Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 456: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on the development of the National Assets Management Agency properties for social housing; and if he is endeavouring to secure housing from NAMA for local authority ownership. [29472/12]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Since the announcement in December 2011 that NAMA would commit to providing up to 2,000 units for social housing by the end of 2012, my Department, the Housing Agency and NAMA have been working together with housing authorities and approved housing bodies towards achieving this target. The units being advanced through NAMA will in general be provided through the Social Housing Leasing Initiative under the standard terms and conditions that apply.

To date over 2,000 units have been examined with a view to determining their suitability for social housing having regard to local demand, the nature of the accommodation and sustainable community principles. Of the original number, 697 have been deemed unsuitable by housing authorities and a further 344 have been withdrawn, usually by property owners as circumstances have changed. At present demand has been confirmed for over 1,000 available units and these are currently being processed. Discussion and negotiation has commenced in respect of nearly 700 properties involving approved housing bodies, local authorities, the property owners, financial institutions, receivers and other relevant parties.