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Wednesday, 16 Jan 2013

Written Answers Nos. 649-680

Security of the Elderly

Questions (649)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

649. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of money spent in 2012 on the seniors alert scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1109/13]

View answer

Written answers

The Seniors Alert Scheme (SAS) provides grant assistance towards the purchase and installation of equipment to enable older persons, without sufficient means, to continue to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind. The amount spent in 2012 on the SAS was €2,524,448.65.

Fire Service Issues

Questions (650, 667, 668)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

650. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there is a national plan for fire services, with national standards of call out time to arrival at fires laid down in it; the place where these standards may be accessed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1110/13]

View answer

Regina Doherty

Question:

667. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the current minimum manning levels for County Meath will be maintained under the proposed Department of the Environment National Directorate and Fire Emergency Management Body Keeping Communities Safe document; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1373/13]

View answer

Regina Doherty

Question:

668. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will give an assurance that fire officers decisions to commit resources to incidents in County Meath will not be curtailed, due to the Incident Command Systems and Standard Operational Guidelines in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1374/13]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 650, 667 and 668 together.

The provision of fire services in a local authority area is a statutory function of individual fire authorities. Under Section 10 of the Fire Services Act 1981, a fire authority is required to make provision for the delivery of fire services in its functional area, including the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of premises. Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each county and city manager is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he or she is responsible. In addition, it is a reserved function of fire authorities to adopt fire and emergency operations plans indicating the provision made in respect of organisation, appliances, equipment, fire stations, training and operational procedures for the provision of a comprehensive fire service to the community. My Department supports fire authorities through setting of general policy, training support and issue of guidance on operational and other related matters, and the provision of capital funding.

My Department's National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management has developed a policy document, Keeping Communities Safe (KCS) , which is intended to set the future direction of fire services in Ireland. It sets out a system of national processes and standards for fire service delivery in Ireland based on a risk management approach to fire safety which combines the important elements of fire prevention, protection and response. The national standards that are proposed in KCS are in keeping with international good practice and are crucial to a consistent approach across fire services in Ireland. It is intended that the national norms and standards established by KCS will be integrated into future service planning within each local authority's fire service. The draft KCS document is available on my Department's web site at www.environ.ie, and I intend to publish it as national policy in the near future.

Furthermore, a number of health and safety related initiatives have been introduced in fire authorities following the introduction of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. These include an Ancillary Safety Statement Template for Fire Services, a National Incident Command System and Standard Operating Guidelines covering all aspects of fire service operations. These measures assist the officer-in-charge in the assessment and decision-making relating to any emergency while ensuring a safe working environment for fire-fighters.

Fire Stations Provision

Questions (651)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

651. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has received an application from Galway County Council for a new fire station in South Connemara; when a decision will issue on such an application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1111/13]

View answer

Written answers

The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs, the provision of a premises and the making of such other provisions as it considers necessary or desirable, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the provisions of the Fire Services Act 1981 and 2003. My Department supports fire authorities through the setting of general policy and guidance, and the provision of capital funding, including the recoupment (within the overall funding available) of costs incurred by fire authorities in relation to the approved purchase of fire appliances and specialist emergency and communications equipment as well as construction and upgrading of fire stations.

In keeping with other reductions, it has been necessary to reduce the fire service capital allocation. Priority has been given to supporting the national fire appliance fleet and, in this regard, Galway Fire and Rescue Service has received an allocation for a new appliance which is currently under construction. My Department understands that a review of fire services in Galway is currently being undertaken by Galway County Council. This review, including the south Connemara region, is being informed by an integrated risk management analysis. The output from the analysis is intended to inform local decision-making on the effective deployment and use of resources, with a view to ensuring an appropriate balance between prevention, protection and response measures. I understand that this review is at an advanced stage, and will have regard to my Department's national policy document, Keeping Communities Safe (KCS), which will be published in the near future.

Questions Nos. 652 and 653 answered with Question No. 638.

Motor Tax Collection

Questions (654)

John McGuinness

Question:

654. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the estimated number of vehicles not being taxed in any given year and therefore the estimated loss of revenue to the State; if he will consider putting in place an easy payment scheme without extra cost to those who might use the scheme to encourage greater compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1130/13]

View answer

Written answers

An analysis of non-use declarations relating to motor tax to the year ending August 2012 showed that there were a total of over 538,000 such declarations during that time, 110,000 of which related to a change of vehicle ownership. The total value of the exemptions was €110m. While in some cases such declarations of non-use will be genuine, it is suspected that there is widespread abuse and it is estimated that the abolition of such abuse would generate income of some €55m annually. The Government approved the drafting of a Bill on 22 May 2012 to replace the current retrospective system of making declarations of non-use with a system whereby declarations must be made in advance of the vehicle being taken off the road. The Bill is at an advanced stage of drafting in the Office of the Attorney General and is expected to be published shortly.

