Local Goverment Housing Shortage 4th February 2014

Question No.

92 To the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government:

To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if provision will be made to augment the direct local authority house building programme proposed in the recent budget with particular reference to the urgent need to tackle the housing shortage in County Kildare and adjoining counties; if arrangements will be made for senior officials in his Department to engage with officials of the respective local authorities with a view to taking immediate steps to address what is now a serious housing crisis; if urgent provision will be made to put in place a major house building programme to yield sufficient housing units to meet the requirements of those families now on the local authority waiting lists some for up to ten years; if such provision will ensure addressing the problem that has arisen due to lack of adequate provision in this regard since 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

– Bernard J. Durkan.

For ORAL answer on Tuesday, 4th February, 2014.

Ref No: 4927/14

nsultation process , m y Department’s Housing Division maintains regular and effective communication with housing authorities on key housing priorities. This is greatly facilitated through the City and County Managers Association (CCMA) which has a dedicated housing sub-committee in place, comprised of a representative group of Managers and Directors of Housing. Meetings between this group and my Department take place at regular intervals, including twice-yearly plenary sessions with all Directors of Housing in attendance. My Department will also be m eeting with Directors of Housing from all local authorities shortly as part of our annual Housing Action Plan process . T hese ro utine meetings at housing practitioner level provide a forum for effective oversight of capital budgets and housing programme management.