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Wednesday, 18 Sep 2013

Written Answers Nos.822-840

Television Reception

Questions (822)

Jim Daly

Question:

822. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding a reception signal for Saorview in an area (details supplied) in County Cork; when this matter will be resolved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38379/13]

View answer

Written answers

In accordance with the Broadcasting Act 2009, RTÉ, through its subsidiary company 2RN, is responsible for the roll-out, coverage and operation of the SAORVIEW digital terrestrial television (DTT) network and I, as Minister, have no function in this matter. Specifically, the Act requires RTÉ to provide digital coverage to the same extent as provided over the previous analogue network, i.e. 98% population coverage, and I am advised by RTÉ that this level of coverage is being provided by the SAORVIEW TV network. For the remaining 2% of the population, RTÉ launched SAORSAT in March 2012. The development and provision of SAORSAT, which is a “free to air” satellite system providing access to the RTÉ channels and TG4, was undertaken by RTÉ on its own initiative and, as in the case of the SAORVIEW DTT network, is not a matter in which I have a function. Ireland is not the only country to have introduced a national TV network on both a terrestrial and satellite platform. Many countries, including the UK, have developed their digital networks on both the traditional terrestrial platform and also over satellite. The reason for this is simple. It is technically and financially impossible to provide 100% coverage using a terrestrial TV platform. However, through SAORVIEW and SAORSAT, Ireland now has 100% “free to air” coverage of the RTÉ channels and TG4 for the first time in the history of the State.

That said, I have noted the specific details of the case raised by the Deputy in this Question and have had them brought to the attention of RTÉ’s network company, 2RN. I have been assured by the company that they will seek to make contact with the individual concerned to see if anything can be done to improve the person’s terrestrial TV reception.

Broadcasting Service Provision

Questions (823)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

823. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will examine the possibility of providing online services such as RTÉ Player to Irish citizens in Northern Ireland. [38384/13]

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Written answers

RTÉ is an independent national public service broadcaster whose remit and obligations are set out in Section 114 of the Broadcasting Act 2009.Section 98 provides that the company shall be independent in the pursuance of these objects, subject to the requirements of the Act, and as such I, as Minister, have no function in the management of RTÉ’s day to day affairs, including in relation to the organisation's management of the availability of RTÉ Player. That said, however, RTÉ has assured me that it endeavours to make as many programmes as possible available on the RTÉ Player to users within both Ireland and Northern Ireland. In some cases, however, rights restrictions require that only users within Ireland can view certain programmes and access is consequently restricted outside the jurisdiction of Ireland using a technology called geo-blocking for those programmes in which RTÉ does not own the international rights.

Public Broadcasting Charge Introduction

Questions (824)

Andrew Doyle

Question:

824. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the total number of submissions to date on the Consultation on the Introduction of a Public Service Broadcasting Charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38567/13]

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Written answers

The public consultation on the Public Service Broadcasting Charge was launched on 27 August, 2013 and a total of 267 submissions have been received to date. The consultation will close on 8 October.

Renewable Energy Generation Targets

Questions (825)

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Question:

825. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to meet the 2020 European targets for renewable energy; if there are any plans to provide incentives for the installation of renewable energy products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38578/13]

View answer

Written answers

The 2009 EU Renewable Energy Directive set Ireland a binding target whereby 16% of our energy requirements should come from renewable sources by 2020. In order to meet our overall 16% requirement, Ireland is committed to meeting 40% of electricity, 12% of heating and 10% of transport demand from renewable energy sources. There are a number of policy measures in place, designed to incentivise the development necessary to meet Ireland’s renewable energy targets. These include the Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff (REFIT) schemes to support renewable electricity and heat generation, measures such as the Biofuel Obligation Scheme to increase the use of biofuels in the transport sector, and the Electric Vehicle Grant Scheme to incentivise the purchase of new electric vehicles. In addition, I will be publishing a bioenergy strategy later this year which will further outline the role that energy from biomass will play in contributing to the achievement of our national targets.

Question No. 826 answered with Question No.799.

