Cian O'Callaghan
Question:307. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the target date for ending homelessness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14371/20]
View answerHomelessness Strategy
Questions (307)
Written answers
Helping individuals and families facing homelessness is a top priority for this Government and for myself as Minister. While there are many challenges facing people, in terms of accessing quality affordable housing, none compare to the dire situation facing people that find themselves without a home for whatever reason. For that reason, the Programme for Government "Our Shared Future" commits to reducing and preventing homelessness and provides detail on how the Government will approach this challenge.
Homelessness is complex and causal factors and family circumstances vary considerably as do the responses needed. Homelessness is also inter-related with the other areas of the housing system and indeed with broader social and healthcare policy and service delivery. Therefore, a whole of Government approach will be required in dealing with this ongoing challenge.
In terms of my own Department's areas of responsibility one of the key issues to be addressed to resolve homelessness is to increase the supply of housing, particularly for those on the lowest incomes. To this end, the Programme for Government commits to the increased supply of public, social and affordable homes. In particular, we will increase the social housing stock by more than 50,000 with an emphasis on new builds.
The Programme for Government also recognises that many households experiencing homelessness have additional support needs and includes specific measures to address these needs. These include measures to help rough sleepers into sustainable accommodation, the continued expansion of Housing First, with a focus on the construction and acquisition of one-bed homes, and, importantly, ensuring that there are dedicated funding and resources to deliver the necessary health and mental health supports required to assist homeless people with complex needs.
Fire Safety
Questions (308, 309)
Cian O'Callaghan
Question:308. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if appropriate measures are in place in publicly-owned houses, flats and apartments to prevent residential fires; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14372/20]
View answerCian O'Callaghan
Question:309. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the prevalence of combustible construction materials and non-fire retardant paint in publicly-owned houses, flats and apartments; the extent to which these materials pose a residential fire risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14373/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 308 and 309 together.
The provision of a fire service in its functional area is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Services Acts, 1981 and 2003. My Department supports fire authorities through setting national policy, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters, providing capital funding for priority infrastructure projects and overseeing and administering a central national training programme.
A Fire Safety Task Force was established by my Department in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire tragedy. The Report of the Task Force, published in May 2018, highlights that in most buildings and circumstances the safest approach and the default option for all occupants of the building is to evacuate in the event of fire or alarm. Individual buildings should have fire safety strategies involving the in-built passive features, active fire protection systems (such as fire detection & alarm, and emergency lighting), and a complete building management approach, including management of fire safety to prevent fires occurring in the first place and maintenance of the building and its fire protection systems. In houses, flats and apartments, residents have a large part to play in prevention of fires, in particular through care with ignition sources.
In June 2017, as part of the Fire Safety Task Force Review, local authorities were asked by my Department to assess multi-storey, multi-unit social housings’ fire detection and alarm systems, emergency lighting systems and common escape routes, including corridors, stairways and emergency exits, and to ensure that such systems are in place and fully functional. The presence of fire detection and alarm systems was confirmed in 94% of these buildings with common escape routes. The presence of emergency lighting systems in common escape routes was confirmed in 93% of buildings, while 98% of buildings had unobstructed access/egress at the time of inspection. In those cases where deficiencies were found, housing authorities were requested to carry out repairs or remedial works as soon as practicable.
The design and construction of buildings, including standards of fire safety, is regulated under the Building Control Acts 1990 to 2014. The Acts provide for the making of Building Regulations and Building Control Regulations. One of the primary purposes for which the Building Regulations may be made is the health, safety and welfare of persons in and around buildings.
The Second Schedule of the Building Regulations 1997- 2017, sets out the statutory minimum performance requirements for the construction of new buildings (including dwellings) and extensions to existing buildings, as well as for material alterations and certain material changes of use to existing buildings. Part B of the Second Schedule of the Building Control Regulations and Technical Guidance Document B (of 2017 for dwelling houses, and of 2006 (reprint 2020) for other buildings) deal with fire safety – including provisions in respect of materials used in building construction.
