Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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344. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the contractual obligations for delivery of Part V units through leasing; the number of units provided via this method in 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45162/20]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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Part V Guidelines issued in January 2017 under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 set out that, in overall terms, the priority option which should normally be pursued by Local Authorities is the acquisition of social housing on the development site, by means of transfer of ownership to the Local Authority or to an Approved Housing Body and this remains the case.  Circular PL 11/2016 and Circular Housing 04/2020 sought to clarify in what instances it may be appropriate to enter into a leasing arrangement for Part V units, including for build to rent developments.  These Circulars clearly state that the priority remains the acquisition of completed units. It should be noted, however, that the decision is one for the local authority, as per the provisions of Section 96(3)(c) and (h) of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended).

Circulars Housing 17/2018 and 39/2018, set out the details in respect of the individual leasing schemes that may be used for Part V leasing, that is standard Long Term Leasing and the Enhanced Long Term Social Housing Leasing Scheme. The appropriate leasing scheme will be decided on a case by case basis by the Local Authority. Both schemes provide for lease terms of up to 25 years and Local Authorities should seek to use the maximum term available where possible.

To end Q3 2020, 1 Part V unit was delivered through leasing arrangements.  In 2019 a total of 14 Part V units were delivered through leasing, with a total of 9 delivered through leasing in 2018.