Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 January 2017
121. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government to outline the extent to which he has examined the possibility of dramatically augmenting a modular homes building programme with particular reference to the need to meet the ever-increasing demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2325/17]
View answer142. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government to set out the number of rapid build houses completed by the end of 2016; the number in construction and the number planned to be completed during 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2529/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 121 and 142 together.
My Department is working closely with all local authorities in relation to increasing and accelerating the delivery of a range of social housing programmes and supports, including rapid build homes.
At the end of 2016, a total of 350 rapid build homes were advancing through various stages of delivery, including construction, with 22 rapid build homes being delivered and occupied in 2016. A further 650 rapid build homes will be advanced in 2017, with another 500 units to be delivered in 2018.
There has been significant pressure to ramp-up rapid build delivery, which local authorities have been responding to positively. Of particular note is the establishment of a framework of rapid build contractors by the Office of Government Procurement, which means 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.
Finally, it is important to note that the rapid build programme needs to be viewed in the context of the wider range of social housing build, acquisition and leasing programmes, which are being advanced by local authorities and approved housing bodies (AHBs).
