Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 September 2018
30. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will facilitate a meeting with Dún Laoghaire Deputies, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and officials from his Department to discuss and progress the plans for 100% social and affordable housing at the Shanganagh Castle site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38897/18]
View answerThe development of key local authority residential sites in Dublin, where undersupply and affordability issues are being experienced most acutely, is a major priority for the Government. Shanganagh Castle is an excellent site, close to amenities and public transport and it is very positive that the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Council Members have come together, on a cross-party basis, with a view to achieving the optimal housing outcome for this site which can deliver over 500 new homes on a mixed-tenure basis.
My Department has met with Council officials on a number of occasions with regard to the site and I understand that a project board is now in place to drive delivery, and that the Council is currently working with the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) to financially model and compare the optimal development approaches for the site.
I recently wrote to the Council, indicating that I am anxious to hear of the progress being made and to discuss the Council’s proposal to develop Shanganagh in greater detail. In terms of timing, and to ensure the optimal outcome from any such meeting, it would be important that the financial modelling on all the options is completed and the report submitted to my Department for review before the meeting takes place.
For my part, I have made it clear to the Council that direct Exchequer funding will be provided for any social housing element of this mixed-tenure development.
