I propose to take Questions Nos. 498 and 506 together.
Information on the number of housing units acquired under Part V for each local authority area is published in my Department's Annual Housing Statistics Bulletin 2003, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas Library. Information supplied by local authorities in respect of 2003 indicates that 50 fully or partially developed sites were acquired by two local authorities: 48 by Carlow Town Council and two by Cork County Council. There were also two land transfers of 0.43 hectares to Fingal County Council and 0.81 hectares to Roscommon County Council. The data collected by my Department do not distinguish between on site and off site locations. Additionally, seven local authorities received payments in lieu totalling €829,565.
The transfer of land on site is the default legislative requirement necessary to comply with a Part V condition. However, there are a number of other compliance options available, including the transfer of housing units or a monetary contribution, in lieu of the transfer of land. Any alternative option chosen is subject to agreement between both the planning authority and the developer. Planning authorities have been advised by my Department to give priority in negotiations for the provision of housing units.
All moneys received under a Part V agreement by a planning authority must be lodged to a separate account and may only be used as capital for its functions under Part V or in relation to the provision of housing under the Housing Acts 1966 to 2002.