Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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180. To ask the Minister for Finance the number of social housing units identified by NAMA; the number transferred to local authorities by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29999/19]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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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-March 2019, NAMA had identified a total of 7,050 residential properties as being potentially suitable for social housing. Of the units identified, demand was confirmed by local authorities for 2,729 properties, of which 2,544 have been contracted or delivered for social housing use by end-March 2019.

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 2,544 properties delivered to end-March 2019, local authorities have directly acquired or leased 244 units; AHBs have acquired or leased 2,281 and the Housing Agency has acquired 19.

The table outlines the number of potentially suitable residential units identified by NAMA and the total number completed/contracted to end-March 2019, 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, www.nama.ie.