Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The most recent version of the status report on social housing construction projects was published last week. The report, which represents the construction pipeline picture at the end of quarter 1 of 2017, sets out the position on each individual project, which is possible because of the project-by-project tracking that the Department does with the local authorities. The publication of the quarterly status report is a valuable part of the oversight for these projects as it allows Members, councillors, stakeholders and the public to view the status of projects in their areas and to track their progress over time. The pipeline of projects increased by some 1,600 units in quarter 1 of 2017 alone.

In addition to the systematic arrangements for engagement between the Department and local authorities, as I have said, Minister Coveney and I have regular engagements with local authorities regarding their social housing programmes. These interactions, at both ministerial and departmental levels, will continue in the months and years ahead. It is important that is done because we are trying to strengthen the relationship between the Department and local authorities at staff and political levels. We have engaged with all parties on this issue. To strengthen that relationship is the right way deal with this issue. Social housing provision targets will only be achieved with the co-operation of local authorities and the approved housing bodies. Local authorities are central to this issue and have a significant role to play. We will continue to support their part in the process.

Social housing figures are published in order that Deputy Ó Broin and others can track the figures and understand the facts. Figures published are based on evidence and are not made up.

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