I have no plans to make changes to the current payment options for motor tax. The current half-yearly and quarterly payment options incorporate a surcharge to cover the higher administrative costs involved in processing such applications. The estimated annual income from the increased charges for half-year and quarterly vehicle licences is in the region of €20m. Were a monthly pro-rata system to be introduced, the loss in income would have to be compensated for elsewhere in the motor tax system, or through the taxation system generally. It would also have a negative transitional impact on the flow of income to the Local Government Fund and consequently on grant allocations to local authorities from the Fund.

In considering options for a monthly payment option, regard would also have to be had to the set-up costs in the motor tax system, and increased ongoing administrative and financial costs and controls.

Waste Management Regulations

Questions (655, 661, 662)

Brian Stanley

Question:

655. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he intends to introduce a fee waiver scheme for waste collection services for low income households in line with the programme for Government. [1136/13]

View answer

John Lyons

Question:

661. Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to the establishment of an interdepartmental working group on providing options to reduce waste charges to low income households and if they include a new form of bin wavier; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1228/13]

View answer

John Lyons

Question:

662. Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the contact he has had with bin service providers in relation to reducing waste charges for low income households; if he has received any assurances from these providers that measures will be put in place to reduce bin service costs for low income families and pensioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1229/13]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 655, 661 and 662 together.

The Government's new waste policy, A Resource Opportunity - Waste Management Policy in Ireland, was published in July 2012. Among the measures included in the policy is the establishment of an interdepartmental working group to report to Government with options to minimise the impact of waste charges on low income households. The working group, which comprises representatives of my Department and the Departments of Social Protection; Public Expenditure and Reform; Finance; and the Tánaiste's Office, submitted its first report to Government on 11 December 2012.  Government considered the report and the working group is to continue to examine the design and implementation of measures to address the issue and will provide a further report to Government by 31 March 2013.

Another measure of the Government's waste policy is the revision of the current regulatory regime, to ensure, inter alia, that waste collection providers have Customer Charters in place. The Customer Charters will be required clearly to set out information for customers in relation to issues such as charging structures, procedures for dealing with customers who may fall into arrears, and arrangements for switching from one waste collector to another.  I wrote to the waste management industry in September and October, 2012 in relation to the development of such charters and I understand that a number of waste collection providers have already put in place a Customer Charter ahead of the development of the new regulatory regime. I further understand that a number of waste collection operators have notified former local authority customers of the offers and discounts available to those previously in receipt of a local authority waste collection waiver.

Proposed Legislation

Questions (656)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

656. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the legislative plans he has to address the issue of very high or overhanging trees and hedgerows on neighbouring properties; the way he intends to provide in law for the avoidance of the often inter-neighbour disputes that can and do arise when these situations present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1145/13]

View answer

Written answers

There is no legislation in Ireland regulating the height of trees and hedges. My Department understands that there is no right in Irish law to receive light in a garden and that, while there is a civil remedy of nuisance available in respect of the branches or roots of a neighbour's tree encroaching on one's property, there is no civil law remedy in respect of the loss of light in a garden due to a neighbour's high trees or hedges. While I have no plans to introduce legislation on this matter I wrote last year to my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality suggesting that we might give consideration to potential alternative options towards the introduction of a civil remedy in this matter. I am currently considering his reply.

Non-Principal Private Residence Charge Collection

Questions (657)

Michael McGrath

Question:

657. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has an estimate of the overall level of compliance with the non principal private residence charge to date; the initiatives that have been undertaken to ensure that persons living abroad who own a property here are made aware of their obligation to pay the charge; if he has any concerns that a substantial number of persons living abroad may not be aware of the charge and will accrue very large late payment fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1146/13]

View answer

Written answers

The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, as amended, broadened the revenue base of local authorities by introducing a charge on non-principal private residences. The charge is set at €200 and liability for it falls, in the main, on owners of rental, holiday and vacant properties. It is a matter for an owner , whether resident in Ireland or elsewhere, to determine if he or she has a liability and, if so, to declare that liability and pay the charge.

The provision of information to potential liable owners is regarded as an important element of the introduction of the Non Principal Private Residence Charge, given the payment levels in 2009 and in subsequent years. The associated communication campaign, including media advertisements funded by my Department, information made available by local authorities, and website hosted information, in circumstances in which the legal onus is on the liable owner to declare liability and make payment, was cost effective and, in general, achieved its goals in terms of raising awareness and encouraging liable owners to make payment. Much of this information, such as information available online, was available to liable persons living abroad. On its introduction in 2009 the Charge was estimated to apply to some 200,000 properties and was expected to raise approximately €40 million annually. As of 14 January 2013 , the charge had been paid for 2012 in respect of 340, 552 properties, raising €69, 641,680 for that year.

