Social and Affordable Housing Data

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2017

Thursday, 13 July 2017

Questions (1272, 1274)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

1272. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the number of private housing completions in 2016 and to date in 2017 in Dublin city. [33673/17]

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

1274. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the number of affordable housing completions in 2016 and to date in 2017 in Dublin city. [33675/17]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1272 and 1274 together.

My Department publishes ESB Networks data on residential homes connected to the ESB grid, as a proxy for house completions, as it currently represents the best available indicator, with full coverage, that a residential unit is becoming available for occupation.

This ESB dataset includes recently completed one-off homes, multi-unit scheme developments and apartments. It also includes some re-connections to the grid, where properties that have been unoccupied for over two years are being brought back into use.  The dataset is updated monthly and is published on my Department's website, with a breakdown by local authority.  This information can be accessed through the following weblink -  http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/statistics/house-building-and-private-rented/construction-activity-completions.

My Department also publishes Monthly Housing Activity Reports that draw together the most up-to-date data on housing activity indicators, such as planning permissions, housing development site commencements, ESB connections, social housing output, and residential purchase and rental prices.  The latest monthly report can be accessed on the Rebuilding Ireland website at the following weblink -

http://rebuildingireland.ie/news/house-building-activity-gathering-strength-and-pace/.

While information on house sales and rental prices is useful, the issue of affordability is a more complex matter that is as much a function of a household's income level, access to finance and circumstances as it is a function of residential completions and pricing data. 

I have initiated a targeted review of Rebuilding Ireland, with an emphasis on examining and strengthening the measures already in place and identifying new initiatives that add value and raise ambition.  As part of this review process, I have asked my Department to focus in particular on the broad issue of housing affordability.