Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach Gníomhach agus le Seanadóir Crowe as an gceist seo. The Housing for All strategy delivers on the programme for Government commitment to step up housing supply and put affordability at the heart of the housing system.

Delivery of affordable housing, in accordance with the schemes set out in the Affordable Housing Act 2021, and the funding being made available, is underpinned by local authorities' housing delivery action plans. Local authorities, including Galway City Council and Galway County Council, each published their finalised plans in July. They provide a comprehensive overview of projected delivery of affordable housing in Galway.

Funding is made available by Government to assist local authority and approved housing bodies for the delivery of affordable housing for purchase or rent through the affordable housing fund, AHF, previously known as the serviced sites fund, SSF, and the cost rental equity loan, CREL. A planned affordable housing development at Merlin Woods in Galway city, to deliver approximately 85 affordable homes to purchase at sales prices of at least 15% below average prices for the area, is being supported by the SSF. I understand that Galway City Council are planning to make further applications for funding to the Department in support of further affordable housing schemes.

Affordable housing officials met recently with Galway County Council's chief executive officer, director of housing and other members of the housing team to discuss their plans for a number of affordable purchase schemes in Galway county. The council intend to apply to our Department for affordable housing fund, AHF, funding to support these schemes in the coming months.

The Land Development Agency, LDA, is progressing two major projects in Galway City, at Dyke Road and Sandy Road, as part of their initial tranche of State lands. Overall projected delivery from these sites is for more than 1,500 homes with the first 170 to be achieved by 2026 on Dyke Road.

The Dyke Road site forms part of a strategic brownfield land bank located on the edge of Galway City centre and the LDA has advised the Department that it has reached an agreement with Galway City Council to progress a residential-led development at this site. Following the most recent draft city development plan, the Land Development Agency intends to progress a phased planning application for the site.

On Sandy Road, the LDA has advised my Department that it is currently preparing a framework masterplan to guide development of the site, currently owned by Galway City Council, Galway County Council and the ESB. The Land Development Agency will align with the timetable for the draft city development plan and will consult on the framework masterplan in early 2023. A design team has been commissioned, stakeholder engagement is under way, and a public consultation will be undertaken.

As the Senator can see, there is quite a significant level of activity being undertaken by both Galway City Council and Galway County Council on affordable housing. I note the points the Senator is making specifically on communication. From our Department perspective, in funding and the asks that we have of local authorities around affordable housing, this is the same message. We are trying to achieve a balance and mix right across housing delivery in local authorities and it is a matter for the local authorities to develop their own plans for housing delivery. It is critically important that the local authorities work with our Department. There are quite a number of schemes under way. It takes time and public consultation is critically important. From our Department's perspective, however, we will certainly not be found wanting in respect of funding projects and innovative schemes around affordable housing delivery in Galway city and county.