Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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13. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government the number of new social or voluntary houses approved for construction in 2015, in Galway city and county; the number of existing houses approved for purchase; when these houses will be completed and ready for occupation; the steps he will take to ensure an adequate supply of social housing in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37452/15]

Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)
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Social housing targets have been set for each local authority out to 2017 along with provisional funding allocations. The two Galway councils have a combined target of 1,126 units, supported by an allocation of €58.5m, to be invested in a combination of building, buying and leasing schemes designed to accommodate over 25% of those currently on the housing waiting list in the area.

In line with the targets, I made major new social housing delivery announcements in May and July this year, covering all 31 local authorities, with over €490m investment for the construction and acquisition of over 2,900 housing units. This included over 150 units, supported by investment of €25 million in respect of the Galway councils.

Given the time-lag between approval and delivery for construction projects, the acquisition by local authorities of properties through turn-key developments and other purchases, and the remediation of vacant units, are important parts of social housing delivery this year.  The Galway local authorities inform me they aim to deliver around 70 new acquisitions this year, while around 90 vacant houses are being brought back to productive use. This is alongside the advancement of the approved construction projects and the use of current-funded mechanisms such as leasing and the Rental Accommodation Scheme.

My Department does not hold details on individual properties being made available for occupation as this is a matter for the individual local authorities. However, I am confident that by utilising all delivery mechanisms under current and capital expenditure programmes, in line with the targets set and funding available, the Galway local authorities will continue to make significant progress on social housing in line with the Social Housing Strategy.