Joe Walsh (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 166: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when the 2003 affordable housing scheme in County Cork will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11600/05]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I assume that the question refers to the progress of the housing scheme proposed for the site at Darrara Agricultural College in Clonakilty that was released to the Sustaining Progress affordable housing initiative by the Department of Agriculture and Food.

Given the size of the site, which is approximately 15 hectares, and the scale and impact of any proposed development, Cork County Council, which is managing the project, decided to have a comprehensive feasibility assessment in terms of strategic land use planning, financial viability, affordability and suitable infrastructural solutions carried out on the site. The council appointed consultants to carry out this assessment on 19 January 2005 and it is intended that the assessment be completed by the end of May 2005. Following the outcome of this assessment, detailed design and planning will be necessary. The timeframe for the commencement of construction of the housing units is difficult to predict at this stage and will depend on feasibility and other studies and the planning process. My Department will ensure that the project is progressed as speedily as possible with the aim of having the earliest possible delivery of units.