Energy Schemes Data

Questions (827)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

827. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of successful applications that were awarded grants under the better energy scheme and its predecessor domestic retrofit grant schemes in each year from their establishment to date in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38774/13]

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Written answers

The Better Energy Programme is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The Better Energy Homes scheme commenced in 2009 and provides support to homeowners towards the installation of attic and wall insulation, and heating system upgrades including solar thermal with the works being undertaken by privately appointed contractors. The Better Energy Warmer Homes scheme commenced in 2000 and delivers a range of energy efficiency measures to low income households vulnerable to energy poverty. The scheme is delivered through a combination of SEAI appointed Community Based Organisations (CBOs), augmented by a panel of private contractors in order to ensure national coverage and via an area based approach. Measures available include: draught proofing, attic insulation, lagging jackets for hot water tanks, low energy light bulbs and cavity wall insulation and are free of charge to the customer. The area based model was introduced in 2012 to target low income homeowners experiencing extreme energy poverty.

The Greener Homes Scheme was introduced in 2006 to encourage homeowners to convert their heating systems to use more sustainable energy sources and was closed at the end of 2011.

The following table outlines the number of homes that received energy efficiency measures across all the schemes since their commencement to date. A significant milestone has recently been achieved as over 250,000 homes have been upgraded under the Better Energy Programme out of 1.6 million permanently occupied homes throughout the country.

Better Energy Warmer Homes

Number of Homes Completed

Better Energy Homes

Number of Homes Completed

Greener Homes Scheme

Number of Homes Completed

Area Based

Number of Homes Completed

2000

1,430

2000

0

2000

0

2000

0

2001

1,500

2001

0

2001

0

2001

0

2002

1,600

2002

0

2002

0

2002

0

2003

1,768

2003

0

2003

0

2003

0

2004

1,947

2004

0

2004

0

2004

0

2005

1,813

2005

0

2005

0

2005

0

2006

2,102

2006

0

2006

1,339

2006

0

2007

3,378

2007

0

2007

8,384

2007

0

2008

5,343

2008

0

2008

9,645

2008

0

2009

16,240

2009

18,203

2009

7,311

2009

0

2010

24,291

2010

45,946

2010

4,883

2010

0

2011

20,388

2011

49,229

2011

3,664

2011

0

2012

12,175

2012

26,423

2012

0

2012

1,933

2013

7,221

2013

8,858

2013

0

2013

1,027

Total

101,196

Total

148,659

Total

35,226

Total

2,960

Exchequer Savings

Questions (828, 829)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

828. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the full year saving to the Exchequer if all commercial semi-State CEO's pay under the aegis of his Department were reduced by 10%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39259/13]

View answer

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

829. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the full year saving to the Exchequer if all non-commercial State-sponsored bodies CEO salaries under the aegis of his Department were reduced by 10%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39268/13]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 828 and 829 together.

In June 2011 the Government set pay rates for newly appointed CEOs to Commercial Semi State Companies. This information is available on the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform website at www.per.gov.ie .

If the combined Commercial CEO salaries were reduced by 10%, there would be an annual saving of around €145,000 gross, before adjustment for tax, PRSI and other payroll deductions.

All directions issued by the Government in relation to remuneration of CEOs in non-commercial Semi State Companies, including reductions arising from the implementation of the Haddington Road Agreement, have been brought to the attention of the relevant State Companies.

If the combined non-Commercial CEO salaries were reduced by 10%, there would be a saving of just under €100,000 gross, before adjustment for tax, PRSI and other payroll deductions.

Exchequer Savings

Questions (830)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

830. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the full year saving to the Exchequer if all State agency board members' fees, non-commercial State sponsored bodies and commercial semi-State companies under the aegis of his Department were reduced by 25%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39278/13]

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Written answers

The information which the Deputy requested is set out in tabular form as follows. The Deputy will be aware of the One Person One Salary policy introduced by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and that non-public sector board members may choose to voluntarily waive their fees as a matter of personal choice in recognition of the current difficult economic circumstances. Both of these policy initiatives of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform have been brought to the attention of the bodies under the aegis of my Department. The payment of board members’ expenses is an operational matter for each State body. In the case of Commercial State Bodies, any fees payable are not funded by the Exchequer. In the case of public bodies established by Statute, the maximum, and sometimes minimum, number of persons that may be appointed to the Board is generally set out in the relevant legislation. I have set out in the following table the maximum number of persons that could be appointed to these bodies together with the fee level that may be paid in each case

