Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 March 2019
1392. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the progress of the Shanganagh Castle social and affordable housing development; the position of the project within the four-stage approval process; if the NDFA review has been completed; if so, the outcome of the review; and his plans to include the project in the social housing construction pipeline funded through the SHIP funding stream. [13181/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraDue to the scale and development potential of the site at Shanganagh, which may include approximately 540 homes overall, Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council (DLRCC) is required to carry out a Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) financial modelling exercise under the Public Spending Code. An Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) is also required and several surveys/assessments/studies are currently underway which will inform the EIAR.
A Masterplan, including an Infrastructural Masterplan, is also required and an Integrated Design Team is making good progress on developing these plans. The development will require planning approval from An Bord Pleanála under Part X of the Planning and Development Act 2000.
In parallel with the Masterplan design, I am advised that DLRCC is also engaging with the Land Development Agency (LDA) to explore options for the affordable element, with the intention to submit a formal application to my Department under the Serviced Sites Fund (SSF).
The Council intends to prepare a complete Stage 1 application for the social housing element of the scheme once planning is secured. All publicly-funded construction projects must comply with the Government’s Capital Works Management Framework (CWMF) 2007. The objective of these structures is to ensure greater cost certainty, better value for money and financial accountability. The social housing construction schemes progressing through the 4-stage approval process are reviewed at each stage by my Department’s Social Housing Delivery team, including architectural and quantity surveyor advisors.
DLRCC is continuing to actively engage with all relevant parties to progress the development of this site, including with my Department, the Housing Agency, the Land Development Agency and the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA).
