Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 November 2021
12. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason that public housing land in the remit of South Dublin County Council was recently sold to a private developer; the reason there is also a proposal to sell similar land in Dublin County Council, in view of the establishment of the Land Development Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55042/21]
View answerThe Housing for All strategy was published on 2 September and provides the funding and the targets for the social housing and affordable housing schemes. This is the most ambitious housing plan in the history of our State, backed up by an unprecedented financial commitment of in excess of €4bn per annum. At a national level, over 300,000 new homes will be built by the end of 2030, including a projected 90,000 new build social homes, 36,000 affordable purchase homes and 18,000 cost rental homes. These homes will be provided by Local Authorities, Approved Housing Bodies, the Land Development Agency, as well as through a strategic partnership between the State and retail banks.
The enactment of the Land Development Agency Act, 2021, establishing the LDA as a commercial State Agency, marks an historic move to use all lands available to the State to provide for housing supply and affordability needs and represents a crucial lever in terms of reaching a sustainable housing market. However, it was not intended to delay or interrupt projects/ housing schemes already in-flight or at an advanced stage of planning.
I understand the Deputy is referring to sites in both the South Dublin County Council and Dublin City Council areas. In relation to a recent sale of a site in South Dublin, I understand that the Members of the Council recently approved the disposal of lands to the preferred Economic Operator to build 372 affordable homes and 123 private residential units at Killinarden. The Council members agreed in March 2020 to progress the procurement process and proceed to land disposal under the relevant legislation to accelerate the delivery of much needed affordable homes in the area. In addition, 125 social homes will be delivered as part of this development. The land associated with these social homes is not included in the approved disposal.
I understand that it is proposed to dispose of two sites owned by Dublin City Council (DCC), Oscar Traynor Road and O'Devaney Gardens, through the Housing Land Initiative competitive dialogue process to the preferred Economic Operator under Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001. These schemes combined will deliver over 1,800 homes, including over 500 new social homes, and between 400 and 900 cost rental and affordable purchase homes. The plans for Oscar Traynor Road and O'Devaney Gardens predate the establishment of the LDA and going back to the drawing board now would result in an inordinate delay (DCC advise this could be up to five years) in the delivery of vital homes.
