Social and Affordable Housing Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 January 2014

Thursday, 23 January 2014

Questions (168)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

168. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which specific funding for direct build local authority housing will be allocated to the local authorities of County Kildare; the procedure to be followed if not already in train to draw down the funds; if the local authority needs to make a specific application under a specific heading; if it might be possible to fund the acquisition of existing houses in view of the seriousness of the housing needs in the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3456/14]

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 2014 capital allocations to local authorities, including details of projects approved for construction , very shortly. I do not intend to make separate provision for the purchase of houses to meet housing need. It will be a matter for each local authority to determine if the purchase of properties offers a cost effective and sustainable alternative to new build.