Body/

Regulator

Number

of Members

Board Fee Applicable

Fee if there was a 25% reduction

An Post

15

Category 1

Chair: €31,500

Director: €15,750

Category 1

Chair: €23,625

Director: €11,812.50

Bord Gáis Éireann

9

Category 1

Chair: €31,500

Director: €15,750

Category 1

Chair: €23,625

Director: €11,812.50

Bord na Móna

12

Category 2

Chair: €21,600

Director: €12,600

Category 2

Chair: €16,200

Director: €9,450

Broadcasting Authority of Ireland

9

Category 4

Chair: €8,978

Director: €5,985

Category 4

Chair: €6,733.50

Director: €4,488.75

Digital Hub Development Authority

**14

Category 3

Chair: €11,970

Director: €7,695

Category 3

Chair: €8,977.50

Director: €5,771.25

EirGrid

10

Category 2

Chair: €21,600

Director: €12,600

Category 2

Chair: €16,200

Director: €9,450

ESB

12

Category 1

Chair: €31,500

Director: €15,750

Category 1

Chair: €23,625

Director: €11,812.50

Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission (Loughs Agency)

12

*Category 3

Chair: €11,970

Director: €7,695

Category 3

Chair: €8,977.50

Director: €5,771.25

Inland Fisheries Ireland

10

Category 3

Chair: €11,970

Director: €7,695

Category 3

Chair: €8,977.50

Director: €5,771.25

Irish National Petroleum Corporation Ltd

**5

Category 2

Chair: €21,600

Director: €12,600

Category 2

Chair: €16,200

Director: €9,450

Mining Board

3

Fees per day/sitting

Fees per day/sitting

National Oil Reserves Agency

**6

Category 4

Chair: €8,978

Director: €5,985

Category 4

Chair: €6,733.50

Director: €4,488.75

Ordnance Survey Ireland

10

Category 3

Chair: €11,970

Director: €7,695

Category 3

Chair: €8,977.50

Director: €5,771.25

RTÉ

12

Category 1

Chair: €31,500

Director: €15,750

Category 1

Chair: €23,625

Director: €11,812.50

TG4

12

Category 2

Chair: €21,600

Director: €12,600

Category 2

Chair: €16,200

Director: €9,450

Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland

**12

Category 3

Chair: €11,970

Director: €7,695

Category 3

Chair: €8,977.50

Director: €5,771.25

Non-Principal Private Residence Charge Exemptions

Questions (831)

Finian McGrath

Question:

831. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason there are no waivers on fines for the non principal private residence and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many persons are suffering from high rates and cannot cope with the councils. [36862/13]

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.

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.

I have issued guidelines to local authorities in relation to the operation of the “care and management” provisions of the legislation in instances in which genuine hardship in having to discharge a liability in a single payment can be demonstrated. In such cases, local authorities may enter into payment arrangements for the discharge of outstanding liabilities in instalments over a specified period.

This year will be the final year of the operation of the Non-Principal Private Residence Charge. Since its introduction in 2009, the Charge has been an important source of revenue for local authorities and has funded the provision of vital local services.

Motor Tax Collection

Questions (832)

Andrew Doyle

Question:

832. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the price of paying three months car tax versus 12 months car tax can be arranged so that regardless of how long the motor tax is paid for, persons paying for shorter periods are not penalised over the space of one year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36907/13]

View answer

Written answers

I have no plans to change the basis for the charging of motor tax for either three or six month discs. Tax rates for these discs, set at a higher rate than the annual fee, take account of the extra workload for the National Vehicle and Driver File (NVDF) and motor tax offices, and the resultant higher administrative and printing costs. In addition, reminders are issued on each renewal.

Furthermore, the annual income from the increased charges for three and six month discs in 2012 was over €50m. Were changes to be introduced to charge for these discs on a pro-rata basis, the loss in income would have to be compensated for elsewhere in the motor tax system, or through the taxation system generally.

Commercial Rates

Questions (833)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

833. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider changing the way rates are charged on businesses (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37178/13]

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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 Commissioner for Valuation has sole responsibility for all valuation matters, including the most appropriate method of valuation.  The levying and collection of rates are matters for each individual local authority.

