Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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197. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if his Department has communicated to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council it's plan to fund a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3622/18]

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the proposal developed by councillors in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council on a cross-party basis for a social and affordable housing project at the location mentioned and my Department has been in contact with the County Council regarding the proposal. 

I understand that the County Council are currently carrying out a feasibility study and once that study is available, they will then be in a position to revert to my Department to discuss potential funding mechanisms.

My Department will be happy to assist in whatever way it can to bring forward this important site. Significant funding from the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) has already been committed in order to build much-needed public infrastructure at that location which will enable the site to be activated as quickly as possible. 

Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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198. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the status of the delivery of affordable housing on the Poolbeg SDZ site. [3623/18]

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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In May 2016, the Government designated Poolbeg West as a Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) because of its potential to deliver a large proportion of the extra homes needed in the centre of Dublin. This was followed by the publication for consultation by Dublin City Council of a detailed planning scheme for the area. The Council prepared a draft planning scheme which was considered by the elected Council members in May 2017. As a statutory consultee for that process, my Department highlighted the importance of the planning scheme addressing a variety of housing needs.

The Council proposed a material amendment to the Planning Scheme in relation to the tenure mix. As a statutory consultee, my Department made further observations in this regard. The final Planning Scheme was approved by Dublin City Council on 2 October 2017.

Of the 3,500 homes planned to be delivered on these lands, it is intended that 350 units (or 10%) will be delivered as social units under Part V. In addition, a further 550 (or over 15%) will be delivered under a commercial agreement, with the majority earmarked for affordable homes but with potential for additional social housing, particularly designed for older people.

While the progression of the Planning Scheme is ultimately a matter for Dublin City Council, I am committed to working with the Council to deliver these mixed-tenure units on what is a key site for the sustainable development of Dublin City.

It should be noted that there is currently an appeal to An Bord Pleanála in relation to the Poolbeg SDZ planning scheme. The decision of the Board is awaited.