Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 February 2005
113 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his proposals to swap State owned land for completed housing to help fast track the building of affordable homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3893/05]
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As a means of progressing the affordable housing initiative as speedily as possible, my Department has been looking at a range of options which may accelerate the delivery of housing units. One of these, a land swap option which involves the exchange of land for units which could be delivered more quickly elsewhere, is being piloted on the Harcourt Terrace site in Dublin. Expressions of interest were sought in November of last year and I understand that there has been considerable interest in this option. Short-listing of bids is currently under way in Dublin City Council. This project will be closely monitored with a view to using the land swap option on other sites.
The Harcourt Terrace project, along with all other projects under the initiative, is being progressed as a matter of urgency with a view to early delivery of units.
