Written Answers Nos. 1468-1496
1468. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to set out the number of water meters that have been installed by local authorities, his Department and Irish Water over the past two years; and the cost of the works involved. [33004/14]
View answer1491. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to set out his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding Irish Water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33157/14]
View answer1511. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if a study has been conducted to assess the average water pressure in domestic homes before the introduction of metering; and likely nature of the average pressure after the installation of meters. [33404/14]
View answer1603. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to outline the districts and parishes in the new Dáil Éireann constituency of Dublin Bay North in which water meters have been installed to date; and the future plans of Irish Water in rolling out water meters throughout Dublin Bay North. [34750/14]
View answer1604. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to detail the number of water meters that have been installed in each constituency throughout the country. [34751/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1468, 1491, 1511, 1603 and 1604 together.
The Water Services Act 2013 provided for the establishment of Irish Water as an independent subsidiary within the Bord Gáis Éireann Group and assigned the necessary powers to allow Irish Water to undertake the water metering programme.
The meter installation programme commenced in August 2013 and will be completed by mid-2016. There are now over 400,000 completed meter installations and Irish Water has confirmed that the cost for the supply and installation of meters is €539 million ex VAT. Four regional main contractors covering eight meter regions were appointed by Irish Water following a public tendering process in 2013. My Department does not have information to provide a breakdown of installations at county, constituency, district or parish level. However, a breakdown of the installations by region is set out in the following table.
Meter installations by region
|
Region |
All |
North West |
West |
South West |
North East |
Dublin City |
Midlands |
County Dublin |
South East |
|
Meter |
403,107 |
46,342 |
41,278 |
42,354 |
49,687 |
46,818 |
61,492 |
72,652 |
42,484 |
In designing the technical specification for the metering programme, Irish Water has drawn both from international standards and from extensive local experience of the installation of both Grade B and Grade C meter box covers over the last 12 years. While it is a matter for Irish Water to comply with all national and European legislation in the discharge of its functions, the company has confirmed to my Department that it is satisfied that the selection and fitting of the boundary water meter boxes fully complies with international standards. Irish Water monitors the installations by its contractors and can require the installation of a Grade B meter box if it is deemed necessary, as has happened in the particular case highlighted. It is important to note that this was a matter agreed between Irish Water and the customer in question and there was no Court ruling on the matter.
Irish Water has informed my Department that it is carrying out a specific study in one DMA (District Metering Area) in Collinswood, Dublin 9 to assess the impact of the meter installation on flow and pressure. Meters used by Irish Water comply with the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) standard, OIML R49-1, which permits a pressure drop of 0.63 bars at the maximum flow rate of 2,500 litres per hour. This is considered to be higher than would ever be expected in a household supply. At most of the typical range of flows, 85% of which are up to 1,000 litres per hour to Irish homes, the drop in pressure across a water meter is less than 0.1 bar and is insignificant against a normal minimum target pressure of 1.5 bar. Therefore, the meters being used have been shown to result in a pressure drop which is not significant in terms of customer pressure at normal flows and well within the international standard for such meters.
Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. They may be contacted via email to oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on 1890 278 278.
1469. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to detail the number of social housing units and the number of private housing units that have been constructed in Waterford city and County in each of the past five years. [33005/14]
View answerMy Department publishes a wide range of housing statistics. Data on the number of private and social housing units constructed in Waterford City and County are available on my Department’s website at the following link: http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/StatisticsandRegularPublications/HousingStatistics/FileDownLoad,15293,en.xls by clicking “Qtrly house completions by sector and local authority 1994 to date” under the House Building heading.
1470. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will grant funding to Longford County Council for works that are proposed for Willow Park halting site; and whether it is proposed to provide eight new bays at a cost of approximately €1 million. [33007/14]
View answerIn accordance with the provisions of 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 these needs, rests with individual housing authorities.
My Department is in contact with Longford County Council concerning their proposals for the Willow Park Halting Site. There are technical and other challenges in relation to this site, including flooding difficulties and these are to be addressed by the Council in their response to my Department, which is awaited.
