Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 9 Dec 2003

Vol. 576 No. 5

Written Answers. - Local Authority Housing.

Arthur Morgan

Question:

417 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the document drawn up by a person (details supplied) which examines Dublin City Council's options to end its role as a local authority landlord; his views on the contents of this document, particularly his interpretation of the new form of landlord referred to in that document; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29802/03]

Arthur Morgan

Question:

418 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government his views on moves by local authorities to end their roles in the provision of housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29803/03]

Arthur Morgan

Question:

419 Mr. Morgan asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the entities which he views should have the primary responsibility for the provision of social and affordable housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29804/03]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 417 to 419, inclusive, together.

In including housing as a major area of activity under the National Development Plan 2000-2006, the Government has underlined its commitment to increasing support for social and affordable housing programmes. Despite the pressure on the public finances, the Government has again increased the total housing provision by 5.5% to €1.885 billion in 2004.

Primary responsibility for the provision of social and affordable housing rests with local authorities, who discharge this responsibility by various means including renting to households on their approved housing lists or through the application of the various home ownership options. The latter include the affordable housing, tenant purchase and shared ownership schemes. Furthermore, planning authorities are required to prepare a housing strategy which forms an integral part of their development plans and is the cornerstone for future housing policy and programmes at local level. Housing strategies must contain specific objectives and policies that address the differing housing needs of the existing and future population in the area of the development plan, including, in particular, the need for social and affordable housing. The voluntary and co-operative sector plays an increasing role in the delivery and management of social housing and along with the possible use of public private partnerships provides alternative options to direct housing provision by local authorities.

I am aware of a discussion document presented to a recent meeting of Dublin City Council strategic policy committee on housing, raising the possibility of other options for the provision and future management and maintenance of the council's rented housing stock. While no detailed plans have yet been submitted, my Department will be pleased to consider any appropriate proposals put forward by Dublin City Council which assist in meeting housing need or ensuring that its housing estates are managed effectively and efficiently with maximum participation of residents. I will continue to encourage local authorities in the vital role they play in underpinning housing development.

Richard Bruton

Question:

420 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment Heritage and Local Government the number of local authority dwellings in the country which are currently uninhabited; if his Department's attention has been drawn to this particular problem in recent years, in which local authority homes are boarded up and remain derelict for a considerable period of time; if his attention has further been drawn to an initiative introduced by the Mayor of London, Mr. Ken Livingstone, which established an empty homes agency in London to specifically target the reclaiming of homes that were uninhabited or were uninhabitable, in order that they be turned into affordable low cost homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29833/03]

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. N. Ahern):

I refer to the reply to Question No. 73 of 26 November 2003 which sets out the position concerning vacant local authority dwellings. While my attention has not been drawn to the initiative referred to, I have asked my Department to obtain the necessary details. A document entitled, Comprehensive guidelines on Managing Voids: Co-ordinating the Monitoring, Repair and Allocation of Vacant Dwellings, has already been produced by the housing unit as part of its series of guidelines on good practice in public housing management. These guidelines provide advice to help housing authorities to develop programmes to improve practice in this area for the efficient use of their housing stock.