Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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82. To ask the Minister for Finance the number of social housing units identified by NAMA by county; the number transferred to local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18365/19]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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NAMA has played a significant role in facilitating the supply of social housing across Ireland from its secured portfolio.

I am advised that NAMA has conducted regular reviews of the assets securing its loan portfolio to establish if vacant residential properties could be utilised for social housing. Up until end-2018, NAMA had identified a total of 6,984 residential properties as being potentially suitable for social housing. Of the units identified, demand was confirmed by local authorities for 2,663 properties, of which 2,481 have been contracted or delivered for social housing use by end-2018.

It is important to note that the confirmation of demand and decisions regarding the suitability of properties is a matter for the Housing Agency and local authorities, and NAMA plays no role in this. I am advised that local authorities take account of the requirement to provide an appropriate mix of housing tenures and to avoid undue housing segregation within individual developments and wider residential area. Social housing units are provided to local authorities; approved housing bodies (AHBs) or the Housing Agency and delivery can take the form of direct purchase or long-term leasing via NARPS. Of the 2,481 properties delivered to end-2018, local authorities have directly acquired or leased 234 units; AHBs have acquired or leased 2,228 and the Housing Agency has acquired 19.

The table below outlines the number of potentially suitable residential units identified by NAMA and the total number completed/contracted to end-2018, indicating delivery either to the local authority, Housing Agency or to a AHB. This and other information on NAMA’s social housing initiatives is available on the NAMA website, .