Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 May 2024
193. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there is any mechanism in place to guarantee developers follow through on agreements with local authorities for affordable purchase schemes; if he will ensure that developers follow through on their agreements with local authorities where these schemes are planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24491/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with Part 2 of the Affordable Housing Act 2021, the administration of affordable purchase agreements and the sale of affordable purchase homes is a matter for the local authority concerned.
A developer agreement, once signed by both parties, is a binding legal agreement between a local authority and a developer. Any issues arising are a matter for engagement between the parties in the first instance. I am not a party to such agreements or contracts and have no role in that regard.
To support overall delivery and facilitate the administration of affordable housing schemes under the Act, my Department has supplied pro forma legal documentation, including template developer agreements, and conveyancing material to all local authorities, following engagement with key stakeholders including the Law Society, participating banks, local authorities, the Property Registration Authority and others.
Standardised documentation and common procedural approaches now in place in this way will greatly assist the effective administration of affordability schemes as we scale up the delivery programme in line with our Housing for All commitment to deliver 54,000 affordable purchase and cost rental homes by 2030.
