Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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6. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the number currently on the social housing waiting list in Cavan; the current wait time for social housing applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32980/23]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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Details on the number of households qualified for social housing support in each local authority area is provided in the annual statutory Summary of Social Housing Assessments (SSHA). The most recent summary, conducted in November 2022, indicates there were 460 households on the social housing waiting list in Cavan, a decrease of 24.3% from 2019 . In 2022, the local authority delivered 116 new social housing dwellings using build, acquisition and leasing mechanisms. In addition, 97 new tenancies were supported using HAP and RAS. Further ambitious targets for new housing delivery have been set for the local authority in 2023. While the oversight and management of the housing waiting list, including the allocation of tenancies, is a matter solely for Cavan County Council, I expect the delivery of these homes to contribute significantly to meeting the accommodation needs of households on the Council's waiting list.

Individual applications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011. These Regulations prescribe the timescales for the processing of applications by local authorities and provides that, subject to conditions, a local authority shall deal with an application within a period of 12 weeks.

I understand that local authorities, including Cavan County Council ordinarily prioritise housing needs assessments for those in greatest need. Likewise, they also ensure that such applications are dealt with within time-frames that are significantly shorter that the statutory maximum. I’m not aware of a particular difficulty in Cavan that is leading to a delay in applications being assessed.

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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New build social housing delivery is achieved through a number of funding programmes available to local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs). Local authorities and AHBs can deliver new build social housing through direct construction, in partnership with developers through 'turnkey' projects and through the Part V process.

In 2023, a total of 7,443 new build social homes were delivered through these delivery mechanisms. This represented the highest level of new build social housing delivery since 1975.

Under Housing for All, local authorities are responsible for approximately 60% of new build social homes (including homes delivered under Part V) and AHBs are responsible for approximately 40% of new build delivery (also including homes delivered under Part V). Details of local authority and AHB delivery are set out in the Housing Delivery Action Plans prepared by each local authority.

In relation to local authority construction, my Department is working closely with local authorities to support an increase in construction projects in accordance with social housing targets. Housing for All also commits to strengthen the capacity of local authorities to initiate, design, plan, develop and manage housing projects. In this regard, my Department has approved an additional 250 staff specifically to support the delivery of social housing. In addition the Housing for All Land Acquisition Fund was established and is being managed by the Housing Agency. Capital funding of €125m has been allocated to this Fund, which will acquire sites for local authorities to deliver construction projects.

Strengthening the capacity of local authorities and the provision of suitable land are important measures to increase the pipeline of local authority construction projects.

Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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11. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government to provide an update on his Department’s efforts to deliver the additional 15% affordable housing in the Poolbeg SDZ including whether he or his cabinet colleagues has met with NAMA and discussed the transfer of NAMAs 20% equity stake in the SDZ lands to Dublin City Council to assist them in ensuring the delivery of genuinely affordable homes in the SDZ. [33130/23]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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The regeneration of Poolbeg West is an important step in the transformation of the Dublin Docklands area, with the potential to provide for 3,500 homes. A novel condition of the planning scheme for the Poolbeg West Strategic Development Zone, is the provision of 15% social and affordable homes in the SDZ, in addition to the 10% statutory social housing requirement under Part V arrangements.

The developers are engaging with Dublin City Council regarding the provision of the 10% Part V social housing in the first phase which involves 570 apartments.

My Department has been working with Dublin City Council and the developers of the Poolbeg SDZ area to progress an agreement on the delivery of additional social and affordable housing in this first phase, subject to the SDZ requirements and value for money considerations.

I understand that NAMA held a percentage stake in the company that owns the site, as opposed to owning 20% of the site itself, and as such they were represented at those tripartite talks by the lead negotiators for the Consortium. I understand that NAMA has recently sold its interest to the majority stakeholders. This has no effect on the SDZ requirement and negotiations in relation to the 15% requirement continue.

I understand drafting of an agreement is now underway. I am not in a position to comment further on the contents until an agreement is finalised but I note it is intended that the full additional 15% social and affordable homes will be achieved across the phases of development on the site.