Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 October 2017
281. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if his Department has offered the option of modular housing to the local authorities that have long housing waiting lists; if so, the uptake in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45478/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra282. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the extent to which rapid build or modular housing has been offered to Kildare County Council having regard to the seriousness of the housing situation in view of the fact that this will not improve unless steps are taken to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45479/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 281 and 282 together.
Utilising innovative construction technologies can accelerate housing provision, as timeframes are considerably less than for traditional build. Faster delivery may also mean that homes can be provided at more affordable rates than traditional build. To date, my Department's focus in relation to this form of house building has been on encouraging its use for accelerated delivery of social housing units and considerable progress is being made.
In that regard, my Department recently asked all local authorities, including Kildare County Council, to review the social housing projects in their areas and in the interest of achieving earliest delivery, they have been requested to consider their suitability for Design and Build contracts under the Rapid Build Framework, which includes modular design, set up by the Office Of Government Procurement. They were asked to consider, in particular, schemes which are amenable to early commencement, particularly in terms of their approved planning status.
In response, some authorities have indicated that a number of approved schemes and new schemes under consideration may be suitable. I expect that some authorities will utilise the OGP Rapid Build framework to help expedite delivery and I expect to be announcing further details in this regard in the coming weeks.
The question of utilising rapid build methodologies and other innovative construction technologies is, ultimately, a matter for consideration by each local authority in the context of individual projects. As I previously indicated to the Deputy, my Department and I are working with local authorities and approved housing bodies to accelerate the delivery of all housing, including rapid build, in order to tackle the current housing waiting lists and to deliver homes, as quickly as possible, to those who need them.
