Written answers

Tuesday, 24 May 2016

Department of Environment, Community and Local Government

Local Authority Housing Provision

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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43. To ask the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government to report to Dáil Éireann on the meetings he has had with the chief executives and housing managers of local authorities, particularly those in counties Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick, on their participation in addressing the housing crisis; the penalties which local authorities will receive for missing their residential unit output targets in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11491/16]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Taoiseach and I met with local authority Chief Executives on 12 May 2016, in order to discuss, amongst other things, the housing situation and in particular boosting supply and the future delivery and implementation of the targets set for the local authorities under the Social Housing Strategy 2020. The meeting provided an opportunity for a very useful exchange of views and I reaffirmed the Government’s, my own, and my Department's commitment to supporting local authorities ’ efforts to deliver on the ambitious delivery targets that have been set.

Acknowledging the efforts that have been made by local authorities, working in conjunction with approved housing bodies, to deliver on the Social Housing Strategy since its publication in November 2014. I outlined my ambition that the delivery of homes under each of the social housing programmes should be accelerated and that the targets should be exceeded if possible. In that regard, I have asked all local authority Chief Executives for their ideas and proposals to expedite delivery of social housing.

My approach to resolving the problems besetting the housing sector is a collaborative one. That is why, in preparing the ‘Action Plan for Housing’, as set out in the Programme for a Partnership Government. I intend to consult with all key stakeholders, including local authority Chief Executives, and also draw on the important work of the Special Oireachtas Committee on Housing and Homelessness. The question of how best to incentivise delivery by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies will also be considered in that context.

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