1471. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will grant funding for an extension to Longford town fire station at a cost of €450,000 - the application for funding was made by Longford County Council. [33008/14]
View answerThe provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of fire station premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Services Act 1981. My Department supports the fire authorities through setting general policy, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding for priority infrastructural projects.
Provision was made for the construction of an extension to Longford fire station in 2007 and approval-in-principle was conveyed to Longford County Council to proceed with the preparation of design drawings and a cost plan. The project progressed to tender stage in 2009, and a total of €43,081 was recouped by my Department to Longford County Council in relation to fees incurred.
In 2010, given constraints on public finances and the fact that Longford County Council was also seeking financial support for the construction of a new fire station at Lanesboro, my Department requested the Council to determine its order of priority in relation to both projects. The Council confirmed in July 2010 that the Lanesboro fire station project was the number one priority on their list of capital works. The project to construct a new two - bay fire station at Lanesboro was approved and is on-going. To date my Department has recouped costs of €365,984 to Longford County Council for costs incurred on the construction of the Lanesboro project.
Given the on-going constraints on public finances, further support from my Department’s Fire Services Capital Programme to proceed with an extension to the fire station in Longford Town will have regard to national priorities, the totality of requests from fire authorities countrywide, Longford County Council’s priorities, the extent of current and previous investment in Longford fire service, the value for money offered by proposals and the status of existing facilities having regard to risk categorisation.
1473. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide in tabular form the organisations, groups, advocacy services and so on that received funding from Pobal for 2013 to 2014 and the amounts received by same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33013/14]
View answerMy Department supports the Community and Voluntary Sector in its contribution to an active, democratic and pluralist society through a number of schemes. There is a particular focus on supporting communities that are vulnerable, disadvantaged or under threat. Pobal, a not-for-profit organisation, manages a significant proportion of funding on behalf of my Department under the Local Community and Development Programme (LCDP) and under Dormant Accounts. Two other schemes, Community and Voluntary Grants and Community CCTV are closed and payments in 2 013 and 2014 under these programmes are small, residual payments only. The following table provides details of funding paid by Pobal on behalf of my Department to beneficiary organisations in 2013 and to 11 September in 2014.
|
Programme: Local Community Development Programme |
- |
- |
|
Payments to Partnerships |
2013 |
To 11th Sep 2014 |
|
Rathmines Information & Community Services |
689,027 |
502,861 |
|
South & East Cork Area Development Ltd |
463,152 |
347,364 |
|
IRD Duhallow |
387,147 |
290,360 |
|
Ballyhoura Development Ltd |
444,994 |
333,738 |
|
