Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 May 2023
378. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will, as a matter of urgency, authorise the purchase by Kildare County Council of a number of apartments (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21787/23]
View answerUnder Housing for All, the Government will deliver 47,600 new build social homes and 3,500 social homes through long-term leasing in the period 2022-2026. Our clear focus is to increase the stock of social housing through new build projects delivered by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs).
Under Housing for All, there was provision for 200 social housing acquisitions each year. However, with increased pressures on housing and the exit of landlords from the market, my Department reinstated delegated sanction to local authorities in April 2022 to acquire social housing properties for a number of specific categories which included:
• One-bedroom units to deliver on Housing First and meet the short supply in this category;
• Other properties that allow persons/families to exit homelessness; and
• Specific housing required for/suitable for individuals with a disability or other particular priority needs.
For 2023, the Government has agreed that there will be increased provision for social housing acquisitions and my Department will fund local authorities to acquire up to 1,500 social homes. The additional acquisitions will be focused on properties where a tenant in receipt of social housing supports has received a Notice of Termination due to the landlord’s intention to sell the property. My Department issued a circular letter to all local authorities on 14 March, setting out details of these arrangements. The circular provided each local authority with a provisional allocation for the number of acquisitions, which will be kept under review.
I understand from Kildare County Council that the acquisition of the properties referred to was offered to them, however, following consideration, they declined as they already have a strong delivery pipeline in the area with some large housing developments in progress. I am satisfied that these individual situations are best judged by the respective local authority housing teams who have a better on the ground knowledge of each local situation.
