Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)

I thank the Senator again for raising this very important matter, which I am taking on behalf of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy James Browne.

While the decision not to proceed with the original procurement route for PPP bundle 3 was difficult, it was made in the best interest of value for the Exchequer and long-term programme viability. My Department's responsibility is to ensure that every project we deliver is not only aligned with our social objectives but also financially sustainable and accountable to the public. What remains unchanged is the commitment to delivering these 486 much-needed social homes, including the planned 73 units for Athy, County Kildare. We are fortunate to have planning permission in place and we have highly engaged partners in the NDFA and local authorities, which are ready to move at pace. This allows us to move quickly into alternative procurement and delivery strategies that are most cost-effective and efficient. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has already begun co-ordinated discussions with stakeholders to agree the next steps. We will move swiftly to explore procurement options in innovative construction methods to meet delivery targets in a timely manner. I am confident that with the expertise and commitment across the programme, we will deliver these homes successfully.