Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 November 2019
509. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government further to circular 15/2019 of 17 April 2019, the updated cost guidelines for South Dublin County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48660/19]
View answerThrough the supports made available under Rebuilding Ireland, funding is available to all local authorities to deliver additional social housing stock through new construction projects and through the acquisition of new and previously owned houses/apartments for social housing use.
Given the emphasis on achieving best value for exchequer investment, a set of cost guidelines for the acquisition of social housing homes was introduced by my Department. In response to the continuing fluctuation in house prices the guidelines are reviewed and updated regularly to reflect movement in the market.
The current cost guidelines were issued in April 2019, including to South Dublin County Council, on foot of Circular 15/2019 and apply to acquisitions where contracts are signed and closed on or after 1 April 2019. Lower and upper ranges are stated, along with an average/benchmark cost which is representative of the average range of current stock value across the local authority area. All cost guidelines are representative of stock having a minimum C1 BER rating, being in good condition and ready for occupancy.
Arrangements are being made for relevant details in relation to South Dublin County Council to be forwarded directly to the Deputy.
