Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2685. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of rapid build housing units that have been constructed to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33667/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra2710. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of rapid build homes that have been completed and occupied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33841/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2685 and 2710 together.
Under Rebuilding Ireland, a total of 240 homes have been completed to date using the rapid delivery framework. There are currently some 26 further rapid delivery schemes, due to yield up to 768 social homes, at various stages of advancement, 213 of which are scheduled for delivery in 2018.
While the framework, or indeed off-site construction, may not be suitable for all developments or sites, my Department continues to encourage and support local authorities and AHBs to consider the rapid delivery mechanism in the interest of accelerated delivery. In this regard my Department has organised information seminars for local authorities, as well as visits to rapid delivery projects under construction. Local authorities have been asked to consider, in particular, schemes which are suitable for early commencement, particularly in terms of their approved planning status.
In addition, Dublin City Council is developing a volumetric rapid build housing programme of apartment developments. This could yield in excess of 700 homes and my Department is working very closely with the Council to prioritise some of the larger apartment schemes, given the current demand.
Updated details in relation to the programme of rapid build projects are included in each Social Housing Construction Projects Status Report, which are published on a quarterly basis on the Rebuilding Ireland website; the most recently available report sets out the position as at end Q1 2018 and is available on the Rebuilding Ireland website at the following link: http://rebuildingireland.ie/news/minister-murphy-publishes-social-housing-construction-status-report-q1-2018/.
My Department will continue to work with local authorities to maximise delivery and harness appropriate opportunities to deliver on additional build units over the course of the Rebuilding Ireland Plan, including through rapid delivery schemes.
Please note that the allocation of social housing support to qualified households is a matter for the housing authority concerned, in accordance with the authority’s allocation scheme made under section 22 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and associated Social Housing Allocation Regulations 2011.
