John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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127. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the status of housing projects that had been under construction by a company (details supplied) before it went into examinership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47046/18]

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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Delivery of social housing is achieved using a range of different delivery programmes and financing arrangements. This includes supporting both local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to engage with contractors for the construction of new social housing homes.

I understand that the company referred to by the Deputy is experiencing serious financial difficulties and is working with a High Court appointed interim Examiner. This represents an opportunity for the company to restructure its finances and seek new investment, if required.

Following various tendering processes, I understand that the company in question was awarded the contract on four social housing projects, two of which are led by AHBs, located within three local authority areas. All these projects are at various stages of progress.

Neither I as Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, nor my Department, are a party to any contract with this company. Since the appointment of the interim Examiner by the High Court, the relevant AHBs and local authorities have met with the appointed Examiner and their law agents to discuss the options available to them and the next steps in order to facilitate the earliest possible recommencement and completion of these projects.

There is no doubt that this turn of events will delay the delivery of these much needed new social housing homes, but I am satisfied that the local authorities and AHBs concerned are pursuing all relevant avenues to progress the projects involved. The necessary steps have been taken by these parties to secure their sites and to ensure that the relevant legal and financial issues are being addressed. My Department has been, and will continue to keep, in close contact with the local authorities and AHBs concerned with a view to achieving a resolution of the issues on the projects involved as soon as possible.