The number of fire fatalities in buildings in Ireland has shown a welcome downward trend for a number of years. Provision of a working smoke alarm is the most important step people can take, to enhance fire safety in the home. My Department continues to emphasise this in its “STOP Fire” campaign which outlines that “Together we can STOP fire: Smoke alarms – Test alarms weekly – Obvious dangers – Plan your escape.”
The focus in Building Regulations is on protection of people rather than property, although fire safety measures designed to protect life may also have the benefit of protecting property. The Schedule of Building Regulations is comprised of twelve distinct parts, classified Parts A to M, each of which sets functional requirements for buildings or works e.g. structure, fire safety, energy conservation, accessibility etc. My Department publishes Technical Guidance Documents (TGDs) in relation to each of the twelve parts. These guidance documents set out how the legal requirements can be achieved in practice.
The primary responsibility for compliance with the requirements of the Building Regulations, including fire safety, rests with the designers, builders and owners of buildings. Auditing and enforcement of the provisions of the Fire Services Act and Building Regulations is a function of the 31 local authorities, who have a suite of enabling and enforcement powers under both legislative codes.
Social and Affordable Housing
Questions (310, 311)
Cian O'Callaghan
Question:310. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the price paid per Part V unit in Dublin and each other county, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14374/20]
View answerCian O'Callaghan
Question:311. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the price paid for non-Part V social housing acquisitions in Dublin and each other county, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14375/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 310 and 311 together.
Cost information on local authority and approved housing body direct construction and turnkeys, is collated by my Department at development level rather than at granular individual housing unit level. Disaggregating such development level information into individual unit costs, across all of the various types of units, would require significant analysis on unit characteristics such as size, type, number of bedrooms, site costs, abnormal costs, fees etc. to derive an accurate reflection of an average cost by unit.
My Department is working with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on a Spending Review of the social Housing Build programme for the period 2016-2019 which is expected to be published later this year. As part of this work, the Department's are working on extrapolating unit costs from raw data provided by local authorities.
Part V units can be delivered through a range of programmes funded by my Department, including;
- The Social Housing Capital Investment Programme (SHCIP)- LA led, 100% capital funded
- The Capital Assistance Scheme- AHB led, 100% capital funded
- The Capital Advance Leasing Facility- AHB led, range of 0% to 30% capital loan funded and ongoing lease under Payment and Availability Agreement (P&A)
- Social Housing Current Expenditure programme (SHCEP) Part V- generally LA- leased under current funding
- LA own funding or Cost neutral- these are Part V units delivered by LAs but not claimed from the Department.
Each programme has its own discreet data requirements and data held on file. The information requested, in the format of average unit costs by local authority, will require some time to collate, and will be made available as soon as possible.
Planning Issues
Questions (312, 313)
Cian O'Callaghan
Question:312. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the percentage of approved planning permissions which have construction under way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14376/20]
View answerCian O'Callaghan
Question:313. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the average length of time between the granting of planning permission and completion of development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14377/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 312 and 313 together.
Planning statistics are compiled by each planning authority on an annual basis for collation and publication on my Department’s website, at the following link:
http://www.housing.gov.ie/planning/statistics/planning-statistics-1
However, the data collected relate to the total number of applications and decisions for all developments that require planning permission, broken down by year and planning authority but are not broken down by development type. The specific national information across these categories in relation to the activation of planning permission is not collated.
