The single stage approval process was introduced on a pilot basis in early 2016 for social housing projects, with an all-in budget up to €2 million or no more than 15 units. The single stage approval process was further refined this year following consultation between my Department and the City and County Management Association (CCMA) and the revised process allows some post tender adjustments in specific circumstances.
In the case of the Kilmantain Place scheme, Wicklow County Council opted to progress this project through the four stage approval process. A Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) is a key economic appraisal technique under the Public Spending Code, and is only required for capital projects in excess of €20 million. In the case of this scheme, a CBA was not required and the tender process, which is a matter directly for each individual local authority, is carried out in line with the requirements of the Capital Works Management Framework.
There are currently 12 projects nationally being progressed under the single stage approval process. There are also an increasing number of projects being progressed through the turnkey approach, which is a one stage approval process. Local authorities have substantial pipelines of new build social housing projects, and all approved projects can be seen in the quarterly Social Housing Construction Status Reports published by my Department. The most recently available report sets out the position as at end Quarter 2 2018 and is available at the following link: http://rebuildingireland.ie/news/minister-murphy-publishes-latest-social-housing-construction-report/.
