Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 167: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that half of the country's local authorities have failed to acquire any social or affordable houses under the terms of Part V of the Planning Act 2000; the steps he intends to take to ensure that all local authorities make full use of this facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16333/05]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 89 and 167 together.

Information on the number of housing units provided under Part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2004 in each local authority area is published in my Department's housing statistics bulletins, copies of which are available in the Oireachtas Library and also on the Department's website at www.environ.ie.

Part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2004 is fully operational and all relevant residential planning applications are now subject to a Part V agreement. Apart from the provision of housing units to the local authority on or off-site, an agreement under Part V may provide for a range of other options. Notwithstanding the availability of these options, my Department's stated preference, which has been communicated to local authorities, is for the provision of housing units whether on-site or off-site.

Final figures for 2004 show that local authorities had acquired 800 social and affordable housing units by the end of 2004; 1,910 were in course of acquisition; and a further 2,885 were earmarked for acquisition on foot of Part V agreements with developers. In addition, 12 land transfers to local authorities have been completed involving 11.33 hectares; a further 156 sites have been transferred to local authorities; and some €11 million has been received in payments in lieu and under the withering levy. It is clear from the returns that there has been activity in all the city and county councils under at least one of the options available for complying with Part V.

It is envisaged that some 6,000 social and affordable units will be delivered under Part V between 2005 and 2007. Additionally, payments in lieu, which are ring-fenced for housing capital purposes only, together with land and sites accruing from the take-up of the alternative options will further supplement the overall provision of social and affordable housing. On this basis, I am satisfied that the provisions of Part V are being suitably progressed and are an effective response to housing needs, particularly for first-time buyers.