Written Answers Nos. 528-546
531. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 672 of 16 January 2013, if he will provide a breakdown of payment levels by local authority area. [4208/13]
View answerThe 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 was 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 attached table details the total number of payments and waivers registered for the Household Charge nationally and by local authority area on 25 January 2012.
|
County/City Council |
Properties registered and paid |
Properties registered for waiver
|
Total |
|
Carlow |
12,467 |
325 |
12,792 |
|
Cavan |
16,664 |
1,146 |
17,810 |
|
Clare |
33,638 |
436 |
34,074 |
|
Cork City |
28,531 |
176 |
28,707 |
|
Cork County |
94,845 |
2,638 |
97,483 |
|
Donegal |
37,612 |
541 |
38,153 |
|
Dublin City |
139,985 |
1,207 |
141,192 |
|
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown |
63,962 |
405 |
64,367 |
|
Fingal |
61,657 |
2,302 |
63,959 |
|
Galway City |
21,179 |
59 |
21,238 |
|
Galway County |
42,428 |
740 |
43,168 |
|
Kerry |
44,036 |
329 |
44,365 |
|
Kildare |
45,565 |
1,785 |
47,350 |
|
Kilkenny |
21,932 |
530 |
22,462 |
|
Laois |
16,694 |
377 |
17,071 |
|
Leitrim |
9,228 |
203 |
9,431 |
|
Limerick City |
14,180 |
227 |
14,407 |
|
Limerick County |
32,017 |
690 |
32,707 |
|
Longford |
8,688 |
596 |
9,284 |
|
Louth |
25,283 |
1,018 |
26,301 |
|
Mayo |
39,681 |
994 |
40,675 |
|
Meath |
38,901 |
988 |
39,889 |
|
Monaghan |
14,065 |
292 |
14,357 |
|
North Tipperary |
18,020 |
535 |
18,555 |
|
Offaly |
15,580 |
412 |
15,992 |
|
Roscommon |
16,986 |
423 |
17,409 |
|
Sligo |
18,587 |
284 |
18,871 |
|
South Dublin |
53,493 |
414 |
53,907 |
|
South Tipperary |
21,079 |
326 |
21,405 |
|
Waterford City |
10,735 |
169 |
10,904 |
|
Waterford County |
16,767 |
156 |
16,923 |
|
Westmeath |
20,576 |
366 |
20,942 |
|
Wexford |
36,592 |
1,255 |
37,847 |
|
Wicklow |
32,271 |
494 |
32,765 |
|
National |
1,123,924 |
22,838 |
1,146,762 |
532. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the findings of the domestic waste water systems consultation which was carried out in early 2012; the number of submissions received to the consultation; if those who made a submission were supplied with details of the findings of the consultation and if not, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4213/13]
View answer533. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the planning requirements for domestic waste water treatment systems that will be required resulting from the Water Services (Amendment) Act 2012; and if legislation will deal with such requirements. [4218/13]
View answer545. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the new grant scheme for improvement works to domestic sewerage/waste water systems will be available to persons who have not registered by 1 February 2013; if expenditure incurred prior to this date to bring these systems up to the appropriate standard will be considered for grant purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4392/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 532, 533 and 545 together.
In 2012, my Department undertook public consultation on performance standards for domestic waste water treatment systems, including the requirements for operation, maintenance and desludging. Draft standards were published on 1 March 2012 together with an invitation for interested parties to make submissions as part of the consultation process. The invitation to participate in the consultation process clearly stated that it was not intended to reply to individual submissions.
In total, 165 submissions were received from members of the public, political representatives, public authorities, environmental groups, professional organisations and the water services industry. The submissions were carefully considered by my Department and by the EPA and informed the finalising of standards which were given legal effect in the Water Services Acts 2007 and 2012 (Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems) Regulations 2012, which I signed on 26 June 2012. My Department is currently examining what amendments to the exempted development provisions of planning legislation may be necessary where the provision of improved on-site waste-water treatment and disposal systems arises as a result of inspections carried out under the 2012 legislation. The necessary legislation will be in place in advance of inspections commencing this year.
