Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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1615. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the number of builders that applied for the planning rebate scheme in each of the years 2014 to 2016 and to date in 2017; and the cost of the scheme in each of these years. [34926/17]

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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The development contribution rebate scheme featured as part of the Government's housing package, entitled "Stabilising Rents, Boosting Supply", which was announced by the previous Government in November 2015. The primary objective of the scheme was to enhance the viability of the construction and sale of residential housing units at affordable prices in the locations of greatest need. Details of the scheme are outlined in Circular letter PL 13/2015, which issued to the relevant local authorities, and which is available on my Department's website at the following link: .

Returns to date from the local authorities concerned indicate that there has been limited uptake in relation to the scheme, as follows:

- Fingal County Council estimates overall costs for 2017 at €6.8 million to cover rebates on expressions of interest received for 798 units spread across 9 developments. First applications are expected later this year with rebates likely payable in early 2018.

- South Dublin County Council estimates overall costs for 2017 of approximately €3.5m - €4m to cover rebates on expressions of interest received for 485 units spread across 7 developments. First applications are expected later this year with rebates likely payable in early 2018.

- Only one application has been received to date by Dublin City Council. It is for a part development and cannot be processed, until the total number of units exceeds 50.

- Cork City Council, Cork County Council and Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council have reported no uptake to date and have received no applications as a consequence.