Written answers

Wednesday, 17 January 2024

Department of Housing, Planning, and Local Government

Departmental Policies

Photo of Cathal CroweCathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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740. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will review a policy (details supplied) which is seen as a barrier to housing developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56498/23]

Photo of Darragh O'BrienDarragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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The Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000, applies to applicable developments of houses on any land that is zoned residential (either exclusively or mixed use) or is granted planning permission for houses as a material contravention of the development plan.

In line with the commitments in the Programme for Government, I introduced changes to Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 under Part 6 of the Affordable Housing Act 2021 which was enacted on 3 September 2021. The contribution required for social and affordable housing, including cost rental housing, under Part V of the Planning and Development 2000 is now a mandatory 20% for planning permissions granted in respect of land purchased before September 2015 and since 1 August 2021. Previous to this the Part V contribution was 10% for social housing only. On foot of these changes a minimum of 10% of the overall contribution must be for social housing and in areas where there is no affordable housing requirement, the entire net monetary value may be applied to social housing. These changes are now in effect for land bought pre September 2015 or post July 2021.

Local authorities are free to decide how the 20% Part V contribution is broken down in terms of social and affordable housing (with a minimum 10% social housing) and by dwelling type, including provision for people with disabilities. This is done in line with the local authorities housing need as identified in its Housing Strategy made as part of its Development Plan. Local authorities negotiate Part V agreements with developers as part of the planning process where they can ensure that any dwellings procured as part of these agreements meet with local need.

I have no plans to further review Part V at this time.

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