North & East Kerry Leader Partnership |
1,251,178 |
916,808 |
|
South West Mayo Development Company |
478,882 |
358,732 |
|
Comhar na nOilean Teo |
526,999 |
395,432 |
|
Breffni Integrated Ltd. |
739,937 |
492,866 |
|
County Kilkenny LEADER Partnership |
606,126 |
455,158 |
|
Ballyfermot Partnership |
620,583 |
462,354 |
|
Ballymun Partnership |
735,122 |
539,846 |
|
Blanchardstown Area Partnership |
895,884 |
660,767 |
|
Canal Communities Partnership |
875,327 |
640,191 |
|
Bray Partnership |
839,483 |
613,445 |
|
Comhar Chathair Chorcaí Teo |
1,211,692 |
908,867 |
|
Donegal Local Development Co. |
1,304,957 |
978,946 |
|
Tolka Area Partnership |
1,060,778 |
773,452 |
|
Galway City Partnership |
759,516 |
559,877 |
|
Galway Rural Development Company |
898,419 |
721,677 |
|
Longford Community Resources Ltd |
592,621 |
434,759 |
|
Northside Partnership |
1,094,445 |
830,290 |
|
PAUL (Limerick) Partnership |
1,460,432 |
1,065,670 |
|
County Sligo Leader Partnership |
672,929 |
438,922 |
|
South Kerry Development Partnership |
594,143 |
439,231 |
|
Southside Partnership |
1,098,936 |
803,330 |
|
Waterford Area Partnership |
773,041 |
574,147 |
|
Waterford Leader Partnership |
357,836 |
269,245 |
|
Westmeath Community Development Lim |
806,529 |
604,907 |
|
West Limerick Rescouces Ltd |
611,469 |
448,825 |
|
Forum |
473,973 |
434,228 |
|
Avondhu/Blackwater Partnership Ltd |
398,790 |
299,744 |
|
Inishowen Development Partnership |
644,724 |
471,458 |
|
Louth Leader Partnership |
1,371,936 |
1,014,184 |
|
Monaghan Integrated Development |
657,471 |
484,155 |
|
West Cork Development Partnership |
505,058 |
379,604 |
|
Wexford Local Development |
1,792,302 |
1,298,353 |
|
Clare Local Development |
855,336 |
641,482 |
|
Leitrim Integrated Development Co. |
611,836 |
435,407 |
|
South Tipperary Development Company |
590,120 |
443,840 |
|
County Wicklow Community Partnership |
579,801 |
432,162 |
|
Fingal LEADER Partnership Company |
363,686 |
268,718 |
|
Carlow County Development Partnership |
536,280 |
402,321 |
|
Cill Dara Ar Aghaidh Teoranta |
990,256 |
762,913 |
|
Laois Community & Enterprise D |
562,406 |
420,365 |
|
Mayo North East Leader Partner |
642,765 |
487,920 |
|
Roscommon Integrated Development Company Limited |
645,992 |
463,910 |
|
North Tipperary Leadership Partnership |
501,629 |
383,327 |
|
Offaly Integrated Local Development Company LTD |
738,314 |
551,100 |
|
Meath Community Rural and Social Development Part. |
366,957 |
277,835 |
|
The Vista Community Development |
81,192 |
60,894 |
|
Lourdes Youth and Community Services Ltd |
97,172 |
72,879 |
|
Robert Emmet Community Development Project Limited |
96,769 |
72,577 |
|
North West Inner City Network Limited |
138,638 |
104,409 |
|
Inner City Organisation Network (ICON) Ltd |
128,052 |
96,801 |
|
North Wall Community Development Project |
55,769 |
41,827 |
|
Daughters of Charity Community Services Ltd - Tara |
48,214 |
33,999 |
|
South Inner City Community Development Association |
98,409 |
73,807 |
|
New Communities Partnership |
49,585 |
35,410 |
|
South West Inner City Network Limited |
105,537 |
73,777 |
|
Community Technical Aid Limited |
132,034 |
94,175 |
|
Volunteering Ireland |
3,551 |
3,551 |
|
Dublin City South Volunteer Centre |
3,551 |
3,551 |
|
South Dublin County Partnership Ltd |
2,043,384 |
1,532,541 |
|
Nascadk CDP Ltd |
71,519 |
53,639 |
|
N.W.I.C.D.P. Ltd |
150,213 |
100,143 |
|
Previous Year Amendment |
- |
- |
|
Southside Partnership |
-27,784 |
0 |
|
Wexford Local Development |
