Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 October 2016
66. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that local authorities are postponing projects for regular-build social housing to fund rapid-build houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28611/16]
View answerI am not aware that any local authority is postponing traditional build social housing projects in order to deliver rapid build housing units. Rebuilding Ireland: An Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness provides for the delivery of social housing units by both the traditional build method and through rapid build. All social housing construction project proposals, whether traditional or rapid build, are submitted by local authorities to my Department for assessment and approval. Once approved for funding, local authorities are encouraged to move forward with these projects as quickly as possible.
It should be noted that, while it is intended that the units will initially be used as temporary accommodation for homeless families, the properties themselves are being built to the highest standards with construction guarantees of 50 years and greater.
They will revert to use for social housing purposes when the current pressures on emergency accommodation abates.
