Local Authority Housing Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 November 2014

Thursday, 20 November 2014

Questions (137)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

137. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which Kildare County Council has sought funding for specific housing proposals to alleviate the urgent and immediate problem of homelessness with particular reference to the need to acquire a number of already constructed housing units for this purpose; similarly the extent to which his Department has received specific proposals for a short- and medium-term housing construction programme to benefit all of the major towns and villages in view of the extent of the existing local authority housing waiting list and the need for urgent action in this regard; the extent to which his Department is likely to respond to such requests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44654/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

All local authorities, including Kildare County Council, are advancing a range of new social housing developments and acquisitions to meet their needs, including those in relation to people affected by homelessness or for other priority needs. The funding for such social housing provided to local authorities by my Department supports the development of new social housing units and the acquisition of units and it is a matter for the local authority to identify their own priorities in this regard.

Pending the finalisation of social housing funding allocations for 2015 to all local authorities, Kildare County Council is continuing to work on projects announced in March 2014 under a national €68 million local authority housing construction programme to provide 449 new social housing units. A further €46 million was allocated in May to approved housing bodies to provide 416 social housing units for people with special housing needs. Funding to Kildare County Council under both these measures has already been approved in principle by my Department at approximately €6.5 million. This is based on proposals developed and submitted by the local authority in respect of over 50 social housing units.

Looking forward, my Department will continue to engage with local authorities in respect of their social housing requirements, in order to meet the ambitious targets set out in Budget 2015, which will see the provision of capital funding for social housing increased by €180 million.