Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 November 2025
572. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of social housing projects sanctioned above basic unit costs in 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025; the reasons for the higher approval levels in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [66204/25]
View answerThe information sought is not readily available as the systems used to track projects though the various lifecycle stages do not record the variance between Basic Unit Costs (BUCs) and approved construction budgets. Compiling the data requested would involve delivery teams mainly reviewing every project approved over the last three years, and this is not a feasible use of Department resources.
While my Department issues BUCs, which apply to social housing construction projects, these BUCs are not applied as absolute ceilings or limits. Rather, they are key benchmarks for developing and costing scheme designs at capital appraisal stage. BUCs are updated by my Department annually, based on an analysis of returned data, construction trends, and inflation.
Proposals for social housing construction projects are assessed by my Department on a case-by-case basis having regard to value for money, compliance with design guidelines, the Capital Works Management Framework, Infrastructure Guidelines, procurement procedures and most economically advantageous tender evaluations, as well as overall suitability, before budgets are issued to local authorities. As such any project that exceeds the BUCs has been thoroughly appraised and my Department has satisfied itself that the cost of construction is justified and necessary.