-66,331 |
0 |
|
Clare Local Development |
-5,830 |
0 |
|
Roscommon Integrated Development Company Limited |
4,891 |
0 |
|
North Tipperary Leadership Partnership |
-4,687 |
0 |
|
Augmenting Employment Support Services |
- |
- |
|
Inner City Organisation Network (ICON) Ltd |
65,100 |
48,825 |
|
Total |
39,950,162 |
29,706,548 |
|
Programme: Dormant Accounts Fund |
- |
- |
|
Payments to Groups |
2013 |
To 11th Sep 2014 |
|
Round 4 Operational - HOMELESS MEASURE |
- |
- |
|
Cork City Council (Foyer Project) |
8,264 |
0 |
|
Cork City Council |
- |
5,800 |
|
Merchants Quay Ireland |
9,000 |
0 |
|
Merchants Quay Project Ltd |
11,300 |
0 |
|
Society of St. Vincent de Paul |
7,762 |
0 |
|
Stepping Stone Accommodation Limited |
- |
11,768 |
|
Threshold |
3,437 |
0 |
|
Youth For Peace Limited |
3,770 |
- |
|
DePaul Trust |
2,481 |
0 |
|
Dublin Central ssion |
8,152 |
0 |
|
Round 2 Capital - RAPID ADDITIONALITY |
- |
- |
|
St chaels Family Resource Centre |
9,000.00 |
0 |
|
Round 2 Operational - RAPID ADDITIONALITY |
- |
- |
|
Round 2 Capital - FLAGSHIP PROJECTS |
- |
- |
|
tchels Integrated Services Centre Company Ltd. |
1,230,386 |
127,500 |
|
Round 3 Capital - RAPID ADDITIONALITY |
- |
- |
|
Round 3 Operational - RAPID ADDITIONALITY |
- |
- |
|
Killinarden Community Council Limited |
12,575.45 |
- |
|
Round 4 Capital - RAPID ADDITIONALITY |
- |
- |
|
Cork City Partnership Limited |
200.00 |
0 |
|
Dolphin House Community Development Association |
7,500.00 |
0 |
|
Blanchardstown Youth Service - Foroige |
319.85 |
0 |
|
Suir Community Development Project |
100.00 |
0 |
|
SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL |
6,800.00 |
0 |
|
Longford Acorn Community Development Project |
746.10 |
0 |
|
Galway Volunteer Centre |
200.00 |
0 |
|
Our Lady Queen of Peace Community Pre School |
600.00 |
0 |
|
Community Enhancement (Jobstown) Limited |
200.12 |
0 |
|
Dublin Docklands Boxing Club |
612.05 |
0 |
|
Olympic Boxing and Social Club |
200.00 |
0 |
|
South West Wexford School Completion Programme |
150.00 |
0 |
|
Ballinfoyle Mor RAPID Committee |
1,000.00 |
0 |
|
COUNTY GALWAY LOCAL SPORTS PARTNERSHIP |
500.00 |
0 |
|
COUNTY GALWAY LOCAL SPORTS PARTNERSHIP |
789.28 |
0 |
|
POPPINTREE EARLY EDUCATION CENTRE LIMITED |
1,890.75 |
0 |
|
ST BRIGID'S FAMILY AND COMMUNITY CENTRE |
24,912.77 |
0 |
|
BUNRATTY COMMUNITY CHILDCARE CENTRE LIMITED |
20,000.00 |
0 |
|
ST JOSEPH'S/O'CONNELL BOYS GAA CLUB |
994.80 |
0 |
|
VIRGIN MARY GIRLS NATIONAL SCHOOL |
0 |
375 |
|
OUR LADY OF VICTORIES INFANT SCHOOL |
0 |
375 |
|
OUR LADY OF VICTORIES BOYS NATIONAL SCHOOL |
0 |
375 |
|
GAELSCOIL BHAILE MUNNA |
318.54 |
0 |
|
ST. JOSEPH'S SENIOR NATIONAL SCHOOL |
121.94 |
0 |
|
ACTIVE LIVING FOR OLDER ADULTS IN BALLYMUN |
330.00 |
0 |
|
ARCHBISHOP RYAN JUNIOR NATIONAL SCHOOL |
2,065.00 |
0 |
|
LONGFORD SOCIAL SERVICES LIMITED |
70,200.00 |
0 |
|
Round 4 Operational - RAPID ADDITIONALITY |
- |
- |
|
South & East Cork Area Development. |
3,692.20 |
0 |
|
Cork City Partnership |
4,147.27 |
0 |
|
Cork City Partnership |
4,000.00 |
0 |
|
Cork City Partnership Limited |
568.64 |
0 |
|
Cork City Partnership |
569.39 |
0 |
|
LOUTH LEADER PARTNERSHIP ALL-PROJECT INTERAGENCY |
69.10 |
- |
|
Mahon Family Resource Centre Limited |
0 |
10,500 |
|
St Munchin's Family Resource Centre |
584.42 |
0 |
|
Foroige (CABLE Project) |
220.04 |
0 |
|
Ballybane Mervue Community Development Project |
1,500.00 |
0 |
|
Irish Hockey Association |
380.00 |
0 |
|
Galway Volunteer Centre |
500.00 |
0 |
|
The Macushla Dance Club |
