Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 February 2024
153. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is concerned about the increase in family homelessness and the lack of three bed homes coming on stream via the Part V programme; what changes he intends to make to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7014/24]
View answerSupporting individuals and families facing homelessness is a key Government priority. Increasing the supply of housing is critical to address homelessness and record levels of investment are being provided under Housing for All to support the delivery of housing. In 2024, over €5bn in investment is available to support the delivery of housing and local authorities have a target to deliver 9,300 new build social homes. Under Housing for All, each local authority is required to prepare a Housing Delivery Action Plan. The Plans set out details of both social and affordable housing delivery as appropriate over the period 2022-2026, in line with targets set under Housing for All. The Plans also include details of the locations and delivery streams, which would include Part V, for social housing schemes and to make adequate provision for 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes. Housing Delivery Action Plans are published on the websites of the respective local authorities.
My Department publishes comprehensive programme level statistics on a quarterly basis on social housing delivery activity by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) in each local authority, including Part V delivery. This data is available to the end of Quarter 3 2023 and is published on the statistics page of my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/6d316-local-authority-housing-scheme-statistics/?referrer=http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/social-housing/local-authority-housing-scheme-statistics
Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 requires private developers to ensure that a specified percentage of land zoned for residential and other uses is reserved for social and affordable housing. Local authorities negotiate Part V agreements with the developer in line with a range of guidelines and supports aimed at assisting them in maximising the benefits of Part V in the context of its housing needs. Local authorities have a range of options available when negotiating with developers including the transfer of land, the building and transfer of houses, the transfer of houses off-site, granting of a lease of houses, or a combination of these. Local authorities are free to decide how the 20% Part V contribution is broken down in terms of social and affordable housing (with a minimum 10% social housing) and by dwelling type, including provision for three bed units. regarding This is done in line with the local authorities housing need as identified in its Housing Strategy made as part of its Development Plan. Part V negotiations are solely a matter for the relevant local authority operating within the Guidelines.
