Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 September 2024
192. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of completed housing schemes, public and private, in the various towns and villages throughout County Kildare currently awaiting allocation, sale and affordable process; the reason there appears to be an inordinate delay in relation to such matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37232/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraHousing for All, the most ambitious and comprehensive housing plan in the history of our State, was published in September 2021. The Plan contains a suite of actions that has and continues to increase the provision of housing through accelerating supply and increasing the affordability of homes for our citizens, including those in Kildare.
My Department does not hold data on the number of completed houses not yet occupied. The oversight and practical management of social housing waiting lists, including the allocation of properties, is solely a matter for the relevant local authority in accordance with the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, and associated Regulations.
All local authorities have published their Housing Delivery Action Plans on their websites, including their proposed public housing delivery for the period 2022-26. Local authorities, including Kildare County Council, are being funded to significantly increase their delivery of social housing as part of Housing for All. As a result, significant progress is being made to deliver the ambitious targets contained in Housing for All and my Department is working closely with the local authorities, approved housing bodies and other stakeholders to accelerate the delivery of social and affordable housing.
My Department publishes comprehensive social and affordable housing statistics on a quarterly basis in all local authority areas. The social housing delivery and pipeline for County Kildare is strong.?From 2021 to Q1 2024, Housing for All has delivered 2,569 social homes in Kildare through build, acquisition and lease. The Construction Status Report shows there were 13 schemes of 240 homes on site in Kildare at the end of Quarter 1 2024, with a further 26 schemes of 680 homes at various stages of design and procurement.
Furthermore, over 970 affordable housing solutions have been delivered in Kildare by local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies, the Land Development Agency, and through the First Home Scheme, Cost Rental Tenant in Situ Scheme, and the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant. Full delivery statistics are published on my Department's website: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/#affordable-housing-delivery.
Data in relation to new dwelling completions is published by the CSO on a quarterly basis. In Kildare, 6,632 homes have completed between Q4 2021 and Q2 2024 inclusive. In relation to housing commencements in Kildare, building began on 6,907 homes between September 2021 and July 2024 inclusive, with 1,950 of these commencing since the start of 2024.
Housing for All is having a sustained, positive impact across the country. The Plan will continue to deliver nationally for years to come, including for the people of Kildare.
