Local Authority Housing

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 November 2016

Thursday, 17 November 2016

Questions (37)

Ruth Coppinger

Question:

37. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his views on the reduction in Dublin City Council's housing stock over the past five years; and his views on whether there is a need to increase the targets for local authority construction and acquisition across the greater Dublin area. [35422/16]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government

In 2011, Dublin City Council had a social housing stock of 26,750. In September 2016, stock numbers were 25,602 units (a difference of 1,148). Over this period, complexes in Charlemont St., Ballymun, St. Teresa’s Gardens, Dolphin House and O’Devaney Gardens were demolished as part of the regeneration of these complexes/areas. In addition, over the period in question, the City Council supported Approved Housing Bodies to provide an additional 991 homes for applicants from its waiting list, while also sourcing over 1,400 units under the Rental Accommodation Scheme.

With the publication of Rebuilding Ireland: An Action Plan on Housing and Homelessness, the Government has committed significant additional funding for social housing delivery and my Department has been working closely with all local authorities over the last number of months to support them in accelerating the delivery of social housing.

Based on the results of the Summary of Social Housing Assessments 2016, new targets will be, formally, allocated to all local authorities, beyond 2017. The Summary is well advanced and will provide updated data on the level of social housing need across all local authorities. Using this data will ensure that new social housing targets and funding are directed in line with housing need.

The funding that will be provided to all local authorities, including those in the greater Dublin region, to support the delivery of social housing will be commensurate with the targets set. It should be noted that the existing Dublin City Council target for 2015-2017 is 3,347 units and, to date, the Council has delivered in excess of 3,600 units.