COMHAIRLE CHONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, November 13, 2006

QUESTION NO. 12

QUESTION: Cllr. Joe Neville

To ask the Manager to outline the number of 3 bedroom units due to come on stream in this County over the next six months under the Affordable Housing Scheme & Affordable Housing Initiative and will the Manager outline any proposals to increase the proportion of 3 bedroom units under these schemes?

REPLY

A total of 46 x 3 bedroom units are due to come on stream in the next 6 months.  44 of these units are being sold under the current Affordable Housing Initiative. Negotiations are on going in relation to a number of developments and final agreements have yet to be reached with the developers.  As such, the type and size of units has still to be decided.

There is no reference in the Council's Housing Strategy in relation to the size of units to be procured under Part V.  In line with the guidelines issued priority is given to the securing of the maximum number of units.  The level of finance that can be raised by purchasers is a factor that has to be taken into account when conducting negotiations with developers. There is also the potential danger that the acquisition of a greater number of 3 and 4 bedroom units will reduce the number of units available.  It will advantage those who have greater means to fund a purchase  and will further disadvantage those on lower incomes who have the greatest difficulty in securing their own home.  The level of demand and need is kept under constant review.