517.00 |
0 |
|
Louth Youth Federation Limited |
110.82 |
0 |
|
National League of Blind of Ireland Trust |
200.00 |
0 |
|
Barnardos |
0 |
23,730 |
|
Barnardos |
0 |
1,000 |
|
Mahon/Blackrock School Completion Prog |
0 |
1,200 |
|
North West City School Completion Programme |
779.00 |
0 |
|
Olympic Boxing and Social Club |
600.00 |
0 |
|
South West Wexford School Completion Programme |
400.00 |
0 |
|
THREE DRIVES FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE |
976.35 |
0 |
|
Limerick Youth Service (King's Island Area Team) |
2,250.00 |
0 |
|
St. Oliver Plunketts/Eoghan Ruadh GAA Club |
878.00 |
0 |
|
ST JOSEPHS GARBALLY COLLEGE |
1,120.00 |
0 |
|
COUNTY GALWAY LOCAL SPORTS PARTNERSHIP |
1,137.00 |
0 |
|
COUNTY GALWAY LOCAL SPORTS PARTNERSHIP |
5,650.00 |
0 |
|
Ladies Gaelic Football Association |
3,817.45 |
0 |
|
THREE RIVERS STORYTELLING FESTIVAL |
254.30 |
0 |
|
COLLINSTOWN PARK SCHOOL COMPLETION PROGRAMME |
400.00 |
0 |
|
ACTIVE LIVING FOR OLDER ADULTS IN BALLYMUN |
140.00 |
0 |
|
BLAKESTOWN MOUNTVIEW SCHOOL COMPLETION PROGRAMME |
1,627.82 |
0 |
|
ATHY COMMUNITY COUNCIL |
990.56 |
0 |
|
WATERFORD INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY |
2,567.00 |
0 |
|
South Dublin County Partnership |
2,000.00 |
0 |
|
Round 4 Operational - Substance Abuse |
- |
- |
|
Cork City Partnership Limited |
1,020.00 |
0 |
|
Co-operation Fingal |
840.00 |
0 |
|
Listowel Family Resource Centre |
1,059.88 |
0 |
|
Kildare West/Wicklow Community Addiction Team |
3,496.51 |
0 |
|
Cobh Community Drugs Project |
697.19 |
0 |
|
North East Family Support Network |
6,036.70 |
0 |
|
Canal Communities LDTF Limited |
926.66 |
0 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Community Addiction Team |
2,485.24 |
0 |
|
Kilkenny Family Support Group |
220.39 |
0 |
|
Dublin North East Family Support Network |
4,725.00 |
0 |
|
Ballincollig Youth Initiative |
644.61 |
0 |
|
Ballymun Youth Action Project |
1,000.00 |
0 |
|
Edenderry Addressing Substance Abuse |
4,342.12 |
0 |
|
Southill Family Resource Centre |
146.40 |
0 |
|
Tipperary Regional Youth Service |
10,000.00 |
0 |
|
Coolmine Therapeutic Community |
1,000.00 |
0 |
|
Ballyphehane Action for Youth |
818.34 |
0 |
|
Churchfield Community Trust |
700.00 |
0 |
|
Farranree Alcohol & Drug Awareness (FADA) |
0.00 |
0 |
|
Ballyfermot Star |
4,170.00 |
0 |
|
North Dublin City & County Regional DTF |
- |
2,960 |
|
Round 4 Capital - RAPID ADDITIONALITY Catch Up |
- |
- |
|
Scouting Ireland |
800.00 |
0 |
|
Limerick Youth Service |
685.19 |
0 |
|
Dungarvan Town Council |
2,900.00 |
0 |
|
Rathkeale Community Childcare Limited |
1,000.00 |
0 |
|
Ballina Family Resource Centre Limited |
233.00 |
0 |
|
S.D.C.C. Limited |
672.50 |
0 |
|
Scoil Íosa Primary School |
936.50 |
0 |
|
Scoil Phádraig |
452.50 |
0 |
|
Rathkeale Boxing Club |
800.00 |
0 |
|
St Marys Sean/Finns GAA Club |
1,500.00 |
0 |
|
Programme: COMMUNITY & VOLUNTARY GRANTS |
- |
- |
|
Payments to Groups |
2013 |
To 11th Sep 2014 |
|
2006 Round Equipment |
- |
- |
|
2006 Round Training, Education & Research |
- |
- |
|
2006 Round Equipment |
- |
- |
|
Liffey Sound FM |
990 |
0 |
|
Programme: COMMUNITY CCTV PROGRAMME |
- |
- |
|
Payments to Groups |
2013 |
To 11th Sep 2014 |
|
Dublin NWIC |
1,334 |
0 |
1475. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an annual breakdown of the quantity of social housing constructed since 2009 according to the number of units provided directly by local authorities and the number constructed through approved housing bodies; and if he will provide a breakdown of the approved housing bodies concerned. [33045/14]
