Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 December 2025
432. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the introduction of a new single stage process for social housing delivery; when this process will be available to local authorities; and the number of applications that have been received under this process to date. [70926/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 5 July, Cabinet approved the introduction of a single stage approval process for all for local authority and Approved Housing Body new build social housing up to a value of €200 million.
The new single approval process, which will replace the 4-Stage and existing Single Stage approval process, is designed to align particular requirements related to the delivery of social housing, providing a more seamless approval process, with a clear and intentional focus on embedding standardisation and value for money.
This new process will cover all social housing new build and major refurbishment projects up to a value of €200 million, funded via the Social Housing Investment Programme (SHIP) incorporating regeneration and remedial works schemes; and the Approved Housing Body (AHB) Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS).
The new approval process mandates the use of a standardised design approach, as per my Department’s published Design Manual for Quality Housing, and the Employer’s Requirements for Detail Design of Quality Housing, for all new build social housing projects being developed by Local Authorities and Approved Housing Bodies.
Engagement with Local Authorities and the Housing Delivery Coordination Office in the Local Government Management Agency has been underway since Q2 this year via a Sector Working Group dedicated to the single approval process.
The process is in the transition phase at this time and my Department is finalising the necessary circular, guidance notes, templates and documentation in order to ensure rollout of the new process by the end of 2025.
From January all new social housing funding proposals will follow a single approval process.
