning authority was required to prepare a housing strategy which would form an integral part of the development plan and provide the cornerstone for future housing policy within the functional area of the authority. All planning authorities have drawn up housing strategies and some are in the process of reviewing them in the context of preparing new development plans. Others may be reviewed in the context of the requirement to review existing development plans after two years.

Housing strategies are required to address the housing needs of all sectors of the existing and future population in the area of the development plan including first-time buyers, the elderly, people with disabilities, students etc. The strategies should provide for an appropriate mix of dwelling types and size to cater for the range of housing needs, and must also encourage mixed and balanced communities in order to counteract undue social segregation.

These housing strategies form a part of the development plan. It is open to the Minister, under the Planning and Development Acts, to issue policy directives to planning authorities regarding their functions under the Act and, specifically, development plans and planning authorities must comply with any such directives.

Apart from these powers, there is ongoing contact at ministerial and official level with local authorities to ensure that Government policies are implemented at local level. In this regard, it is clear that local authorities have made great strides in terms of dealing with the unprecedented demand for housing. Investment in servicing land resulted in a six year supply of serviced residential land nationally, with the potential to deliver 328,000 units stock nationally, and overall output has risen by 48.5% since 1997. Furthermore, local authorities have both facilitated and been directly involved in increased provision of social and affordable programmes targeted at low income groups. Through these ongoing contacts, I will continue to encourage local authorities in the vital role they play in underpinning housing development.
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