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Social and Affordable Housing Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 May 2018

Tuesday, 8 May 2018

Ceisteanna (49)

Jan O'Sullivan

Ceist:

49. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the specific measures he is taking to speed up the delivery of social homes; if he has analysed the data from the Rebuilding Ireland quarterly reports in relation to the number of units approved that are still in the pre-construction phases of approval; the measures in place to progress these to construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19788/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Notwithstanding the genuine challenges that arise with construction projects of all types, I and my Department have been consistently focused on ensuring that progress is made to achieve housing delivery as quickly as possible.

My Department has worked with local authorities to review the processes and procedures for the approval of social housing construction projects and has agreed an overall target programme of 59 weeks for progressing typical social housing construction projects from initial project conception through design, planning and procurement up to contractors going on site.

More detailed guidelines have been prepared in relation to submissions to be made to my Department. The single-stage approval process for projects under €2m has been revised and my Department is working with local authorities to increase take-up. Rapid build approaches are also increasingly being used, which can save time in relation to design, procurement and construction of new social housing.

My Department also has continuous contact with local authorities around all forms of housing delivery, including regular technical meetings to review progress in respect of social housing projects and to clear any blockages as swiftly as possible.

The Deputy can be assured that my Department is committed to the accelerated delivery of all social housing projects and will work with all local authorities and approved housing bodies to ensure that quality and value for money projects are delivered efficiently and effectively. This is evident from the significant increase in new build social housing activity in 2017 and the further significant increase targeted for this year.

My Department has also established a dedicated Housing Delivery Office to support local authorities in housing delivery and this support is now an important part of the focus on accelerating housing delivery on key sites, identifying further mechanisms to accelerate delivery and supporting the roll-out of complex construction projects.

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