Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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35. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government his plans to provide more affordable housing options in the Dublin area and put affordability at the heart of the housing system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27750/20]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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This Government is absolutely committed to ensuring that affordable, quality housing is available to everyone in Irish society and this is reflected in the Programme for Government.

This is a key priority of mine and since taking Office I have reviewed the situation on the ground in terms of supply, progress to date across the affordability measures and options for the expansion and acceleration of affordable housing delivery.

Based on this work, I intend to build on the existing measures such as the Serviced Sites Fund of €310 million to support local authorities in providing infrastructure to support the delivery of affordable homes on their lands. With a maximum €50,000 available per home, 6,200 new homes can be facilitated. From the overall approved funding of €127m some €74 million has been approved for 14 projects across Dublin, and the 4 local authorities have indicated an intention to deliver almost 2,200 affordable homes.

The Government is also committed to driving forward on Cost Rental. I will ensure that the three key projects at Enniskerry Road in Stepaside, Emmet Road, Inchicore and Shanganagh Castle, Shankill, are accelerated and that further projects are brought forward. In parallel, we will finalise the cost rental scheme working with key delivery partners.

The Land Development Agency is working with stakeholders in assembling key strategic sites in Dublin and other areas. The LDA has a strong development pipeline for social and affordable homes.

In terms of affordable housing generally, I have confirmed an intention to outline further detailed plans in the autumn.