Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 November 2016
157. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the extent to which he has investigated the inclusion of a rapid build housing programme in each local authority experiencing a housing crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35590/16]
View answerThe key aim of the rapid build housing programme is to fast-track the delivery of much needed homes, particularly for homeless families. Under the Rebuilding Ireland: Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness, a total of 1,500 rapid-build units will be delivered by 2018.
My Department is currently working closely with the four Dublin local authorities in relation to the rapid delivery programme. To date, 22 rapid build units have already been delivered and are occupied and by end year a total of 350 rapid-build homes will be advancing through various stages of delivery, including construction. A further 650 rapid-build homes will be advanced in 2017, with another 500 units to be delivered in 2018.
In addition to working with the four Dublin local authorities on their rapid delivery programmes, my Department is also encouraging other local authorities with urgent housing needs to advance a range of rapid delivery projects so as to ensure the delivery of units in the quickest manner possible.
Of particular note is the establishment of a framework of rapid build contractors by the Office of Government Procurement, which is currently at the final stages of tender evaluation. The framework will be in place next month and will mean that local authorities across the country will be able to run quicker procurement competitions and advance rapid build projects to site more efficiently and effectively.