View answer1476. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide a projection by year of the quantity of social housing to be built from 2014 inclusive onwards; the number of units to be provided directly by local authorities and the number to be provided through approved housing bodies; and if he will provide a numerical breakdown by the approved housing bodies concerned. [33046/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1475 and 1476 together.
My Department publishes a wide range of housing statistics, including data on the number of social housing units provided directly by local authorities and approved housing bodies, broken down by year. The data do not include a breakdown of the units provided by approved housing bodies. The statistics highlighted are available on my Department’s website at:
http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/StatisticsandRegularPublications/HousingStatistics/FileDownLoad,15291,en.xls by clicking “Social Housing Outputs” under the Social Housing Supports heading.
I expect the final output across all social housing programmes for 2014 to be in the region of 6,000 new housing units as set out in the following table.
|
Delivery method |
Number |
|
Rental Accommodation Scheme |
2,500 |
|
Leasing, including: 400 NAMA sourced properties and 350 Mortgage to Rent Scheme |
1,200 |
|
Social Housing Investment Programme |
200 |
|
Capital Assistance Scheme |
275 |
|
Regeneration |
230 |
|
Voids |
1,800 |
The number and method of delivery of social housing units in future years will be determined in the annual Estimates process and will accord with available resources. The Social Housing Strategy, which I expect to finalise in the coming weeks will set out clear objectives in respect of social housing delivery over the next five years.
1478. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government with regard to local authority rates if it is appropriate for the adaption of a town centre first approach in town centres as well as the implementation of section 2 of Local Government Rates Act 1970 to permit local authorities to grant rates waivers or reductions for new entrants which meet local authority identified retail mix deficiency, as this will assist in achieving balanced retail and hospitality mix in towns and cities here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33065/14]
View answerUnder the provisions of the Local Government (Rates) Act 1970, a rating authority may make and carry out a scheme providing for the waiver by the authority of all or a portion of commercial rates due by ratepayers in respect of a specified class or classes of property. The making of such a scheme is subject to the consent of the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.
I would consider any application received for a rate waiver scheme carefully. In considering any such application, it has to be borne in mind that a waiver of rates for one class of ratepayer could unfairly impact on existing businesses in the area by giving a competitive advantage to a certain group through a reduction in costs. In addition, the introduction of a waiver scheme could further increase costs on the part of businesses that are not part of the scheme, as it is likely that they would be required to make up the cost of the waiver scheme through the payment of additional rates. This could impose an additional burden on such ratepayers.
