Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 March 2015
846. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the types of housing developments that are likely to be developed under the Government’s social housing initiative; if he will ensure that quality is not sacrificed due to demand for quantity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11082/15]
View answerAll new dwelling units, including social housing units must comply with the legally enforceable minimum performance standards set out in the second schedule to the Building Regulations. In addition my Department has produced design guidelines for local authorities in the form of Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities, which seeks to promote quality and value for money in publicly funded housing, and will seek to maintain this level of quality including where other funding streams are fully or partially involved. A range of key design priorities are emphasised in the guidelines including the need to ensure designs are socially, environmentally and architecturally appropriate, safe, secure and healthy; affordable; durable; and accessible and adaptable.
In addition local authorities must fulfil the requirements of the Capital Works Management Framework and the Public Spending Code in relation to the specification, procurement and management of all current and capital investment in social housing projects, whether funded wholly or partially from public funds.
I am satisfied that adequate oversight arrangements are in place to ensure that quality will not be sacrificed in the delivery of the commitments set out in the Social Housing Strategy 2020.