Under the Act, it is a function of a local authority to collect non-principal private residence charges and late payment fees due to it, and all charges and late payment fees imposed and payable to a local authority are under the care and management of the local authority concerned. In this regard, application of the legislation in particular circumstances is a matter for the relevant local authority. Guidelines have also been issued to local authorities in relation to the operation of the "care and management" provisions of the Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 and local authorities are expected to implement these guidelines appropriately.

The NPPR charge has been in operation for more than 4 years and has been the subject of much public discussion and commentary prior to, and following, its introduction. Failure to declare a liability in respect of, or to fail to pay, the charge on non-principal private residences, are offences. I urge all liable parties who have not paid the charge on non-principal private residences to contact their local authority as a matter of urgency. Property owners who are unsure of their liability should also contact their local authority.

Commercial Rates Valuation Process

Questions (658)

Peter Mathews

Question:

658. Deputy Peter Mathews asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there is any inclusion of an allowance for local authorities to differentiate between the type, size and location of businesses when collecting rates such as reducing rates for small corner shops compared to large supermarket chains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1188/13]

View answer

Written answers

Local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by the independent Commissioner of Valuation under the Valuation Act 2001. The Valuation Office is responsible for calculating the rateable valuation of premises and the type, size and location of the premises would be a factor in arriving at the rateable valuation. The Annual Rate on Valuation (ARV), which is set by the local authority, is then applied to that rateable valuation. The Valuation Act 2001 is a matter for the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

I am acutely aware of the pressures on small and medium sized businesses at the present time. Local authorities have been asked by my Department, by way of a circular letter, to exercise restraint or, where possible, reduce commercial rates and local charges for 2013. Local authorities have responded well to such requests in recent years and I anticipate a similar response this year. I will continue to keep the approach to rates by local authorities under active review, and am determined that every avenue will be pursued to optimise efficiency and contain costs in the local government sector.

Household Charge Exemptions

Questions (659)

Michael McGrath

Question:

659. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 149 of 26 January 2012, if more detail will be provided on the entry of a housing estate (details supplied) in County Cork on the list of unfinished estates qualifying for a waiver from the household charge. [1202/13]

View answer

Written answers

The list of housing developments which have been designated eligible for a waiver from the household charge in 2012 was extracted from the National Housing Survey 2011, having regard to the categorisation of estates by local authorities under the Unfinished Housing Developments Public Safety Initiative. This list is set out under the Local Government (Household Charge) Regulations 2012. All households resident in a development prescribed as an unfinished housing estate for the purposes of the Act are covered by the waiver.

I have been advised that only properties with the address of Carmen Lawn are included as part of the reference to Belmont Upper, Douglas.

Social and Affordable Housing Provision

Questions (660, 669)

Sandra McLellan

Question:

660. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 425 of 18 December 2012, if this policy is in operation nationally. [1205/13]

View answer

Sandra McLellan

Question:

669. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 425 of 18 December 2012, the reason maintenance paid out by a person seeking social housing is not taken into consideration when assessing that persons means; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1382/13]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 660 and 669 together.

In assessing a household for social housing support, the Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011 set out maximum income thresholds which all housing authorities must adhere to in determining eligibility. In accordance with the Household Means Policy issued under Regulation 17 of the Regulations, the income threshold is net of income tax, Universal Social Charge, Pension-Related Deduction within the meaning of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009, and PRSI. There is no provision in the policy to deduct any other regular outgoings, such as maintenance paid in respect of family members, from gross household income for the purposes of the income threshold.

I am at present reviewing the operation of the Social Housing Assessment Regulations and associated Household Means Policy including the calculation of net household income in the context of eligibility for social housing support.

Questions Nos. 661 and 662 answered with Question No. 655.

Action Plan for Jobs

Questions (663)

Dara Calleary

Question:

663. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the 2012 targets set for his Department for implementation of the Jobs Action Plan; if he will report on the attainment or otherwise of these targets; the reason targets were not met; the steps he is taking within his Department to create new jobs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1281/13]

View answer

Written answers

My Department's commitments in the Action Plan for Jobs – 2012, in some instances in cooperation with other Departments, local authorities and agencies are in relation to Actions 1.17, 1.22, 1.23, 1.47, 6.5, 6.6, 6.8, 6.9 and 7.3.2. Progress is set out in the following table.

Action

Measure

Time Frame for Completion

Status

1.17

Build on the positive response to date from Local Authorities to requests from Government to exercise restraint in setting rates for businesses, to minimise costs imposed on businesses and assist struggling firms in any way they can, with a need for continuing restraint and lower costs in the coming years

 

- Encourage Local Authorities to exercise restraint in setting of commercial rates for 2012, which is a reserved function of Local Authorities.

Q1

Delivered on schedule

- Require Local Authorities to consider the impact of development contributions on businesses and competitiveness generally.

