Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

Part V is being actively operated in all local authority areas and provision of homes for first-time buyers and young families under it is gathering momentum. Up to the end of 2005, 701 social and 1,470 affordable housing units were delivered to local authorities. Output last year was more than double that in 2004. In addition to the number of housing units, 38 land transfers to local authorities have been completed to the end of 2005 involving some 20 hectares; a further 213 partially or fully serviced sites have been transferred to local authorities and voluntary housing bodies; and over €24.5 million has been received in lieu of land. This output reflects the use of the various flexible options now available to satisfy Part V obligations.

Further evidence of increased activity is that at the end of 2005, some 2,500 units were under construction and a further 3,500 were proposed under agreements reached with developers. It is envisaged that over 8,000 social and affordable units will be delivered under Part V in the next three years.

I have no doubt that Part V will play an increasing role in the delivery of social and affordable housing in the future. However, it is not intended that Part V should be the only mechanism for the provision of social and affordable housing. The main local authority housing construction programme, together with the voluntary and co-operative construction programme and the various affordable programmes, continue to be the major contributors to the national social rented and affordable housing stock.

The delivery of units, new homes, is my Department's preferred option when reaching agreement with developers and I have and will continue to stress to all local authorities to pursue vigorously this option in their Part V negotiations.

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