Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
895. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the guidelines been given to the Land Development Agency on the proportion of social, affordable and private houses that should be developed on each site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12244/20]
View answerThe Land Development Agency (LDA) was established on an interim basis in September 2018, by way of an Establishment Order made under the Local Government Services (Corporate Bodies) Act 1971, pending the enactment of its primary legislation.
Alongside the establishment of the LDA, the Government also agreed to a new public lands affordability requirement whereby a minimum of 30% of all publicly owned lands would be reserved for affordable housing purposes, as appropriate for such development, within the meaning of the provisions of relevant housing legislation and any further affordable housing mechanisms and schemes approved by the Government.
This public lands affordability requirement is included in the Appendix to the Public Spending Code Update – “Public Spending Code - A Guide to Evaluating, Planning and Managing Public Investment”. The LDA is required to comply with the Public Spending Code in the same manner as other State bodies.
In addition to the 30% minimum affordable housing provision requirement, the LDA is also required to provide a minimum of 10% social housing in line with Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).
These are minimum requirements and on some sites the LDA will provide a higher proportion of affordable and social housing. The LDA currently has access to an initial tranche of 9 sites across the country with near term delivery potential for 3,600 new homes. I previously indicated that in relation to the combined delivery of housing on the first 4 of these sites to be developed, up to 65% of housing could be affordable or social units. Most sites are currently at the pre-planning stage and the tenure mix for each site will only be finalised as sites are masterplanned and final plans are put in place, having regard to Government policy at the time on the appropriate tenure mix for LDA projects on public lands.
In relation to the most advanced of the 4 sites Shanganagh, which is being developed in partnership with Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, a planning application for 597 units has been submitted, of which 51% will be cost rental, 34% will be social and 15% will be affordable purchase.
