Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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608. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the number of approvals that have been given to local authorities under the streamlining process for funding whereby developments of social housing with 15 units or less or of under €2 million in cost entail only a single funding submission; if he discussed the slow take-up of the scheme with local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25442/16]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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To date one new project has been approved to proceed under the single-stage approval process for social housing construction schemes with a budget of less than €2m and up to 15 housing units. A number of other proposals, that may be advanced using this approach, are currently being discussed between local authorities and my Department, as part of the informal consultation that happens at technical level in the development of new construction proposals. I expect this will lead to further take-up on this initiative over time. I have had a number of discussions with local authorities on a range of housing issues, both with individual councils - including elected members and officials - and with gatherings of chief executives. These discussions have included ideas to accelerate delivery of new housing and while it will ultimately be a choice for each local authority to make on a case by case basis as to whether they utilise the single-stage approval arrangement, I would also emphasise the actions that have been taken to improve all approval arrangements on social housing construction projects. The standard approval process has been further streamlined and as it runs in parallel to the design and planning of projects by local authorities, it is a beneficial option for local authorities to avail of. My Department has also further improved communication regarding approval processes which has included information seminars attended by over 300 staff of local authorities and approved housing bodies, supported by additional resources which have been assigned to my Department’s housing function.

As part of a further process review currently underway, consideration will be given to potential steps that may support greater use of the single-stage approval process.