Recent developments have seen some local authorities introduce locally designed business incentive scheme which promotes the use of vacant commercial property. Such schemes rely upon Part 9 of the Local Government Act 2001 which provides that the functions of local authorities include providing grants, loans guarantees or other financial aid to promote the interests of the local community, including economic interests. Unlike rates waiver schemes under section 2 of the Local Government (Rates) Act 1970, no ministerial sanction is required for the setting up of these schemes. I will continue to keep commercial rates related issues under consideration.
1479. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to set out his views regarding increasing funding for local authorities through the residential property tax, thus allowing the reduction in the rates burden for businesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33066/14]
View answerI expect the Local Property Tax to have multiple benefits, including providing a more sustainable and resilient system of funding for local authorities and, therefore, a sounder financial footing for the provision of essential local services. It will provide greater local scope for financial decision-making concerning service provision and, therefore, a strengthening of democracy at local level with a more active relationship between local authorities and local electorates.
Effective from 1 July 2014, local authorities may vary the rate of Local Property Tax (LPT) in their administrative area for the following year by up to 15% of the basic rate of the Tax. The decision must be taken by resolution of the Council and must be notified to the Revenue Commissioners by 30 September in order to apply for the following year.
The Local Property Tax (Local Adjustment Factor) Regulations 2014 set out the process for local authorities who wish to vary their LPT basic rates, including the factors that they must consider and the type of public consultation that they should undertake as part of that process. As part of the public consultation process, local authorities must publish a notice inviting written submissions from the public in advance of a meeting to consider the setting of a local adjustment factor. This notice specifically welcomes submissions on the potential effects of varying the basic rate of the local property tax on businesses, individuals and local authority services.
I am aware of the pressures on businesses and the challenging economic environment in which many property and business owners are operating at the present time. Rates income is a very important contribution to the cost of services provided by local authorities and all rates collected within a local authority area are spent in delivering the public services which are required locally to create the environment in which businesses can prosper. Locally elected members adopt the annual rate on valuation (ARV) they consider necessary in order to provide the required services.
A key objective of the reorganisation of local governance structures is to reduce the burden on ratepayers and indeed taxpayers generally, by maximising efficiency. The new structures of local government, including the establishment of municipal districts, provide an opportunity to achieve a more coherent approach to rates and charges on a county-wide basis having regard to funding requirements and the need to support employment and business competitiveness.
It is a matter for each local authority to consider their overall financial position as part of their budget deliberations and make decisions in respect of the mix of income and expenditure that they consider most appropriate for the following year.
1484. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to outline the status of an application to Mayo North East Leader Development Company by an organisation (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33109/14]
View answer1487. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when a Leader funding application for a community group in County Mayo (details supplied) will be processed; if he will explain the delay in the application process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33124/14]
View answer1552. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to set out the current situation in respect of a Leader application (details supplied) in County Mayo; and the reason for the delay in processing same. [34114/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1484, 1487 and 1552 together.
In line with the ‘bottom-up’ approach to rural development under the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013, the Local Action Groups (LAGs) are the principal decision-makers in relation to the allocation of project funding. Such decisions are made in the context of the local development strategy of the individual groups and in line with the Programme’s Operating Rules and EU regulations. The LAG for the area referred to in the question is Mayo North East LEADER Partnership (MNELP).
I understand that all three projects concerned will be submitted by MNELP to my Department this week for a review.
1485. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will report on the meetings of the technical working group for the Seanad Electoral (University Members)(Amendment) Bill; if he will report on any conclusions or decisions made; the number of meetings that have taken place; the meetings that are scheduled; if the group has come across any challenges relating to the new electoral register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33111/14]
View answerIn February 2014 the General Scheme of the Seanad Electoral (University Members) (Amendment) Bill 2014 was published for consultation. The General Scheme is part of the legislative process to implement the 1979 constitutional amendment to extend the Seanad franchise to graduates from institutions of higher education in the State that heretofore did not form part of the Seanad university constituencies. The Statement of Government Priorities published in July 2014 provides for the enactment of this legislation.
