Written answers

Tuesday, 28 June 2005

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Local Authority Lands

10:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 831: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the amount of publicly owned lands in the ownership of the various local authorities throughout the country; the extent of these lands which have already been zoned or are eligible for zoning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22777/05]

Photo of Noel AhernNoel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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My Department carries out a survey of the total amount of serviced land zoned for residential purposes, owned both privately and by local authorities. This survey is valuable in assessing the overall stock of land at the same point each year, and the sufficiency of that stock to underpin required housing supply.

Since 2003, the Department has extended this survey to collate data on the amount of residentially zoned land owned directly by each local authority. However, we are not satisfied that the information received in its present form gives the overall picture of residentially zoned lands held by local authorities. We therefore intend to develop the 2005 survey further to improve the reliability and usefulness of the information to be collected. This analysis would only provide a point in time assessment, as variation could be expected from year to year as lands are developed, particularly for social and affordable housing schemes. The value of local authority lands is reflected in their assets registers, which now form part of the authorities' annual accounts. The Deputy will be aware that the Taoiseach recently announced a number of new housing initiatives, including the establishment of the affordable homes partnership, AHP, to drive and co-ordinate the delivery of affordable housing in the greater Dublin area, with particular reference to the Dublin metropolitan area. The AHP will be tasked to undertake a series of measures to bring additional land forward for housing development. As part of the broader delivery of housing nationally, all local authorities will review their land management strategies to maximise the availability of land for their own housing programmes, voluntary and co-operative housing, housing partnerships with the private sector and to secure more active use of brownfield land and derelict sites.

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