I recently announced my intention to introduce a grant scheme to provide financial assistance to households whose septic tanks and other domestic wastewater treatment systems require remediation or upgrading following inspection under the Water Services (Amendment) Act 2012. Eligibility for support under the scheme will be confined to householders who have complied with the legal obligation to register their treatment systems by 1 February 2013 . Only expenditure incurred directly by an eligible householder as a result of an inspection under the 2012 Act and the subsequent issue of an advisory notice under that legislation will qualify. Full details of the scheme will be set out in regulations which I will make in advance of inspections commencing.
534. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if any agreement or progress has been made between his Department and the Inspectorate of the Leader Programme with regard to the finalising of the MFG legacy projects when documentation relating to the decision making process cannot be located; if he will provide an update on one such project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4250/13]
View answerMy Department has issued advice to the relevant Local Development Companies contracted to deliver Axes 3&4 in Gaeltacht areas on how to progress MFG legacy projects where issues have arisen in relation to missing or inadequate documentation. This will assist the Groups in their decision making process and facilitate the submission of claims for payment where appropriate. In relation to the project referred to in the question, I understand that the promoter involved is expected to submit a claim to Donegal Local Development Company in the very near future. Once the relevant claim has been submitted, it will be reviewed and processed in line with normal procedures.
535. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government with reference to the public service reform document published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on 17 November 2011, Appendix IIa, Bodies to be rationalised, Amalgamated or Abolished in 2012, the progress that has been made on those bodies; the changes that require legislation; the expected timeframe for conclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4286/13]
View answerThe Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2012, provides the legal framework for further implementation of the Department’s Agency rationalisation programme. In relation to the specific actions outlined in Appendix IIa of the Public Service Reform Plan the following is the up to date position:
The Local Government Management Services Board and the Local Government Computer Services Board have merged with the establishment of the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) in August 2012.
The Limerick Northside and Southside Regeneration Agencies were dissolved on 31 July 2012 and their functions taken over by the Office for Regeneration which has been established in Limerick City. The Regeneration Office has been set up with administrative support from Limerick City Council and reports directly to the new City/County Manager who was appointed in August 2012.
An Chomhairle Leabharlanna was dissolved on 1 November 2012 with key residual functions transferred to the Local Government Management Agency.
Comhar (Sustainable Development Council) was discontinued at the end of 2011 and its sustainable development role has been integrated into the work of the National Economic and Social Council (NESC).
The Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency (HSCA) was established in 2012. It rationalises the functions of the National Building Agency (NBA), the Affordable Homes Partnership (AHP) and the Centre for Housing Research (CHR). The AHP and the CHR have been closed down and the NBA ceased operating in June 2011.
The Dormant Accounts Board was dissolved on 31 December 2012 with the enactment of the Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Act, 2012.
536. Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the 2013 funding will be allocated to Wicklow County Council; the total amount of this funding; if he will provide a breakdown of the way this funding will be allocated between the county council and town councils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4332/13]
View answerI assume that the Question refers to general purpose grants from the Local Government Fund. General purpose grants are my Department’s contribution towards meeting the cost to local authorities of providing a reasonable level of services to their customers. Some €640m in general purpose grants has been allocated to local authorities for 2013. In general, payment of the allocated grants will be made to local authorities in quarterly tranches during 2013 . Payment of the first 25% of the allocation was made to local authorities on 22 January 2013. The breakdown requested is set out in the table.
|
Wicklow County Council |
€ 14,357,641 |
|
Arklow Town Council |
€1,200,969 |
|
Bray Town Council |
€3,138,743 |
|
Wicklow Town Council |
€ 1,141,936 |
537. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he intends to review the proposal that local development companies would no longer be the delivery bodies for the disbursement of all local development funding once the current LEADER programme has expired; if he will explain the role that he envisages LDCs fulfilling in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4333/13]
View answerThe reforms relating to local development, which I am now implementing, arise from Putting People First - Action Programme for Effective Local Government, approved by Government and published in October 2012; this incorporates the recommendations made in the Final Report of the Local Government/Local Development Alignment Steering Group. That report noted the number of local development entities involved with service delivery locally, including 51 local development companies implementing certain programmes for my Department and for other Government Departments and agencies. It also includes a range of other entities, apart from local development companies, involved with the disbursement of local development funding.
