I propose to take Questions Nos. 277 and 292 together.
As set out in the replies to Question No. 137 of 29 September 2016 and to Question Number 135 of 6 October 2016, the site at Scribblestown was identified and proposed for inclusion in the Social Housing PPP programme by the Dublin Social Housing Delivery Task Force and by Dublin City Council, having regard to social housing need, and the suitability of the site to be developed for social housing at this location.
The social housing need in the Ashtown, Blackhorse Avenue, Santry, Whitehall, Cabra, Finglas and Glasnevin areas of Dublin City Council is in excess of 4,000 applicants, based on latest Dublin City Council data. The development at Scribblestown would contribute towards delivering homes for these applicants. The current percentage of social housing in the Scribblestown area, also based on data from Dublin City Council, is 15%.
The following criteria formed the basis of the assessment of sustainability for prospective social housing sites being delivered through the Public Private Partnership programme:
- Compatibility with the relevant development plan for the area;
- Impact on sustainable communities in the area; and
- Access to services by future residents (amenities such as public transport, schools, shops).
My Department’s guidelines concerning such issues as sustainability and social mix are set out in Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities, which is available on the Department’s website at the following link: http://www.housing.gov.ie/search/archived/current/category/housing/type/publications?query=sustainable%20design.
The assessment criteria for the selection of PPP sites reflect provisions contained in these guidelines.
