Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 119, 120, 168 and 173 together.

I thank both Deputies for their questions. I have an interest in seeing progress on this project also. Emmet Road is a really important project for development, particularly in the cost-rental sector in Ireland. The plan for a local authority-led financing structure is a key element in the long-term delivery of cost rental and one that could be replicated elsewhere. A dedicated Dublin City Council project manager and project team are working on the development and have confirmed it is a key deliverable in the council's housing programme.

I understand the concerns of the local residents who have been constructively engaging regarding the development at the site. I had a very good virtual meeting with them last December. I am aware of how rigorous the design process for such a large and important site can be and appreciate the work done to date, but, just like Deputies Joan Collins and Ó Broin, the Government wants to see this move on.

I am pleased to confirm that the council has advised that the concept design was presented to councillors on Tuesday, the day before yesterday, and to the Inchicore Regeneration Consultative Forum yesterday. Although the designs are not finalised, current plans propose a mixed-tenure development of 548 homes, which represents an increase. I welcome that because we need to maximise the use of the site by providing really good homes. Of the 548 homes, 75% will be cost rental and 25% will be social.

This design will be presented to the public during phase 3 of the consultation process. The Deputies and all other representatives from the area will pay close attention to it. The process will run from 8 March to 31 March. The concept design includes the site layout, approximate unit numbers and mix, the number of stories and standard layout. Therefore, it is a very important process. I want this to be the last one and to move on from here.

The council has advised that, following this consultation, some further refinements, including improved design efficiencies and the consideration of consultation feedback, will be required before the full design stage can be reached. This will enable the design team to complete the environmental impact assessment report, update the cost plan and consequently submit a full planning application. I expect that by the end of 2022. That is what I want to happen, and I am strongly encouraging Dublin City Council to meet the target of proceeding to planning by the end of 2022.

Delivery after planning is outside our remit but there are other things we can do. In this regard, I must refer in particular to Deputy Ó Broin's question. As with the principle of cost rental, rents will depend on the overall cost of delivery. This development already benefits from utilising State land in a prime city-centre location, but funding support from my Department will also help to reduce the ultimate rents paid by tenants.

As Deputy Joan Collins will know, in December 2020 my Department and I approved €18.75 million, in principle, for the cost-rental homes under the scheme. That was under the serviced sites fund. Under Housing for All, we have brought in the affordable housing fund, which provides a lot more flexibility, particularly in areas where there are acute issues with affordability. While we allowed a subvention of up to €50,000 per unit under the serviced sites fund, the Department now allows one of up to €100,000. In one respect, the delay talked about may benefit the overall delivery at the site and have a benefit in respect of the cost.

I have revised the criteria and provided more flexibility and funding support to appropriate affordable housing projects, including high-density developments. The council has indicated it is going to resubmit the application to me. It is working on a new funding application based on the increased numbers for the site. I welcome that and hope all Deputies will welcome the increase in the number of homes. There are to be 548 homes for families in the area, 75% of which will be cost rental and 25% of which will be social.

I cannot imagine anyone will have a difficulty with that. We want to get the design right and I am going to provide increased funding for that. I will come back in if there are additional questions.

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