I appreciate the value of these local development entities. I anticipate their continued involvement in programme implementation on behalf of my Department. In recognising the key strengths of local development companies in particular, the Alignment Steering Group also noted the potential for duplication and overlap and, accordingly, the recommendations it made seek a more co-ordinated and integrated approach to local service provision.
538. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will support the proposals (details supplied) put forward by Irish Local Development network in relation to aligning local government and local development. [4349/13]
View answerThe Government has approved enhanced alignment between Local Government and Local Development as part of Putting People First – Action Programme for Effective Local Government, which was published in October 2012. The alignment proposals were developed by an expert steering group following consultation and inputs from the key stakeholders, including the Irish Local Development Network. The information gathered and the inputs received from all stakeholders were given full consideration by the Steering Group, and I am satisfied that the Group’s recommendations represent a balanced and sensible way forward. I intend that the implementation of the Group’s recommendations will be carried forward in a spirit of co-operation between the key stakeholders, including the Irish Local Development Network, and I look forward to their inputs to this process.
542. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which a disabled persons grant can be administered in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4366/13]
View answerUnder the terms of the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, grants are available to assist households to have necessary repairs, adaptations or improvement works carried out in order to meet the accommodation needs of an older person or a person with a disability. The suite of grants include three separate grant measures: the Mobility Aids Grant scheme with grants of up to €6,000; the Housing Aid for Older People scheme with grants of up to €10,500; and the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability with grants of up to €30,000, depending on household income. The schemes are ad ministered by the local authorities and it is a matter for each local authority to process applications from householders and to determine the extent of the grant-eligible works and the amount of grant aid to be paid in individual cases.
543. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will confirm the public consultation arrangements that have applied to date in respect of an application for a foreshore licence (details supplied) in County Cork; the consultations he will now engage in when considering the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4385/13]
View answerThe following arrangements for public consultation have been put in place in relation to this foreshore licence application:
- The applicant arranged for the application form and supporting documentation to be made available for public inspection from 15 December 2012 to 23 January 2013 at Togher Garda station, Co. Cork.
- This arrangement was notified to the public by a notice published by the applicant in ‘The Southern Star’ on 15 December 2012. In recognition of the holiday season, seven extra days were added to the standard 21-day notice period.
- The application and supporting documentation have also been available on my Department’s website from 14 December 2012.
- Submissions from the public were invited by post or email. Thirteen submissions were received and will be posted on my Department’s website this week.
The application has also been circulated to all relevant statutory consultees and their responses are currently awaited. To conclude the consultation phase of the process, the applicant will be invited to respond to any issues raised in the submissions received.
The next phase of the process involves an assessment of the potential environmental impact of the application, taking account of all submissions received and the applicant's response to issues raised. This assessment will be carried out by the scientific and technical advisors of the Marine Licence Vetting Committee (MLVC). That Committee’s recommendation together with the recommendation of my Department will inform my ultimate determination of the application. Notice of my determination of this application and the report of the MLVC will be published in due course on my Department’s website and will include information on how a review of the decision may be sought.
544. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when a grant application will be approved in respect of an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4391/13]
View answerAxes 3 & 4 (LEADER) of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2007-2013 , for which my Department has responsibility, continues to facilitate access to significant financial resources for rural communities. One of the objectives of the RDP is to provide appropriate amenity and leisure facilities to local communities not otherwise available to them. I am pleased, therefore, that the application for funding under the Village Renewal and Development measure of the RDP for the project referred to in the question has been approved and Laois Partnership, the relevant Local Development Company in this case, will be in contact with the project promoter in that regard.
546. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he considers section 4 (1) c of Statutory Instrument 534 (2008), namely the exemption of local authorities from housing standards for rented houses regulations, to be appropriate to rented properties; the reason this should be the case; the grounds on which it can be justified that local authorities do not have to live up to the same standards of rental as all other landlords; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4420/13]
View answerMinimum standards for rental accommodation are prescribed in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2008, as amended by the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) (Amendment) Regulations 2009, made under section 18 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992 . Local authorities are not, in the main, exempt from these regulations. The regulations apply to all rental accommodation with the exception of holiday homes, or accommodation provided by the HSE or an approved body containing communal sanitary, cooking and dining facilities, or demountable housing such as mobile homes provided by a housing authority. It is this latter exemption that is provided for by Section 4(1)(c) of the 2008 regulations.