In addition, the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical office, compiles and makes available detailed data on a number of housing related issues including permissions granted and completions by development type and county. Data is available at the following links on the CSO website:
https://www.cso.ie/en/statistics/construction/planningpermissions/
https://statbank.cso.ie/px/pxeirestat/Database/eirestat/New%20Dwelling%20Completions/New%20Dwelling%20Completions_statbank.asp?SP=New
My Department publishes data on the extent of residential dwellings subject to commencement notices, including a breakdown of the number of single dwelling notices. This information is available at:
https://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/statistics/house-building-and-private-rented/construction-activity-starts
In the case of the Dublin area, the four local authorities monitor the activation of planning permissions and data is reflected in the quarterly reports of the Dublin Housing Supply Coordination Task Force.
https://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/construction-2020-strategy/dublin-housing-supply-task-force/housing-supply-coordination-task
My Department separately monitors activity on permissions granted through the Strategic Housing Development (SHD) process which relates to developments of 100 housing units or more, or student accommodation or shared accommodation developments of 200 bed spaces or more. Data up to the 31 May 2020, indicates that An Bord Pleanála granted permission on 136 SHD applications in respect of a total of 37,609 homes (comprising 10,204 houses, 21,630 apartments and 5,775 Build to Rent homes), 9,498 student bed spaces and 410 shared accommodation bed spaces and it is understood that commencement notices have been lodged in respect of 42 of these projects to date. On average commencement notices have been lodged for SHD within 6 months of a grant of permission.
Social and Affordable Housing
Questions (314)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:314. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if it is policy to deliver affordable housing at prices between €160,000 and €250,000; if the equity share of the State in the properties is included in these prices; if not, if it is additional to these prices; the equity share in same; and the all in development costs that will allow his Department to deliver affordable homes at these prices. [14388/20]
View answerWritten answers
The delivery of affordable housing is a top priority for this Government and for me, as Minister. To this end, since taking up office, I am working within my Department and with all relevant stakeholders and delivery partners to ensure that new affordable homes are delivered, particularly in Dublin and other major urban areas, where people and families are facing the greatest housing access and affordability challenge.
In terms of affordable purchase, it is my intention that the new Scheme is finalised without delay and that the programme to build new affordable homes is accelerated and expanded. It is difficult to be definitive regarding the final purchase price of affordable homes at this point but I have clearly signalled to officials working on the Scheme in my department that the new homes must be affordable for the individuals and families that badly need them.
Importantly, a significant amount of the foundations are already in place. For example, under the Serviced Sites Fund (SSF), €310 million has been allocated to provide infrastructure to support the delivery of more affordable homes on local authority lands. A maximum SSF funding amount of €50,000 is available per home. This sum comprises €44,500 (or 89%) Exchequer contribution and a €5,500 (or 11%) local authority contribution. On this basis, at least 6,200 affordable homes, to buy or rent, can be facilitated. This funding is being made available in areas where local authorities have demonstrated that a requirement exists for more affordable housing and it is viable to deliver such housing from their sites.
To date, SSF funding of €127 million has been allocated in support of 35 projects in 14 local authority areas. This will provide for infrastructure works that will support the delivery of almost 3,200 affordable homes. The selling price of homes that will be made available for purchase under the affordable dwelling purchase arrangements will obviously be influenced by a number of factors which will vary significantly from development to development. This includes the overall development cost of each particular development, the housing type/tenure mix involved and the local housing market. The majority of the projects approved for funding under the SSF are at the planning and design stage. As such, the final sales prices will not be fully determined until planning permission has been obtained and after the procurement process for construction of the development in question has been completed.
The most advanced, SSF funded, affordable housing project is at Boherboy Road in Cork City. The construction has commenced on the project, which includes 116 brand new energy efficient, 2 and 3 bedroom homes. The Council has confirmed these homes are expected to be made available to first time buyers at purchase prices ranging from c.€198,000 to €223,000. Under the terms of the Scheme encompassed in the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2009, a charge would be placed on the property equal to the percentage discount given from the open market value at the time of sale, with the housing authority taking a repayable equity stake in the property. In case of a 2-bed unit in the Boherboy development, sold to a purchaser for €198,000, if the open market value of that home is, for example, €230,000, a local authority equity charge of 13.9% would be placed on the property.
In addition to the range of existing measures, the Programme for Government makes clear, that the target for this Government will be to bring forward a range of measures to enable home ownership for more people through increased supply and interventions that make home to make home ownership more affordable. In particular, the Programme commits to the progression of a State-backed affordable home purchase scheme, which is a priority.
