Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 January 2018
73. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of social housing units built under Rebuilding Ireland per annum in counties Carlow and Kilkenny in each of the years 2016 and 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4342/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraRebuilding Ireland is focused on accelerating the delivery of housing, with an investment of more than €6 billion to deliver 50,000 social housing units through build, refurbishment, acquisitions and leasing, over the period to 2021.
One of the Governments key priorities has been the accelerated delivery of social housing homes and provisional details of the 26,000 households, who had their social housing need met in 2017, were published on 15 January 2018. A breakdown of these numbers across all local authority areas, including Carlow and Kilkenny, will be made available following completion of the necessary validation process. It is expected that these will show an increase in the number of units built in Carlow and Kilkenny from what is recognised as low build levels in 2016.
The latest status report at end Q3 2017 for social housing construction projects shows a significant level of activity being undertaken by both Carlow and Kilkenny County Councils in conjunction with Approved Housing Bodies across 53 projects, delivering in the region of 757 homes.
In addition to the provision of adequate funding, the availability of suitable lands for development is key to ensuring the delivery of sufficient housing supply. All local authorities have been requested to prepare Strategic Development and Management Plans for residential lands in their ownership to ensure they are brought forward for development at the earliest opportunity. The Plan for Kilkenny County Council has been received and is under review, while that for Carlow County Council is awaited.
