Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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385. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the reason Kerry County Council does not have a general housing acquisition programme for 2020 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36773/20]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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The supply of social housing is in the first instance a matter for each local authority in line with local housing need. My Department supports local authorities through the policy and legislative framework and the range of funding schemes and delivery channels available. 

In the case of Kerry County Council, I welcome that their social housing construction programme pipeline has increased significantly for 2020 and 2021. It is important that this momentum is maintained and that the resources of the local authority remain focused on the construction programme.

In respect of acquisitions in 2020, as part of the response to addressing homelessness, particularly the Housing First programme, the need to target one-bedroom properties for that programme has been emphasised by my Department in communications with all local authorities.

My Department has also discussed with all local authorities a need to focus acquisitions on other priority situations, for example, on tenants with particular needs, or in areas of need where there may be no other scope for delivery due, for example to lack of suitable lands for development or infrastructural deficits.

Acquisitions also remain an important part of the local authority response to issues such as vacancy and dereliction.