Invasive Plant Species
Questions (315)
Cathal Crowe
Question:315. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if funding will be made available to Clare County Council to eradicate an extensive spread of Japanese knotweed on public lands in Kilkee, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14389/20]
View answerWritten answers
Pending the formal transfer of heritage functions in accordance with the Taoiseach’s announcement on the appointment of Ministers, my Department currently has no function in relation to invasive alien species.
Environmental Protection Enforcement
Questions (316)
Cormac Devlin
Question:316. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of tree preservation orders issued by the four Dublin local authorities in each of the years 2015 to 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14395/20]
View answerWritten answers
The specific information requested in relation to tree preservation orders is no longer collated by my Department. However, individual local authorities may compile information in this regard. Data on tree preservation orders which was collected for the years 1998 to 2012 is available on my Department's website at the following link:
https://www.housing.gov.ie/planning/statistics/planning-statistics-1.
Housing Estates
Questions (317)
Martin Heydon
Question:317. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the status of applications by Kildare County Council for funding to complete a housing estate (details supplied) with developer provided infrastructure; when a decision will issue on the funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14424/20]
View answerWritten answers
In July 2019, my Department launched the multi-annual Developer-Provided Water Services Infrastructure Resolution Programme 2019-2021. Bids were sought from local authorities for funding under the programme and nineteen local authorities with Developer-Provided Water Services Infrastructure in estates in their areas made applications for funding. Kildare County Council included the estate referred to in its application.
My Department has completed a preliminary evaluation and clarification process on the bids received from the local authorities. An Expert Panel, which includes Departmental, stakeholder and independent representation, has been appointed to examine the bids. The Panel has held a number of meetings to date.
I expect that the Expert Panel will make recommendations to me shortly on the suitability of projects for funding under the programme. This will be based on criteria set out in the Framework document issued to local authorities when requesting proposals. It is expected that an announcement on approvals and allocations will be made once that process is concluded in the coming weeks.
Local Authority Housing
Questions (318)
Sorca Clarke
Question:318. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of social homes in counties Longford and Westmeath that have had works completed under the energy efficiency and retrofitting programme; the average cost per unit for a two, three and four bed and OPD, respectively; the remaining number of homes; and the estimated costs. [14484/20]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has provided funding for an Energy Efficiency Retrofitting Programme for local authority homes since 2013. The Programme has two phases, phase one, which covers the bulk of the work undertaken to date, focused on delivering immediate improvements such as cavity wall and attic insulation. Phase two targets higher cost measures, such as fabric upgrades, window and door upgrades and the installation of photovoltaic panels and heat pumps.
To date under the programme, some €151m has been spent nationally, with over 72,000 social housing homes upgraded. In Longford, 890 homes have been upgraded to end-2019, while 2,113 homes were upgraded in Westmeath, with funding support of over €5.6m from my Department, combined.
The exchequer funding available to the local authorities under the social housing retrofit programme for 2020 is set at up to a maximum of €30,100 for a mid-terrace house or apartment and €34,600 for a property that is end-terrace, detached, semi-detached or a bungalow.
The cost of carrying out an energy retrofit on a social housing home varies considerably depending on factors such as dwelling size, year of construction, dwelling condition and construction type. My Department gathers data at programme level and does not collate granular level information on the cost associated with each individual property upgraded. This information may be available from the local authorities themselves.
Housing Adaptation Grant
Questions (319)
Sorca Clarke
Question:319. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his views on an amendment to the legislation that results in a child with a profound physical disability not being eligible in one parent's home for the provision of level access shower for personal hygiene and toileting needs in view of the fact it is not considered their principal private residence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14485/20]
View answerWritten answers
Regulations S.I. 670 of 2007 and S.I. 104 of 2014 provide the statutory basis for the operation of the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability. Article 8 of the Regulations provides that the applicant must occupy the house as his or her normal place of residence on completion of the works.
