Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 October 2006
203 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of moneys given by developers to local authorities in lieu of the provision of housing units under Part V of the Planning and Development Acts since 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30968/06]
View answer212 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the measures he will take to ensure that local authorities prioritise the provision of affordable and social housing over the taking of financial compensation from developers; if he will give more stringent directions to local authorities to ensure that this happens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30898/06]
View answer
I propose to answer Questions Nos. 203 and 212 together.
Under Part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2006 planning authorities are required, in developing their housing strategies, to ensure that policies and objectives are in place that will counteract undue social segregation in housing developments between people of different social backgrounds. Furthermore, local authorities are statutorily obliged in their Part V negotiations to ensure that each agreement delivers the best possible result in terms of overall housing supply and social integration for their area.
Having regard to these statutory obligations, local authorities may decide that it is preferable to accept a monetary contribution. This is in lieu of a percentage of the land which is subject to the planning application and is not in lieu of housing units. All funds collected, local authorities have received some €38 million up to end June 2006, are ring fenced for housing capital purposes. It is estimated that the financial contributions received under Part V represent just 13% of the total yield from Part V.
The delivery of housing units is my preferred option when reaching agreement with developers and I have and will continue to press all authorities to vigorously pursue this option in their Part V negotiations.
