Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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397. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the details of the proposed affordable rental scheme that has been mentioned in the context of the development of several Dublin City Council developments, including Oscar Traynor Road and O'Devaney Gardens, in view of the fact Dublin City Council has indicated it has no details of an affordable rental scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10275/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The development of the Strategy for the Rental Sectorpublished in December 2016 allowed for further consideration of the development of an affordable rental scheme, in consultation with local authorities and stakeholders.

As set out in the Strategy, the commitment to introduce affordable rental is to be progressed through kick-starting supply in rent pressure zones. Lands held by local authorities in rent pressure zones are to be brought to market on a competitive tendering basis, with a view to leveraging the value of the land to deliver the optimum number of units for rent, targeting middle income households, in mixed tenure developments.

The cost of providing rental units is to be permanently reduced by lowering the initial investment and development costs for providers-AHB or private-allowing the rental units to be made available at below market prices without the need for ongoing rental subsidies.

The local authorities concerned will identify a number of sites with the potential for up to 1,000 units of accommodation and will move forward, as soon as possible, to issue calls for proposals from parties interested in developing projects. As speed of delivery will be critically important, appropriate licence arrangements, incorporating clear timescales for delivery, will be a key feature of the process.

This programme is being co-ordinated with the dedicated measures in Rebuilding Irelandto accelerate housing output from the Major Urban Housing Delivery Sites, including support from the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) where necessary.