Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 July 2023
402. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has engaged with Cork County Council given its announcement that it would not meet social housing targets for 2023; whether there is a plan to resolve this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34070/23]
View answerMy Department is supporting local authorities in the delivery of their social housing targets under Housing For All through a range of different initiatives and schemes, including the construction of social homes on their own lands, construction delivery in conjunction with approved housing bodies and also, local authorities are working in partnership with private developers to deliver social housing construction through turnkey arrangements.
While the management of the social housing delivery programmes is a matter for individual local authorities, my Department works closely with relevant stakeholders to accelerate delivery and further expand pipelines. In parallel with developing pipelines for delivery, ensuring that progress and delivery on ongoing projects remains on track is critical.
My Department engages with all local authorities on a regular basis regarding the delivery of social housing. This includes structured quarterly meetings to review progress and in the case of Cork County Council, monthly meetings are held. My officials have met with the Council on a number of occasions this year, with further meetings planned.
I am aware of a potential shortfall in Cork County Council meeting its targets for 2023 and I have instructed my Department to continue to work with the Council to identify all possible solutions to address this matter. My Department will continue to monitor the situation and will take all relevant steps necessary, as appropriate, to support the Council to meet its 2023 target.