It is important to acknowledge that commercial rates, as a local tax, and the rating system generally are deeply embedded in the local government system.  A large body of case law is well established and local authorities and ratepayers are, in the main, very familiar with, and generally accepting of, the operation and practice of the rating system.  Rates are also a stable source of financing for local government which is not affected unduly by short-term changes in economic circumstances.

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 to exercise restraint or, where possible, to reduce commercial rates and local charges for 2013.  Local authorities have responded well to such requests in recent years and in 2013, 87 out of the 88 rating authorities have either reduced their ARV or kept it the same as in 2012. I am keeping 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.

Motor Tax Collection

Questions (834)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

834. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will change the current system from unladen weight to gross vehicle weight. [37279/13]

View answer

Written answers

Various aspects of motor tax policy are kept under regular review and the basis of taxation for commercial vehicles is one such area. However, I am not currently in a position to give a timescale for the outcome of any area of review or for the subsequent implementation of changes that are subject to the approval of the legislature.

Animal Welfare

Questions (835, 871, 885)

Andrew Doyle

Question:

835. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is concerned that since the licence fee for dog licences increased from €12.70 to €20, more than 26,331 dogs disappeared from the system, representing a 12% drop in persons getting the licences; if he believes the hike in fee has stopped people registering their dogs; if discussions have been held to abolish the dog licence fee when compulsory microchipping is introduced to prevent double taxation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37344/13]

View answer

Andrew Doyle

Question:

871. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider abolishing the dog licence fee once the dog microchipping initiative is introduced; the discussions his Department have held with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine regarding this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37048/13]

View answer

Andrew Doyle

Question:

885. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his concerns in light of the increase in dog licences from €12.70 to €20, more than 26,331 dogs disappeared from the system, representing a 12% drop in persons getting the licences; if he believes the hike in fee has stopped persons registering their dogs; if he will provide a breakdown on a local authority by local authority basis on the number of dog licences issued for each year from 2007 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37343/13]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 835, 871 and 885 together.

The most recent increase in the charge for a dog licence took effect from 1 January 2012.  This was the first increase since 1998 and was in line with the increase in the consumer price index.

There is no clear evidence that the increase in the cost of a dog licence has led directly to a reduction in the number of dog licences issued, indeed a number of local authorities have increased the number of licences issued since the increase in fee. The Control of Dogs Acts 1986 and 1992 place statutory responsibility for dog control and licensing services on local authorities.  It is ultimately a matter for each local authority to ensure that the dog licensing regulations are being implemented in their areas.

My Department has had discussions with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine regarding proposals for the microchipping of dogs under the Animal Health and Welfare Act, 2013 and this engagement will continue. I understand that the proposals for the microchipping of dogs are primarily to cater for the welfare of dogs, both microchipping and dog licensing are important dog welfare and dog control measures and the existence of one does not negate the need for the other. Funds raised through dog licence fees are the primary source of funding for local authorities to enable them to undertake their responsibilities under the Control of Dogs Acts 1986 and 1992 and associated regulations.

Information on the number of dog licence issued by each local authority since 2002, as well as a broad range of other data concerning the dog control functions of local authorities, is available on my Department’s website at http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/StatisticsandRegularPublications/DogControl

Property Taxation Exemptions

Questions (836)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

836. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding certificates of discharge and exemption as prescribed for in the Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37762/13]

View answer

Written answers

The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, as amended, provides the legislative basis for the Non Principal Private Residence Charge.

The Charge operates on a self-assessment basis. The 2009 Act place s the Charge under the care and management of the local authorities, and application in particular circumstances is a matter for the relevant local authority. Interpretation of the legislation may be a matter for legal advice in individual cases and ultimately may be a matter for the Courts.

Under the 2009 Act “residential property” is defined as a “…building that is situated in the State and that is occupied, or suitable for occupation, as a separate dwelling…”

As such, a property which is not suitable for occupation does not fall within the definition of residential property and is not therefore liable for the Charge. There are a number of indicators as to what makes a property suitable for occupation for the purposes of determining liability to the Charge. The indicators include the structure of the property, whether or not it has a roof, whether or not it is so affected by dampness as to render it unsuitable for habitation, and whether or not it has sanitary facilities, including a water closet and water supply.