Q2

Delivered on schedule

1.22

Encourage a competitive regime for waste services via careful design of the regulatory framework

 

- Complete consultation process

Q1

Delivered on schedule

- Submit proposals for Government decision on a new national waste policy

Q2

Delivered July 2012 .

Additional time for the submission of additional material was allowed, on account of the significant level of change in the household collection market proposed, to ensure the fullest information was available to Government in making its decision.

- Implement Government decisions in relation to waste policy and services

Q3 and Ongoing

Delivered on schedule and for 2012

1.23

Finalise the strategy for future structure for water services delivery to ensure an improvement in efficiency and delivery.

 

- Complete internal assessment process

Q2

Delivered on schedule

- Devise and roll out implementation strategy

Q4

Delivered on schedule

1.47

Integrate the foreshore consent process under the Foreshores Acts 1933 with the existing on-land planning system

 

- Publication of Bill

Q3

Bill to be published Q1 2013

Publication of the Foreshore and Marine Area Development Bill has been rescheduled from Q3 2012 to Q1 2013 t o allow sufficient time for public and stakeholder consultation

6.5

Develop a new sectoral strategy to promote employment, and support local enterprise by Local Government, to include measures in the area of business charges, local enterprise and business support arrangements, procurement support, local development and community based initiatives, the Green Economy and local government participation in employment support schemes. These measures will complement, and assist in the delivery at a local level, of other actions set out in this Action Plan.

 

- Establish Strategy Working Group

Q1

Delivered on schedule

- Publish draft strategy for consultation

Q2

Delivered on schedule

- Finalise and implement Strategy

Q3

Delivered on schedule

6.6

Align community-based endeavour with local government with a view to improving delivery of services to citizens at local level, achieving greater efficiency and effectiveness and enhancing the role of Local Authorities in the delivery of local and community development programmes and functions. The supports for business from both the Local and Community Development sector and local government will be re-configured to bring about maximum coherence at local level.

 

- Implement the key recommendations of the report of the Department's Alignment Steering Group through ongoing engagement with Local Government, Local Development Companies and other stakeholders, and through monitoring and evaluating the relevant Programmes.

Ongoing

Delivered f or 2012

6.8

Implement the key recommendations of the report of the Department's Alignment Steering Group through ongoing engagement with Local Government, Local Development Companies and other stakeholders, and through monitoring and evaluating the relevant Programmes.

 

- Establish the impact of enterprise supports provided by the Programme, through a national evaluation.

Q4

Delivered on schedule

6.9

Continue to support job creation in rural communities through the Rural Development Programme concentrating primarily on the provision of direct support for the generation and development of enterprise ideas and initiatives and the provision of support for initiatives that facilitate the development of sustainable rural communities

 

- Ensure that the Programme continues to focus on enterprise generation and development in rural communities.

Ongoing

Delivered for 2012

7.3.2

- Implement the Green Public Procurement Action Plan to promote the development of a market for green products and services.

Q4

Delivered for 2012

While neither my Department nor the agencies under its aegis including local authorities have a direct role in the creation of new jobs under the Action Plan for Jobs, they have a key role in supporting and stimulating economic activity, and aim to safeguard and assist jobs growth, including within the context of a sustainable environment and the development of the Green Economy in Ireland. Furthermore the Rural Development Programme (LEADER), delivered under my Department, aims to improve the quality of life and support the diversification of economic activity in rural areas. The Rural Development Programme (RDP) supports a broad range of activities including the creation and development of micro-enterprises in rural areas. The RDP for Ireland 2007- 2013 has a substantial budget of over €300m, which represents a significant lever to stimulate economic development in rural areas. Since it commenced in 2009 the RDP has supported over 3,000 rural enterprise initiatives with the creation of over 1, 200 jobs.

Over the next three years, it is projected that the LEADER Programme will assist in the creation of up to 7,000 new jobs. In addition my Department's Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP), which commenced in January 2010, aims to tackle poverty and social exclusion through partnership and constructive engagement between Government and its agencies and people in disadvantaged communities. The Programme is underpinned by four high level goals, one of which, while not directly creating new jobs, is aimed at increasing peoples' work readiness and employment prospects. In this regard, the following table outlines the number of individuals supported into employment and into self-employment in 2011 and the target for 2012.

LCDP

2012 Targets

2011 Outputs

Individuals supported into employment

966

5,613

1,121

6,163

Individuals supported into self-employment

4,647

5,042

Local authorities also have an important role in providing much of the physical and regulatory infrastructure essential to support enterprise and promote employment. They deliver essential services to business and are geared to respond to the needs of local communities, employers and entrepreneurs speedily and efficiently. Local authorities are very active in promoting the commercial and enterprise interests of their areas, working with other State agencies and local business across all areas that can benefit their local communities and the enterprise sector. Local authorities are acutely aware of the need to assist in the response to the jobs crisis at the local level, and assist and network with other agencies in the delivery of their responses to the crisis at the local level. It is in that context that achievement of measures in the Action Plan for Jobs will assist in creating a pro-enterprise supportive environment to generate new jobs and sustain existing ones.

