Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 July 2023
8. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the actions that are being taken to increase the number of homes built by local authorities beyond the 1,666 that were constructed last year. [32921/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraNew build social housing delivery is achieved through a number of funding programmes available to local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs). Local authorities and AHBs can deliver new build social housing through direct construction, in partnership with developers through 'turnkey' projects and through the Part V process.
In 2023, a total of 7,443 new build social homes were delivered through these delivery mechanisms. This represented the highest level of new build social housing delivery since 1975.
Under Housing for All, local authorities are responsible for approximately 60% of new build social homes (including homes delivered under Part V) and AHBs are responsible for approximately 40% of new build delivery (also including homes delivered under Part V). Details of local authority and AHB delivery are set out in the Housing Delivery Action Plans prepared by each local authority.
In relation to local authority construction, my Department is working closely with local authorities to support an increase in construction projects in accordance with social housing targets. Housing for All also commits to strengthen the capacity of local authorities to initiate, design, plan, develop and manage housing projects. In this regard, my Department has approved an additional 250 staff specifically to support the delivery of social housing. In addition the Housing for All Land Acquisition Fund was established and is being managed by the Housing Agency. Capital funding of €125m has been allocated to this Fund, which will acquire sites for local authorities to deliver construction projects.
Strengthening the capacity of local authorities and the provision of suitable land are important measures to increase the pipeline of local authority construction projects.
