Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 November 2020
202. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the actions he will take based on the findings of the report by the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service that resourcing local authorities is the most cost-effective way to deliver new social housing units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35977/20]
View answerThe Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath TD published a number of spending review papers on 5 November 2020, including a paper on the Social Housing Build Programme.
The paper examines local authority build programmes in six local authorities, encompassing local authority build, Approved Housing Body build and the acquisition of newly built units through Turnkey and Part V mechanisms. The Report noted that cost efficiency differs by mechanism and location and this should continue to be monitored and assessed by my Department and the local authorities.
The Programme for Government commits to increasing the social housing stock by more than 50,000, with an emphasis on new builds so my focus is on increasing the proportion of social homes delivered through build programmes. The funding in place for 2021 will support the delivery of 12,750 new social homes, including 9,500 to be delivery through build programmes. My Department is working closely with the local authorities and the Housing Delivery Coordination Office on this programme.