Household Charge Collection

Questions (664, 665)

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

664. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide details in tabular form of the numbers of properties per county that were registered to pay the household charge on the 31 October 2012; the numbers that were registered on the 30 November 2012; the numbers that were registered on 31 December 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1333/13]

View answer

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

665. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of properties that were registered to pay the household charge on 31 December 2012 in a town (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1334/13]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 664 and 665 together.

The Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 provides the legislative basis for the Household Charge. Under the Act, an owner of a residential property on the liability date is liable to pay the Household Charge, unless otherwise exempted or entitled to claim a waiver. It is a matter for an owner of a residential property to determine liability and pay the Charge.

The Local Government Management Agency is administering the Household Charge system on a shared service/agency basis for all county and city councils. The following table details the total number of payments and waivers registered for the Household Charge nationally and by local authority area on 31 October 2012, 30 November 2012 and 31 December 2012. As regards the number of properties that were registered to pay the household charge on 31 December 2012 in Rathkeale, information specific to sub-local authority administrative divisions is not available.

County/City Council

Properties registered (paid + waivers)

31 October 2012

Properties registered (paid + waivers)

30 November 2012

Properties registered (paid + waivers)

31 December 2012

Carlow

11,627

12,132

12,461

Cavan

16,505

17,259

17,510

Clare

32,139

33,063

33,617

Cork City

27,689

28,122

28,488

Cork County

90,282

93,261

95,853

Donegal

35,277

36,158

37,370

Dublin City

136,255

138,395

139,982

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown

62,848

63,423

63,870

Fingal

60,407

62,150

63,154

Galway City

20,354

20,172

21,052

Galway County

40,545

41,804

42,086

Kerry

42,816

43,467

43,949

Kildare

44,500

45,920

46,692

Kilkenny

20,832

21,504

21,971

Laois

15,845

16,443

16,720

Leitrim

9,060

9,170

9,289

Limerick City

13,956

14,142

14,308

Limerick County

30,965

31,803

32,241

Longford

8,564

8,801

9,080

Louth

24,590

25,279

25,811

Mayo

37,301

38,784

39,438

Meath

36,762

38,320

39,286

Monaghan

13,545

13,871

14,041

North Tipperary

17,773

18,085

18,309

Offaly

14,668

15,252

15,767

Roscommon

15,962

16,146

16,641

Sligo

17,512

17,858

18,349

South Dublin

51,248

52,406

53,314

South Tipperary

20,428

20,758

21,061

Waterford City

10,378

10,667

10,793

Waterford County

16,213

16,469

16,697

Westmeath

20,280

20,435

20,695

Wexford

35,668

36,713

37,237

Wicklow

31,267

32,097

32,389

National

1,084,061

1,110,329

1,129,521

Traveller Accommodation

Questions (666)

Pat Deering

Question:

666. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of money that has been allocated for traveller accommodation on a county basis per annum for the last five years. [1370/13]

View answer

Written answers

In accordance with the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998, statutory responsibility for the assessment of the accommodation needs of Travellers and the preparation, adoption and implementation of multi-annual Traveller accommodation programmes, designed to meet the accommodation needs of Travellers, rests with individual housing authorities. My Department's role is to ensure that there is an adequate legislative and financial system in place to assist the authorities in providing such accommodation.

My Department provides 100% capital funding to housing authorities for Traveller-specific accommodation. Traveller families are also accommodated in local authority social housing dwellings, which are funded through the main local authority social housing programme. The capital allocations in respect of Traveller-specific accommodation over the period 2008-2012 are set out in the following table.

County Council

Allocation 2008

Allocation 2009

Allocation 2010

Allocation 2011

Allocation 2012

Carlow

300,000

400,000

420,000

50,000

0

Cavan

150,000

20,000

30,000

10,000

0

Clare

2,000,000

2,350,000

1,900,000

500,000

300,000

Cork

2,100,000

650,000

930,000

425,000

300,000

Donegal

350,000

100,000

70,000

25,000

300,000

South Dublin

8,000,000

5,224,500

3,610,000

600,000

250,000

Fingal

4,000,000

4,200,000

5,000,000

700,000

150,000

Dun Laoghaire / Rathdown

2,000,000

1,000,000

750,000

750,000

313,150

Galway

1,200,000

805,500

600,000

100,000

500,000

Kerry

250,000

1,080,000

100,000

400,000

23,249

Kildare

450,000

500,000

1,100,000

200,000

30,000

Kilkenny

250,000

500,000

1,200,000

450,000

60,000

Laois

0.00

50,000

220,000

200,000

530,000

Leitrim

200,000

200,000

180,000

80,000

0

Limerick

700,000

650,000

100,000

200,000

134,400

Longford

250,000

800,000

750,000

 

