Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

Up to end June 2006, 1,837 affordable homes were acquired under Part V, while 2,373 dwellings were under construction and 3,012 were proposed on foot of agreements with developers.

In addition to the number of affordable housing units acquired under Part V, the end-June figures also indicate that 950 social units were acquired, with 1,428 under construction and 1,097 proposed. Some 51 land transfers to local authorities have been completed involving 40 hectares. A further 259 partially or fully serviced sites have been transferred to local authorities and voluntary housing bodies and €38 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.

It is important to stress that not all housing output in the State is subject to Part V. Regularly, the mistake is made that in viewing output under Part V one simply applies a percentage to the total overall housing output to determine the Part V contribution, but that is not the case. Part V is restricted to multiple housing developments on land zoned for residential use, or a mixture of residential and other uses. Therefore, not all housing developments are subject to Part V. It does not apply to planning permissions granted prior to the introduction of Part V, many of which are still being built on. It is estimated that just over 10,000 units of the total housing output last year was subject to Part V.

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.

It is envisaged that approximately 8,000 social and affordable units will be delivered under Part V in the next three years.

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