Local Authority Housing Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 January 2014

Wednesday, 22 January 2014

Questions (152)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

152. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in view of the serious local authority housing crisis affecting County Kildare with particular reference to north Kildare, the extent to which the local authorities in the county can avail of a substantial portion of the €30 million allocated in budget 2014 for the capital house building programme; when such moneys can be drawn down; if purchase of existing housing accommodation can be undertaken to meet the emerging emergencies; the extent to which such funds have been requested by the local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3160/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government (Deputy Jan O'Sullivan)

In 2013 my Department provided funding of over €6 million to Kildare County Council in respect of their social housing investment programmes which included €3.64 million for the purchase of properties to meet housing need.

This year, in addition to the funding levels set out in the Abridged Estimates 2014 in respect of my Department’s social housing investment programme, a further €30 million has been approved for the delivery of social housing. Some €15 million of this is being set aside for the construction of new infill developments by local authorities in areas with high demand for social housing. A further €15 million will be invested in bringing boarded-up houses back into productive use. I expect the €30 million investment to deliver up to 500 homes for families on housing waiting lists.

My Department is currently examining proposals received from local authorities, including Kildare County Council, with a view to shortlisting projects for inclusion in a programme of new house construction over the 2014-2016 period. I intend to announce details of the projects to be progressed under this measure very shortly.