The administration of the grants scheme, including the assessment, approval and prioritisation of grant applications under the various measures, is the responsibility of each local authority. Having considered all of the circumstances in any particular case, it is a mater for the local authority to determine grant eligibility.
Ministerial Responsibilities
Questions (320)
Seán Sherlock
Question:320. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will publish the departmental briefing paper on his role, remits and powers afforded to him upon appointment to the Cabinet. [14528/20]
View answerWritten answers
It is my intention to publish the briefing paper presented to me by my Department, subject to any redactions made in line with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2014. The brief will be available on the Department's website shortly.
Local Authority Housing
Questions (321, 322)
Brendan Smith
Question:321. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if the funding available for local authorities for the voids programme will be increased for 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14545/20]
View answerBrendan Smith
Question:322. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if the funding available to Cavan County Council for the Voids Programme will be increased in view of the need to bring vacant social houses back to habitable condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14547/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 321 and 322 together.
The management and maintenance of local authority housing stock, including pre-letting repairs to vacant properties, the implementation of a planned maintenance programme and carrying out of responsive repairs, are matters for each individual local authority under Section 58 of the Housing Act 1966.
Since 2014, Exchequer funding has also been provided through my Department's Voids Programme to support local authorities in preparing vacant units for re-letting. This funding was initially introduced to tackle long term vacant units and is now increasingly targeted at ensuring minimal turnaround and re-let times for local authority vacant stock. During 2019, expenditure of some €26.6 million was recouped to local authorities under the Voids Programme.
Cavan County Council has received €1.65 million in funding under the Voids Programme from 2014 to 2019, supporting 137 units being returned to use.
There is a two stage process for allocations under the Voids Programme for 2020 in light of the impact of COVID-19. Firstly, on 26 May, there was an initial call for proposals for COVID-19 Voids funding for vacant units which were required for the emergency accommodation of qualified households arising from the need to prevent, limit, minimise or slow the spread of COVID-19. The majority of works approved under this element of the programme are complete. Cavan County Council submitted 8 properties for assessment under the Covid-19 Voids Programme and have received approval for all 8 properties. A second call for proposals, under the normal voids programme, will issue shortly.
There is a commitment under Rebuilding Ireland that local authorities will introduce a preventative maintenance approach to the management of their housing stock. My Department is working with local authorities to this end.
Social and Affordable Housing
Questions (323)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:323. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans for affordable housing including the cost of an affordable house; if he will provide an update on the plans for Shanganagh Castle site, including details of the cost of the affordable homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14549/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Shanganagh site in is a good example of the type of major social and affordable housing scheme that we need to see built out in Dublin. This type of mixed-tenure major housing development on public land is a major priority for this Government and for myself as Minister.
In January, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLRCC), in partnership with the Land Development Agency, submitted an application for approval to An Bord Pleanála for the development of circa 9.69 hectares of land zoned for residential development within the Woodbrook–Shanganagh Local Area Plan 2017–2023. The proposed development seeks the construction of 597 new homes, crèche facility, local shop and local cafe as well as a number of resident services and amenities. The new homes will be a mix of social housing, cost rental and affordable purchase.
An application was submitted to my Department for the proposed Shanganagh development in early 2019 under the Serviced Site Fund (SSF). Recognising the potential strategic value of the project, the development was deemed a ‘Project of Interest’ at that time and a future application under the SSF is anticipated.
In relation to the future provision of homes for purchase under the Affordable Purchase Scheme, €310 million was made available under the Serviced Sites Fund (SSF) to support the delivery of the homes by local authorities. This fund is intended to sub-vent the cost of facilitating infrastructure and a maximum amount of €50,000 is available per affordable home. On this basis, at least 6,200 more affordable homes, to buy or rent, can be facilitated by this measure alone. This funding is being made available in areas where local authorities have demonstrated a requirement for more affordable housing and the viability to deliver such housing from their sites. To date, funding of €127 million has been approved in principle to provide infrastructural work that will support 35 projects in 14 local authorities, delivering 3,200 homes.
