639. Deputy Máire Devine asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the way in which his Department intends to reconcile its requirement that social housing regeneration proposals should not result in a reduction in housing density with the current refurbishment proposals for Oliver Bond House in Dublin 8 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22306/26]

640. Deputy Máire Devine asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on whether the smaller than national minimum standard two-bed units of 48 square metres planned for the regeneration of Oliver Bond House in Dublin 8 would contribute to the poorer mental health, negative child development outcomes, and broader public health risks linked to inadequate housing space, including a reported 2.4 times higher incidence of respiratory illness among residence of Oliver Bond House compared with the wider practise population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22307/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 639 and 640 together.

Within the Programme for Government 2025 – Securing Ireland’s Future, a commitment was specifically made to continue to accelerate social housing regeneration schemes in Dublin. This commitment is reiterated in the new Housing Plan, Delivering Homes, Building Communities.

My Department is working with Dublin City Council to further proposals for the regeneration of three initial blocks in Oliver Bond House (Blocks L, M, and N) and for the future regeneration of remaining blocks. The regeneration of Oliver Bond House through a deep retrofit and remedial works scheme will greatly improve the quality of accommodation in these blocks.

My Department’s position is that unnecessary or unjustified reductions in the number of homes must be avoided, given the ongoing housing challenge and the urban location of many of these projects. Due to the shortage of social housing across the country, my Department is not in a position to support proposals that would result in a significant loss of homes.

Each regeneration proposal is considered individually having regard to value for money and site constraints. Local Authorities are encouraged to engage with the Department at an early stage in the development of regeneration proposals to ensure clarity on design and funding eligibility.