Written answers

Wednesday, 27 January 2021

Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government

Social and Affordable Housing

Photo of Eoin Ó BroinEoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

297. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the average construction and all-in development cost of social housing tender approvals for local authorities (details supplied) in each of the years 2017 to 2020; and the items included in the construction costs and the non-construction costs in tabular form. [3569/21]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The relevant details are being compiled and will be provided to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.

Photo of Eoin Ó BroinEoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

298. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the new serviced sites fund limit per unit of accommodation as agreed in December 2020. [3570/21]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Since the initiation of the Serviced Sites Fund (SSF) the maximum funding available towards the cost of facilitating infrastructure is €50,000 per affordable home delivered.

The Programme for Government 'Our Shared Future' contained a commitment to improve the delivery of affordable homes and to extend the SSF in this regard. To inform that process, I have met with the Chief Executives of local authorities and sought their views in relation to amendments to the scheme that may improve the capacity to deliver more affordable homes in a shorter time-frame. It is my intention to use the experience to date of local authorities with that of my own Department in managing the SSF, to bring forward any amendments to the scheme's operation I consider necessary.

Photo of Eoin Ó BroinEoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

299. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the status of the delivery of social and affordable housing in Poolbeg strategic development zone, SDZ; his views on whether the failure of his Department to purchase land within the SDZ will make the delivery of these homes more difficult or more expensive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3571/21]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The regeneration of Poolbeg West is the next important step in transforming the Docklands area, given its strategic location east of Grand Canal Dock, with close proximity to important bridge connections to Dublin Port and North Lotts.

In relation to the activation of these lands it is this Department’s understanding that, having decided to embark on the competitive tendering process, on 22 December 2020, the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) announced the completion of a comprehensive process to select an investment partner for the development of this site within Poolbeg West Strategic Development Zone.

I understand that NAMA has named a consortium of Ronan Group Real Estate (RGRE) and Colony Capital (Colony) as the Preferred Bidder to acquire the 80% shareholding. NAMA will retain a 20% shareholding.

The planning scheme, as modified by An Bord Pleanála on 9th April 2019, states that prior to commencement of development, subject to confirmed funding and value for money considerations, a commercial agreement shall be entered into between Dublin City Council, my Department and the owners/developers of the residential element of the Planning Scheme for the delivery of 15% of the residential units approved on the lands included in this Planning Scheme for social and affordable housing purposes. These units shall be additional to the 10% statutory under Part V arrangements still stands and is applicable.

As NAMA progresses this site, my Department remains ready to work with Dublin City Council, any relevant Approved Housing Bodies and the receiver and/or developers of the SDZ area to progress this site, subject to agreement on all the normal and relevant terms, including value for money aspects.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.