0

Louth

100,000

750,000

515,000

235,000

150,000

Mayo

100,000

750,000

500,000

30,000

136,850

Meath

600,000

3,000,000

2,800,000

1,500,000

78,133

Monaghan

500,000

400,000

0.00

 

0

North Tipperary

700,000

425,000

1,550,000

500,000

139,508

Offaly

350,000

95,000

110,000

400,000

0

Roscommon

400,000

500,000

900,000

495,000

373,587

Sligo

350,000

900,000

500,000

500,000

18,090

South Tipperary

950,000

500,000

500,000

250,000

27,641

Waterford

0.00

0.00

0.00

 

0

Westmeath

600,000

150,000

75,000

150,000

46,452

Wexford

700,000

200,000

300,000

100,000

285,000

Wicklow

200,000

600,000

300,000

600,000

550,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

City Council

 

 

 

 

 

Cork

200,000

100,000

40,000

 

62,000

Dublin

5,000,000

3,000,000

1,450,000

1,350,000

50,000

Galway

1,500,000

1,000,000

1,000,000

550,000

360,000

Limerick

5,000,000

400,000

1,000,000

1,150,000

250,000

Waterford

550,000

700,000

1,500,000

500,000

252,240

TOTAL

40,000,000

32,000,000

30,000,000

13,000,000

5,670,300

In addition, a portion of the overall capital allocation was held in reserve by the Department over the period 2009-2012 for the purposes of recouping to local authorities the purchase cost of houses which were required to meet the accommodation needs of Traveller families in specific instances. The amounts involved are as follows: €3,000,000 in 2009; €5,000,000 in 2010; €2,000,000 in 2011; and €329,700 in 2012.

Questions Nos. 667 and 668 answered with Question No. 650.
Question No. 669 answered with Question No. 660.

Capital Assistance Scheme Applications

Questions (670)

Michael P. Kitt

Question:

670. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a timetable of progress made on the application by a housing association (details supplied) for the provision of six housing units as part of a turn-key project, to which €625,000 has been allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1416/13]

View answer

Written answers

Under the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS), funding of up to 100% of the approved cost is available for the provision of accommodation to meet the needs of persons with specific categories of housing need including older people, people with an intellectual, physical or mental health disability, the homeless, returning emigrants and victims of domestic violence. My Department's involvement with the CAS relates primarily to the provision of funds for individual projects. The detailed administration of the scheme, including the appraisal of proposals, the certification that projects comply with the terms and conditions of the funding scheme and the processing of applications for funding, are the responsibility of the relevant local authority.

It is a matter for the local authority, in this case Roscommon County Council, to progress the appraisal, planning and implementation stages of proposed voluntary housing projects within the county and to submit a formal application for funding in respect of those projects which meet local housing need and the terms and conditions of the funding scheme. So far no such funding application has been received in respect of the project in question.

Leader Programmes Funding

Questions (671)

Finian McGrath

Question:

671. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will commit to ensuring that the four Erris parishes in County Mayo not currently covered by the Leader programme will be included in the programme; if he will provide a time frame for the resolution of this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1424/13]

View answer

Written answers

The Gaeltacht areas referred to in the Question were formerly serviced by Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta (MFG) for the purposes of the distribution of Axes 3 & 4 (LEADER) of the Rural Development Programme (RDP). MFG went into liquidation on 7 September 201 1. Following a complex and difficult legal winding up process most of the Gaeltacht areas are now operational through Local Development Companies in geographically contiguous areas. Progress is still ongoing in the context of determining a delivery solution for RDP funding in the Erris Parishes.

My Department is responsible for ensuring that funding provided through the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) is delivered in an efficient and effective way and we must ensure that the solution determined for the Erris Gaeltacht area has the capacity to meet the standards required to ensure compliance with both National and EU regulations. My Department is working to determine a solution that will facilitate access to RDP funding for the four Erris parishes as soon as possible.

Household Charge Collection

Questions (672)

Joe Higgins

Question:

672. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide the figures, by local authority area regarding the properties registered for the household charge to date; the number of properties that have been registered by persons who registered two or more properties and the number of persons that have registered two or more properties for the household charge. [1428/13]

View answer

Written answers

The Local Government Management Agency is administering the Household Charge system on a shared service/agency basis for all county and city councils. I understand, from data provided by the Agency, that as of 11 January 2012 the number of registrations, including waiver registrations, for the Household Charge is 1,140,586.

As the Household Charge system records one owner entry per property, which may in some cases be joint names, definitive information is not available concerning the number of properties which have been registered to multiple accounts. I understand, again from data provided by the Agency, that as of 9 November 2012 the number of accounts to which more than one unit has been registered for the Household Charge is 777. However, as the system is based on a self-declaration format it permits a person to set up several accounts, each in respect of separate properties or sets of properties, and therefore such figures should be treated with appropriate caution.