It should be noted that certificates of exemption and certificates of discharge are issued solely in respect of residential properties, as defined by the Act. Therefore, a local authority is not in a position to issue a certificate of discharge or waiver in respect of a property deemed to be uninhabitable on a given liability date for the Non Principal Private Residence Charge.

Should there be uncertainty as to the potential liability of a property to the Charge, the owner is advised to contact the local authority in question to determine liability.

Leader Programmes Funding

Questions (837, 956)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

837. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide additional funding for County Kildare LEADER Partnership as they are facing a shortfall in funding for current projects as they have already used their allocation for this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37792/13]

View answer

Jack Wall

Question:

956. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on correspondence regarding funding in respect of an organisation (details supplied) in County Kildare; his plans to address the concerns raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38371/13]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 837 and 956 together.

My Department continues to monitor the situation with regard to the allocation and drawdown of funding under the LEADER element s of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 (RDP). I advised all Local Development Companies (LDCs) , including Kildare LEADER Partnership, of their revised Programme allocations in May 2013 and LDCs were given until 31 August to allocate any remaining available funding to ensure that all funding is allocated before the end of 2013.

Currently there is approximately €27m in potential commitments at various stages of assessment with my Department and I envisage that this process will be complete by the end of October 2013. At this stage, all LDCs, including County Kildare LEADER Partnership, will be informed if there is any availability of unallocated funds with a view to reaching full programme commitment by the end of 2013. As the LDC is the principal decision maker on project funding, it will be the responsibility of the LDC to determine what projects are allocated funding, should additional funding become available from this process. I understand that the project referred to in the correspondence supplied is approved in principle and, in this context, it will be a decision for the Kildare LEADER Partnership to determine how to address project funding should additional funds become available.

Security of the Elderly

Questions (838)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

838. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his view on the accessibility, particularly for elderly persons living alone in rural locations, for funding for the provision of the fitting of personal alarms in the interest of their safety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38037/13]

View answer

Written answers

The Seniors Alert Scheme aims to encourage community support for vulnerable older people in our communities by providing assistance through registered community groups who can demonstrate a track record of working with or providing services to older people within their communities. Individuals may also contact my Department directly with regard to the Scheme and will be referred to the group closest to their area. Irrespective of location, all eligible beneficiaries have equal access to the funding available under the Scheme.

The Scheme 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 funding allocated to the Scheme in 2013 is €2.35m.

Motor Tax Collection

Questions (839)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

839. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to introduce a monthly direct debit payment option for motor tax (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38429/13]

View answer

Written answers

I have no plans currently to introduce a direct debit payment option for motor tax.

Motor tax is payable on an annual, half-yearly or quarterly basis. The quarterly and half-yearly payment options incorporate a surcharge element 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 €50m. Were a monthly pro-rata system to be introduced, this 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.

There would also be significant once-off costs in setting up such a system, as well as ongoing administrative, control and financial costs. Any such proposal would require enforcement provisions to ensure that there is a system in place to recoup income lost to the taxpayer where there are insufficient funds in personal accounts to meet the payment or where the direct debit option is cancelled by the account holder once a disc is issued, and provisions to enable recovery of the disc where required.

Planning Issues

Questions (840)

Terence Flanagan

Question:

840. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to amend the law in order that property developers are unable to apply for further planning permission without fully finishing their current developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38438/13]

View answer

Written answers

Section 35 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, provides that a planning authority may refuse permission to an applicant where it is satisfied that the applicant is not in compliance with a previous permission, or has carried out a substantial unauthorised development, and it consequently forms the opinion that there is a real and substantial risk that the development the subject of the application would not be completed in accordance with the planning permission, if granted.

In addition, I am aware that a number of planning authorities have introduced a provision in their county development plan for a moratorium on granting planning permission for further larger housing developments until such time as existing unfinished housing developments, or complete or near complete vacant housing in the vicinity of the application, is brought into beneficial use. Such policies are consistent with the recommendations of the Manual on Unfinished Housing Developments published by my Department in 2011.

I have no plans currently to amend the Planning Act in this regard.

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