Written answers

Tuesday, 24 March 2015

Department of Environment, Community and Local Government

Social and Affordable Housing Provision

Photo of Brian WalshBrian Walsh (Galway West, Independent)
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849. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the number of units being made available by the National Asset Management Agency for use in social housing; if there is a reason more units are not being made available by the agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11085/15]

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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920. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government if his Department has had any direct or indirect interaction through Kildare County Council with the National Asset Management Agency, to ascertain whether lands owned by the agency in north Kildare can be purchased by the local authority or others in order to provide direct-build affordable or local authority houses, in view of the extreme shortage of such housing in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12076/15]

Photo of Alan KellyAlan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 849 and 920 together.

My Department is working closely with NAMA, the Housing Agency, local authorities and approved housing bodies in relation to the delivery of social housing. NAMA has made significant numbers of housing units available through the Housing Agency to local authorities and approved housing bodies for social housing. Information in relation to the delivery of NAMA sourced units, including a full breakdown by county, of units delivered on a quarterly basis, is available on the Housing Agency's website at

Since the process began in December 2011 up to the end of December 2014, 1,068 NAMA-sourced units have been delivered nationally through all delivery mechanisms. A further 686 properties transactions are under active consideration whereby either terms are agreed, negotiation is on-going between the parties concerned or where a detailed appraisal (i.e. determining the most likely delivery mechanism) is being carried out.

As part of this on-going process, the Housing Agency is also working with NAMA to identify lands that may be available for Social Housing supply. This information can then be assessed together with information regarding local authority held lands and lands held under the Land Aggregation Scheme.

I am satisfied that NAMA has facilitate d the delivery of social housing to Local Authorities and approved housing bodies through the existing residential stock securing its loans and it has clearly signalled its commitment to doing likewise through its funding for new residential development. I am confident that significant social housing units will continue to be delivered through this process.

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