648. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the current examination of proposals received from all local authorities for funding for construction of new housing developments will be completed; if there is a timeframe for shortlisting the projects for inclusion in the programme of new house construction over the 2014-16 period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12903/14]

Earlier this month I announced the approval of some 56 social housing construction projects with an overall value of some €68 million under the Local Authority housing construction programme for 2014-2015. This new construction programme will deliver 449 new units of accommodation for people on the housing waiting list. Projects were selected for funding approval on the basis of the proposals submitted to my Department by the local authorities, the relative priority afforded to each of these projects and the overall level of housing need locally. On 11 March, my Department notified local authorities of the individual projects to be advanced under this initiative.