Social and Affordable Housing

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 November 2020

Tuesday, 17 November 2020

Questions (356)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

356. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there has been a policy change with regard to Part V housing; if so, the details of the changes; if a change has occurred (details supplied); if changes have been made to the financial calculation of Part V in 2020; if so, the details of same; if long leasing is a substitute for Part V purchases; if so, the guidance his Department has given to local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36147/20]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

There has been no policy change with regard to Part V housing and no changes have been made to the financial calculation of Part V in 2020.  A review of the Part V provisions is ongoing in light of the Programme for Government commitments in relation to the delivery of affordable homes through Part V.

The Part V Guidelines issued in January 2017 under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 set out that the priority option which should normally be pursued by local authorities is the acquisition of social housing on the development site, by means of transfer of ownership to the local authority or to an Approved Housing Body.  There has been no change to this policy. However, in certain circumstances, including in the case of build to rent developments, it may be more practicable for a local authority to enter into a leasing arrangement for Part V units.  It should be noted, however, that the decision is one for the local authority, as per the provisions of Section 96(3)(c) and (h) of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended).