Local authorities have a significant residential land bank that needs to be developed as soon as possible. In bringing forward proposals, the optimal tenure mix and most appropriate procurement approach are key issues in order to balance housing outcomes, while achieving value for money. The State residential landbank, incorporating lands in the ownership of the Housing Agency and local authorities, has been detailed and mapped and is available at
http://rebuildingireland.ie/news/rebuilding-ireland-land-map/.
At this point, after a concerted effort across the Local Government sector, there is a significant social housing construction programme of more than 16,000 new homes, much of which is being delivered from this land bank. The latest quarterly Social Housing Construction Status Report can be accessed at the following link:
http://rebuildingireland.ie/news/minister-murphy-publishes-latest-social-housing-construction-report/.
The development of major local authority residential sites in Dublin and the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), where undersupply and affordability issues are being experienced most acutely, is a major priority for the Government. We are working with all local authorities in these areas, to see their sites brought forward as quickly as possible. It is of course, in the first instance, a matter for each local authority and its elected members to agree the optimal approach to development and financing.
In terms of affordable housing for purchase, sites can now be progressed in accordance with the provisions of Part V of the Housing Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2009, which are now commenced. Affordable housing for rental can be pursued under the cost rental option being piloted on two sites in the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council and Dublin City Council areas.
To further support the delivery of affordable housing on such local authority sites, additional funding is being provided for enabling infrastructure via the Serviced Sites Fund. When local authority co-funding is included, an overall minimum investment of €100 million will be provided over the next four years to those sites that require infrastructural investment in order for them to be brought into use for affordable housing. At this point, applications for funding under the Serviced Sites Fund have been received in my Department and are currently being assessed.