Water and Sewerage Schemes Status

Questions (673)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

673. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he was last briefed on the Greater Dublin Drainage Project by Fingal County Council; when a decision will be made on the siting of a regional sewage plant in north county Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1457/13]

View answer

Written answers

My Department participates in the Project Steering Group for the Greater Dublin Regional Drainage Project (North Dublin Treatment Plant and Orbital Sewer project). The last Steering Group meeting was held on 13 December 2012 and a comprehensive progress report was provided at the meeting. My Department understands that Fingal County Council expects to be in a position to make the decision on a site for the new regional wastewater treatment works, a route for a new orbital sewer and a location for a new marine outfall to the Irish Sea, in the first half of 2013.

Question No. 674 answered with Question No. 635.

Local Authority Housing Rents

Questions (675)

James Bannon

Question:

675. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the problems associated with the differential rent scheme operated by some councils and their concerns that local authority tenants are availing of cheaper rents in the private sector; when he will revise this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1469/13]

View answer

Written answers

It is a matter for each household to decide the form of housing that best meets its housing need at an affordable price. The current arrangements for determining local authority rents will be substantially replaced on the coming into force over the next year of provisions of Section 31 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009. Household income will continue to be a major factor in determining rents. The amount of rent will be set by the Manager in accordance with a rent scheme made by the elected members of the housing authority. Each rent scheme will have to comply with regulations that I will make, in relation to matters such as the level, type and sources of household income that may be assessed for rent purposes, and rent reviews, but will also reflect a degree of local discretion in the criteria for setting rents.

Unfinished Housing Developments

Questions (676)

James Bannon

Question:

676. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a comprehensive breakdown on all unfinished housing estates on a county basis; if he will provide an update on action taken to date by each council in cooperation with his Department to ensure that they are adequately secured under the public safety initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1472/13]

View answer

Written answers

The National Housing Development Survey 2012, the results of which I published in November 2012, outlined the progress which has been made in tackling the issues faced by the residents of unfinished housing developments. This Survey, which is available on my Department's website, www.environ.ie, provides a comprehensive breakdown by local authority of the status of all unfinished housing developments assessed nationwide

It is a matter for local authorities to determine, based on the condition of those unfinished housing developments within their administrative areas, which developments may qualify for funding under my Department's Public Safety Initiative, and to arrange for such works to be carried out. To date, my Department has made allocations totalling some €3.79 million and payments totalling €2.48 million under this scheme.

Rights of Way

Questions (677)

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

677. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 63 of 8 December 2011, the status of discussions as outlined in his previous response; the progress that has been made in relation to this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1498/13]

View answer

Written answers

I refer to the reply to parliamentary Question No. 63 of 8 December 2011, regarding facilitating the Wicklow Way to cross private lands in or around the junction between Boranaralty and the Ballybrack Road in the Glencullen area. The development and maintenance of critical walking infrastructure is fundamental to the whole approach to facilitating access to the countryside for recreation and activity tourism purposes. The Wicklow Way is one of over 40 National Waymarked Ways that are the backbone of the walking product in Ireland.

Wicklow is one of the first counties to develop an integrated representative trail management structure, "The Wicklow Way Partnership", whose members are:

- Coillte

- Wicklow County Council

- Mountain Meitheal (A Volunteer Trail Conservation Group).

- National Parks and Wildlife Service

- The Dublin Mountains Partnership (managing the Wicklow Way in County Dublin)

- County Wicklow Partnership (managing the trail on private lands)

Its aims include developing a multiyear plan for the strategic development of the Wicklow Way by agreement and pooling of resources to bring the Wicklow Way to top international standard and recognition.

In that regard, it is accepted that, where possible, walking routes offer the user safe, secure and stimulating surroundings. To achieve that, it is important that routes are off road where possible with the agreement of the landowners concerned. However, all land in Ireland is in private or state ownership. Participants in recreation activities should be aware that there is no legal right of access to the Irish countryside. Those who enter onto private land, for the purpose of recreation, do so on the basis of the goodwill and permission of landowners.

Following consultations, the Wicklow Way Partnership have identified sections of the Wicklow Way for re-routing and upgrading; two sections in particular are regarded as high priority for rerouting.

Ballinastoe Re-Route Proposal

A route has been identified that would enable approximately 1 km of trail to be taken off a busy and dangerous road section at Ballinastoe. The new trail would go through lands managed by National Parks and Wildlife Service and Coillte. It would join up with a newly constructed trail at the northern end close to Lough Tay and come out at a lay-by close to the Pier Gates at the southern end of the Coillte property that includes the Coillte Mountain Bike Trail facility. Agreement has been reached on the re-routing of the Ballinastoe section following a commitment of €18,500 from my Department towards the completion of the project. Work is underway and is due for completion this spring.

