Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 May 2016
286. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider applications from local authorities for social housing new-build programmes of 50 units or more; and if there is a maximum development size he is willing to consider. [9043/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department receives new social housing proposals of all different scales from local authorities, including development proposals above 50 units. The provision of social housing is, in the first instance, a matter for each local authority as the housing authority for its area and they determine the scale of such projects, taking account of the guidance set out in ‘Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities’, see http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/DevelopmentandHousing/Housing/FileDownLoad,1979,en.pdf.
I made announcements for a substantial number of new social housing projects in May 2015, in July 2015 and in January 2016. Between these three announcements, almost €680 million has been allocated for over 3,900 social housing new builds, turnkey developments and acquisitions and they include developments above 50 units. Details of these announcements are available on my Department’s website at the following links:
http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/News/MainBody,41340,en.htm
http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/News/MainBody,42225,en.htm
http://www.environ.ie/housing/social-housing/ministers-kelly-coffey-announce-further-1000-social-housing-units.
I am keen that all local authorities advance these projects as soon as possible and I have assured them that funding is available to fully support their efforts in this regard.
