Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 47: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will to amend Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 to ensure that the social and affordable aspects of housing developments will be provided on site in future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8076/08]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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A review of Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000, undertaken by my Department in 2002 in consultation with a wide range of interested bodies including local authorities and representatives of the house building industry, professional institutes and voluntary housing providers, concluded that greater flexibility in the operation of the Part V mechanism was required. Measures to achieve this were contained in the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2002, which introduced a range of options for compliance with Part V including the provision of social and affordable housing off-site.

These options are designed to ensure that the Part V objectives set in relation to the provision of social and affordable housing are met. They enable local authorities and approved voluntary housing bodies to provide such housing more efficiently and effectively.

I am satisfied that Part V is operating effectively, evidenced by its increased delivery of both social and affordable housing. Accordingly, I have no plans to amend the legislation.