Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2017
464. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the reason for the delay in progressing a housing scheme (details supplied) from stage 1 approval in Q2 2015 to stage 2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13869/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSocial housing need is, in the first instance, a local issue and local authorities must respond to the nature and extent of that local need by devising and implementing appropriate targeted proposals that best fit the specific needs in their areas.
For that purpose, my Department has put in place a wide range of programmes that are available to all local authorities to generate increased social housing supply. In addition, my Department has put in place the structures and funding required for the early advancement of social housing supply proposals put forward by local authorities.
Local authority housing construction projects require careful consideration and planning, and their advancement through the various phases of development is in the first instance a matter for the proposing local authority. My Department has been working closely with South Dublin County Council to facilitate and accelerate the delivery of social housing in the South Dublin area. South Dublin County Council already has a strong pipeline of construction projects in development and is being encouraged by my Department to prepare and submit additional construction proposals to further strengthen that pipeline. Details of South Dublin County Council’s construction pipeline are available at the following weblink: http://rebuildingireland.ie/news/social-housing-developments/.
With regard to the project referred to by the Deputy, I am advised that South Dublin County Council intends to progress to a Stage 2 pre-planning submission in the second quarter of 2018. When the Stage 2 submission is received by my Department, it will be considered responded to as a matter of urgency.
