Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 October 2016
21. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the number of rapid-build houses that will be completed and under construction, respectively, by the end of 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28424/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra23. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on further delay of provision of rapid-build homes in Dublin; the number of these units which will be tenanted in Dublin at the end of 2016 and at the end of each quarter of 2017. [28700/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra27. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if funding for proposed rapid builds is new funding or if it is funding that was previously allocated to other housing projects. [28610/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra70. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the options for local authorities for the tender process; the reason for the recent delays in the houses planned in Cherry Orchard, Darndale, Finglas and Drimnagh; and the projected unit cost for all such homes to be delivered in 2017. [28689/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 21, 23, 27 and 70 together.
Of the 47,000 social housing units to be delivered under Rebuilding Ireland, an Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness, it is estimated at this stage that approximately 26,000 will be constructed, including 1,500 rapid-build homes, primarily in the Dublin region.
I envisage that there will be more than 320 homes either complete or under construction on site by end-2016. These include the four projects referred to in Deputy Boyd Barrett’s Question, which have been advanced as quickly as possible, subject to the need to complete procurement and contractual arrangements necessary to ensure value for money. I am advised that works will commence on each of these sites very shortly and units will be handed over to Dublin City Council, on a phased basis over the coming months. Sites for a further 200 homes have already been identified and work is ongoing to identify sites for a further 500 homes to be constructed in 2017.
In relation to the unit cost for each project, this will vary from site to site and this information is financially sensitive, as Dublin City Council is in the process of finalising the procurement-contract phase for the four projects and a wider procurement framework is being put in place by the Office of Government Procurement.
As Deputies will be aware, I am rolling out the rapid-build housing programme in order to address issues associated with inappropriate hotel arrangements for homeless families and to expedite social housing supply. This type of accommodation offers a greater level of stability for homeless families, while move-on options to long-term independent living are identified and secured. Furthermore, such arrangements will facilitate more co-ordinated needs assessment and support planning for these families, with access to all required services, including welfare, health and housing services.
Funding for the delivery of rapid-build housing units is being made available as part of my Department’s capital funding for the provision of social housing units. It will not impact on the funding previously approved for other social housing projects, which will continue to be delivered under the Rebuilding Ireland programme. The specific breakdown of the funding allocation for the capital housing programmes will be determined annually in the context of the estimates process.
I can assure the Deputies that rapid-build homes are being built to the highest construction standards, with a minimum 50 to 60 year life guarantee. My Department is working closely with the local authorities, particularly in the greater Dublin region and other urban areas where the need is greatest, with a view to expediting the delivery of rapid-build units as quickly as possible.
