Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 April 2004
383 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department will consider pursuing a policy of buying churches and church lands on sale; and if his Department has developed a policy to deal with the large number of churches and lands coming on the market. [10715/04]
View answer
The acquisition of land for housing is a matter for the relevant housing authority. My Department is aware that local authorities and voluntary housing bodies have in the past obtained land from diocesan authorities and religious orders for housing developments at no cost or at below market value. Local authorities will continue to accept lands for housing made available on this basis with due cognisance to the best use of their resources and value for money in the provision of low cost social and affordable housing.
Any church lands acquired and developed by private developers for residential purposes will be subject to the Part V social and affordable housing provisions.