Details of all SSF projects that have received approval in principle under both SSF calls, and the number of more affordable homes whose delivery will be supported by SSF funding are available on the Rebuilding Ireland website at the following links:
Call 1:
https://rebuildingireland.ie/news/minister-murphy-gives-the-go-ahead-for-ten-local-authority-sites-for-affordable-housing-under-the-serviced-sites-fund/
Call 2:
https://rebuildingireland.ie/news/minister-murphy-approves-funding-of-e84m-to-support-delivery-of-1770-affordable-homes-under-the-ssf/
The selling price of homes that will be made available for purchase under the affordable dwelling purchase arrangements will be influenced by a number of factors which will vary significantly from individual development to development. This includes the overall development cost of each particular development the housing type/tenure mix involved and the local housing market. The majority of the projects approved for funding under the SSF are at the planning and design stage. As such, the final sales prices will not be fully determined until planning permission has been obtained and after the procurement process for construction of the development in question has been completed.
Rental Sector
Questions (324)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:324. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to roll out cost rental housing; the way in which the allocation of these homes will work; the cost of the rents for these homes in particular the cost rental plans for the Enniskerry and Shanganagh Castle sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14550/20]
View answerWritten answers
As confirmed in the Programme for Government 'Our Shared Future', this Government is committed to the introduction of Cost Rental housing in Ireland. This recognises that renters in Dublin and other major urban centres are facing significant housing access and affordability challenges. Cost Rental is a fundamentally different housing proposal and represents a new tenure option. It is defined as housing where the rents charged cover the cost of delivering, managing, and maintaining the homes only. Cost Rental is not intended to overlap with or replace traditional social housing for low-income households. In developing this model, we are informed by international experience of the delivery of cost rental, such as the ‘Vienna Model’. At the core of this work is the development of a new long-term and sustainable form of rental properties for tenants and a sustainable model for the financing, construction and management of homes.
Initial work on Cost Rental is underway and in 2019 an inter-departmental multi-agency Cost Rental Working Group was convened in order to assess methods for the consistent and sustainable delivery Cost Rental at scale. The Group brings together representatives of relevant government departments, State agencies, and local government. The Group is evaluating potential funding models, including the use of public land and appropriate Exchequer inputs. The Group is also considering operational matters such as tenant eligibility.
This work will be assisted by a recently initiated research consultancy sponsored by the European Investment Bank on behalf of my Department. The EIB has extensive experience in supporting the delivery of affordable housing across Europe. The final Report is scheduled for completion in December.
Rents for Cost Rental homes, depend upon the overall cost of each individual development, and will vary according to the site and design specifics. However, value engineering with long-term maintenance in mind can put downward pressure on costs and help to make Cost Rental more affordable for tenants. If construction is to be funded by borrowing, it is crucial that Cost Rental providers obtain low-cost, stable finance that is repaid over a long period of time.
The first Cost Rental pilot development at Enniskerry Road, Stepaside, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, is being undertaken by the Tuath and Respond Approved Housing Bodies, with the assistance of DLR County Council. The mixed-tenure development comprises 50 Cost Rental homes alongside 105 social housing homes. The Cost Rental homes at this site are supported by zero-cost land supplied by the Housing Agency, an infrastructure grant from my Department's Serviced Site Fund and debt financing from the Housing Finance Agency. Construction began on the site in July 2019 with delivery scheduled for Q3 2021.
The other proposed Cost Rental development referred to by the Deputy, at Shanganagh Castle, is currently in the initial planning stage with Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council working in partnership with the Land Development Agency. This is utilising Council-owned land and Shanganagh is proposed as a mixed-tenure development. It is envisaged that approximately 300 Cost Rental homes will be constructed, alongside approximately 200 social housing homes and 100 homes for sale under the Affordable Purchase scheme. A planning proposal for this site was lodged with An Bord Pleanála in January 2020. While the final cost of rents will vary according to the ultimate cost of provision of the homes they are expected to be significantly lower than open market rates for the area.