Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 March 2014
55. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Finance the reason a high proportion of housing units identified by the National Asset Management Agency as suitable for social housing are not being taken up by local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10756/14]
View answerDecisions relating to the location of social housing are a matter for local authorities by reference to national and local planning and housing policy. A major factor is the amount already in place in certain areas where the local authority and housing agency does not see it as being desirable to have increased levels of social housing. Neither NAMA nor the Minister for Finance has a role in relation to this policy. NAMA has made 4,500 houses and apartments available through its debtors and receivers for social housing. It is a matter for local authorities and approved housing bodies to determine the suitability of these units by reference to the relevant policy and take the practical steps necessary to complete the lease or purchase the properties.
As at year end 2013 demand had been confirmed for 2,055 of these properties, of which 492 have been delivered, there is active negotiation between its debtors/reciever and the Housing Agency for a further 300 properties and contracts have been agreed in 104 cases, while a unit by unit review is being conducted by the on the remainder. Where demand is confirmed, NAMA facilitates the sale or lease of the properties by NAMA debtors or receivers or directly by NAMA through the NARPS model to the local authority or an approved housing body, which assume responsibility for allocation and management of the properties. A full breakdown of the distribution of these properties is available on the NAMA websites at www.nama.ie/about-our-work/social-housing
