Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 437: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the proposals his Department has received from Galway City Council in the past three years; the number in the Department; the number sanctioned; the number awaiting sanction with their projected dates for sanction; and the number of social housing units likely to be provided in 2006, and in 2007. [22800/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 438: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his views on the figures submitted to him by Galway City Council, in accordance with the Housing Action Plan 2004, as a realistic assessment of existing and projected housing needs in Galway city; and the progress which has been made on submission to date. [22801/06]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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In 2004 I sought the preparation by local authorities of social and affordable housing action plans for the period 2004-2008. The Action Plans, now at their midway stage are currently being reviewed. The review is focusing on how targets have been met in the first two years of the plan and on incorporating any adjustments required for the remaining years of the plan, in light of performance including expected 2006 outputs, and the results of the recent Housing Needs Assessment.

To facilitate the review my Department has held bilateral meetings with all local authorities to discuss progress, changing needs and targets for the remainder of the Plan. Following the meetings local authorities are required to submit review statements. These will comprise a commentary on overall performance; noting any significant deviations from the original planned targets and the reasons for such deviations; indicating if the overall targets are still valid in light of the recent Housing Needs Assessment or for other reasons; explaining any proposed changes to the targets for the remaining period of the plan; reviewing the plan in light of developments in areas such as Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS), preparation of Traveller Accommodation Programmes etc. The reviews will also take account of the requirement for authorities to have in place Active Land Management strategies. In this regard authorities will be required to confirm that adequate attention is paid to the land requirements necessary to underpin the expected scale of social and affordable housing delivery. The outcome of the reviews will ensure that local authorities continue to have a framework for the integrated and cohesive planning and delivery over the coming years of specific social and affordable housing measures based on their relevant housing strategy.

In relation to Galway City Council, officials from my Department met with the local authority earlier this month to discuss their Action Plan. I expect that the Review Statement to be submitted following this meeting will present a realistic assessment of existing and projected needs in Galway and outline how the Council proposes to address these needs. Figures in relation to progress to date are available in the Annual Housing Statistics Bulletin published by my Department.