Barry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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290. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the number of the 750 rapid build homes targeted for on-site commencement in 2017 in the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan that have been commenced. [17537/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department is working closely with all local authorities in relation to increasing and accelerating the delivery of a range of social housing programmes and supports, including rapid build homes.  At the end of 2016, a total of 350 rapid build homes were advancing through various stages of delivery, including construction, with 22 rapid build homes being delivered and occupied in 2016. Work is underway at advancing a further 650 rapid build homes in 2017, with another 500 units to be delivered in 2018.

In relation to the 350 rapid build homes that are advancing, the following are the 11 projects concerned:

- George’s Place, Dun Laoghaire - 12 homes

- St. Aidan’s, Brookfield - 71 homes

- Poppintree, Ballymun - 22 homes

- Cherry Orchard, Ballyfermot - 24 homes

- Mourne Road, Drimnagh - 30 homes

- St. Helena’s, Finglas- 39 homes

- Belcamp,Dublin 17  - 38 homes

- Cherry Orchard, Ballyfermot - 52 homes

- Woodbank, Rathvilly - 18 homes

- Wellview, Mulhuddart  - 20 homes

- Pinewood, Balbriggan - 24 homes

Of these projects, the following are currently on site and are due for completion this year:

- St.Helena’s Finglas, 39 Houses

- Mourne Road Drimnagh, 30 Houses

- Cherry Orchard, 24 Houses

- Belcamp, 38 Houses

- Wellview, 20 Houses.

It should be noted that Dublin City Council is in negotiation with the contractors in order to accelerate delivery and ensure a phased handover of these rapid build homes. The next phase of 70 rapid build homes will commence in Dublin City with the award of contracts in May 2017, with work then commencing on site.

I expect further projects, particularly in the Greater Dublin Area, to be brought forward shortly.