Written Answers Nos. 128-131
128. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will ensure there are no cuts to the allocation for homeless accommodation in the budget 2014, as this funding is essential to underpin the commitment to end long-term homelessness by 2016 using a housing-led approach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39868/13]
View answerThe level of funding available to housing authorities in 2014 for homeless accommodation and related services is being considered in the context of the Estimates process. In light of budgetary demands, I am working with my colleagues in the Government to ensure appropriate funding priority continues to be attached to the housing-led approach and the objective of ending long-term homelessness by the end of 2016.
129. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on stock being transferred from National Assets Management Agency to Meath and Louth County Councils respectively for social housing purposes; the way units that have been requested and provided to date; the process involved in the transferring of housing stock from NAMA to the local authorities; his views on whether the scheme is delivering in view of the fact that thousands of people are on waiting lists for provision of social housing and in light of the substantial reductions in housing capital programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39874/13]
View answerSome 38 properties in Meath have been identified as suitable for social housing through the NAMA transfer process and are currently the subject of negotiation with a view to leasing. In Louth, 15 properties made available by NAMA were purchased by Tuath Housing Association, using the Capital Advance Leasing Facility, and became operational in September 2012. A further 12 apartments, directly leased by Drogheda Borough Council, also became operational in September 2012. NAMA continues to work closely with my Department, the Housing Agency and with local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies in relation to the delivery of social housing. To date, NAMA has identified over 4,300 residential properties, controlled by its debtors and receivers, under this initiative as being potentially available for social housing. Demand has been confirmed by the local authorities for 1,899 of these properties with a further 291 properties currently being evaluated, bringing the total that may be deemed potentially suitable to 2,190. The local authorities have confirmed that of the properties identified, 1,359 are considered unsuitable by reference to sustainable planning and housing policy or are located in areas with no demand. More than 800 other properties have been sold or privately let by their owners or receivers since they were identified by NAMA.
There is considerable complexity in dealing with multiple property transfers with varying degrees of difficulty attached to them. In the main, this is due to the complexities of getting agreement from multiple parties operating within an environment subject to a range of legal and financial constraints. Significant progress has been made in this context, with 296 properties having been delivered for social housing from NAMA's portfolio at the end of the second quarter of 2013, including contracts signed in respect of a further 101 properties. This brought the overall total number of residential properties completed or committed to social housing at that point to just under 400. NAMA has recently indicated its confidence in the potential delivery of 2,000 units through this process. It will continue to be my Department's objective to maximise the delivery of social housing using all of the resources available. The next quarterly updates in relation to the delivery of NAMA sourced units will be available shortly at www.housing.ie.
130. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will extend the period for the declaration of non-use of vehicles in view of backlogs in motor tax offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39875/13]
View answerI refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 391 and 413 of 24 September 2013, which sets out the position on the matter.
131. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to whom an applicant who is not satisfied with the decision or the decision-making process of a Leader group or development company may appeal or make a complaint; where such persons can find the criteria for matching Leader funds of the Department that has overall responsibility for Leader funds; by whom are the guidelines used when deciding on the criteria for matching funds ultimately set, that is the criteria set at EU level, ministerial level or local level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39876/13]
View answerMy Department is responsible for the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 which is governed primarily through European Commission and Council regulations. The main regulations governing the delivery of the current programme are Council Regulation 1698/2005 on support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, Commission Regulation 1974/2006 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation 1698/2005 on support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and Commission Regulation 1975/2006 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005, later replaced by (EC) No 65/201, as regards the implementation of control procedures as well as cross-compliance in respect of rural development support measures. The Regulations stipulate that each Member State must set down detailed Programme rules and that the Programme must also comply with all relevant national legislation and standards. In this regard, my Department has detailed Programme Operating Rules available on www.environ.ie and amending circulars. The criteria for the eligibility of the projects funded under the Programme are contained in the Rules and amending circulars. Under the Operating Rules, where an applicant is dissatisfied with the decision of a Local Development Company they may appeal the decision to the Regional Inspector in my Department's Inspection Services Section.