Glencullen Re-Route Proposal

Currently approximately 2 km of trail are on road on the R116 at Glencullen. A possible re-route has been identified, some of which is on state lands owned by Coillte, which, as a key member of the Wicklow Way Partnership, is keen to facilitate the proposed re-route. The remainder of the proposed re-route would be on private land and while discussions are on-going, no agreement has been reached to date. However, I am hopeful of a positive outcome in due course.

Coastal Erosion

Questions (678)

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

678. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if, in view of the increased footfall in persons hill walking and walking in general in the countryside here, especially in County Wicklow, in areas such as Luggala, his attention has been drawn to the effect that this is having in terms of erosion; if so, the measures being taken to curb erosion due to this increased footfall in our countryside; if his further attention has been drawn to the continued illegal use of dune buggies, scramblers and other motor vehicles on our national trails; his plans to ensure that their continued illegal use is halted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1505/13]

View answer

Written answers

I am aware that the issue of erosion, as a consequence of the increasing popularity of outdoor activities including hill walking, is of increasing concern. The Rural Recreation Section within my Department oversees the implementation of the National Countryside Recreation Strategy (NCRS). The Strategic Objectives set out in the Strategy are:-

1. To achieve sustainable and responsible recreation in the countryside.

2. To promote caring recreational use of the countryside.

3. To develop a national framework that promotes the rights and responsibilities of both owners and users.

4. To develop a suitable structure to deliver a national countryside recreation service in a strategic and co-ordinated way.

5. To secure a package of funding mechanisms to deliver on the objectives of the strategy.

The ongoing development of the activity tourism sector is of strategic importance for Ireland given the potential to leverage job creation and improve exchequer revenue from both foreign and domestic tourism. Walking remains the most popular activity, with preliminary 2011 figures showing that over 740,000 overseas visitors claim to have gone hiking/cross-country walking in 2011. Existing measures to address erosion include the Walks Scheme and a pilot Mountain Access Scheme currently under development. The Walks Scheme represents an innovative response to facilitating the development and maintenance of many of Ireland's key walking trails. The main point of the Scheme is that it brings in the landholders as key participants in the provision of high quality walking trails, by contracting them to undertake maintenance work on the trails in line with agreed work plans. The Walks Scheme is currently operating on 40 trails supported by over 1,800 landowners and is being managed by 16 Local Development Companies around the country. The pilot Mountain Access Scheme is currently being implemented at Mount Gable in Connemara and a more significant scheme is being developed for Carrauntuohill and the MacGillicuddy Reeks in Co. Kerry. These pilot Mountain Access projects are being progressed with a view to developing best practice in relation to the sustainable trails and walking routes in the uplands. A focus of these pilots will be the management and repair of erosion and other negative consequences arising from increased activity in sensitive landscapes.

With regard to the alleged continued illegal use of quads, dune buggies, scramblers and other motor vehicles on national trails , such activity while undesirable and damaging to the landscape is generally not illegal, as there is no overarching legislation in place to that effect. Many of these trails cross private land and it is a matter for individual landowners to address, many of whom use quads and similar vehicles as part of their daily work practices. Where trails cross State lands it is a matter for the individual State Agencies to manage through Byelaws and subsequent enforcement.

However, this activity takes place off trail also, particularly in upland areas. A proportion of upland, coastal and other areas where such activities can take place are designated as Special Areas of Conservation, Special Protection Areas or Natural Heritage Areas. There is no general prohibition on the use of off-road vehicles in such areas. However, the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has powers under Regulation 29 of the European Communities (Birds And Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, by ministerial Direction, to control specified activities where the Minister has reason to believe that these activities will have a significant effect on a European Site or an adverse effect on the integrity of a European Site. Activities to which Directions apply may include the operation or use of any off-road or other vehicle.

Question No. 679 answered with Question No. 641.

Tenant Purchase Scheme Applications

Questions (680)

Patrick Nulty

Question:

680. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when a new tenant purchase scheme for local authority tenants will be introduced; when the Programme for Government commitment to extend access to tenant purchase to tenants of approved housing bodies that is voluntary housing associations will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1523/13]

View answer

Written answers

My Department is currently preparing the General Scheme of a Housing Bill that will include, among other things, proposals for a new scheme for the sale of local authority houses to tenants. The scheme will be based on the incremental purchase model, involving discounts for tenants linked to household income and a discount-related charge on the property that will dwindle away over a period unless the house is resold or the purchaser fails to comply with conditions of the sale. The precise terms of the new scheme will be set out in regulations as soon as practicable after the Housing Bill is enacted.

The sale of approved body housing to tenants is one of the issues relating to the long-term financing of the sector that my Department will examine in the context of developing an enabling regulatory framework to support the expanded role for the sector envisaged in the 2011 Housing Policy Statement.

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