Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 375: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has set a housing stock per population target; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5762/05]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Irish housing stock was approximately 390 per 1,000 persons at the end of 2003. While we are moving closer to the EU 15 average of 440, such comparisons must take account of differences resulting from demographic, economic and cultural factors. The Government has not, therefore, set a housing target per head of population. The focus of policy is on seeking to ensure that supply meets prospective needs.

We are building houses at a rate of over 19 units per 1,000 persons. This is the highest rate of house building in the European Union. More than 30% of the entire Irish housing stock has been built over the past seven years. The regional planning guidelines, which have been adopted in each region, incorporate estimates of the population and household distribution in the region in the period up to 2020. These guidelines provide a strategic, long-term context for local authority development plans, particularly in terms of providing through the development plan process adequate zoned lands to meet future demands for residential development.