In progressing work on the General Scheme a technical working group was set up to examine and make observations on operational matters including in respect of the creation and maintenance of a register of electors, the administration of elections in the new Seanad constituency and issues of cost arising from implementation of the proposed new electoral arrangements. This group is chaired by my Department and includes nominees from the Department of Education and Skills, the National University of Ireland, the University of Dublin - Trinity College, the Irish Universities Association, Institutes of Technology Ireland (IoTI) and the Higher Education Colleges Association. Arrangements were made for IoTI to also represent the interests of the Dublin Institute of Technology at meetings.
To date, the Group has met on four occasions. Its observations and issues raised in submissions made as part of the public consultation process are informing the further development of the General Scheme, which has not yet concluded. Since its last meeting, contact has been maintained between my Department and members of the Technical Working Group and further meetings of the Group may be convened at a later stage should any other matters arise that would benefit from its further consideration.
1488. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there is an obligation on a person to pay a fire service charge when the person's property was set on fire as a result of an arson attack and the fire services were not alerted by the victim. [33128/14]
View answerUnder the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003, a fire authority is entitled to charge users or beneficiaries of a fire service for services which it provides. I do not have any role in approving or consenting to the levying of such charges, which is solely a matter for each local authority.
I understand that most fire authorities operate waiver schemes in respect of fire service call-out charges; each case is examined on its merits, and partial waivers and deferred payment options are considered as appropriate.
In many cases, the householders / premises owners are covered by relevant home, motor and farm insurance policies for charges for attendance of the fire brigade at incidents such as house fires, road traffic accidents and hay barn fires.
I understand that the money recouped through charges levied on beneficiaries in respect of fire service responses is only a small proportion of the overall cost of providing fire services. The full costs of the services are met by the local authorities through a range of income sources, including commercial rates, charges for services to commercial properties, Government grants and (general purpose) allocations from the Local Government Fund.
1489. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 559 of 27 May 2014 to outline the contacts he has had with the Mica Action Group in County Donegal; if he will consider meeting the group; if he will consider the establishment of a redress scheme similar to that established under the auspices of the Pyrite Resolution Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33131/14]
View answer1563. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will permit the Pyrite Resolution Board to consider the emerging situation in County Donegal with respect to defective blocks; if not, the plans he has to address this problem in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34188/14]
View answer1564. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has given consideration to the issue of defective blocks in County Donegal; his Department's advice on the way affected householders might be able to proceed in engaging with his Department on this issue; the financial supports available for people who find themselves in this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34189/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1489, 1563 and 1564 together.
At the outset, I wish to acknowledge the stressful situations which individuals face when building works are not completed to the required acceptable standard.
In November 2013, my Department was made aware through reports in the media of a potential problem with concrete blocks in County Donegal. In addition, in recent months, my Department has received correspondence from Donegal County Council, from public representatives and from the Mica Action Group itself in connection with the alleged use of defective blocks in the construction of the houses in north Donegal which appear to be giving rise to structural problems in those homes. I also understood that the Mica Action Group met with a representative of the Pyrite Resolution Board earlier this year.
From the information provided, my Department understands that claims have been made which suggest that between 1,000 and 2,000 dwellings are affected in north Donegal. It is also suggested that the affected dwellings were constructed between 1999 and 2006. However, no evidence has been supplied to substantiate these figures nor is there definitive information as to the cause of the problem.
In general, building defects are matters for resolution between the relevant contracting parties, i.e. the homeowner, the builder, the supplier and/or their respective insurers and in the event that the parties cannot reach a settlement by negotiation the option of seeking redress in the Courts can be considered. It may also be the case that some of the homes affected are covered by a structural guarantee / structural insurance and homeowners may wish to pursue this avenue for redress. While I fully understand the extremely difficult and distressing situations that the affected householders in Donegal face, I believe that the responsible parties should take appropriate actions to provide remedies to their difficulties.
The Pyrite Resolution Act 2013 provides the statutory framework for the establishment of the Pyrite Resolution Board and for the making of a pyrite remediation scheme. However, the provisions of the Act apply only to dwellings affected by significant damage attributable to pyritic heave consequent on the presence of reactive pyrite in the subfloor hardcore material and not to damage arising in any other circumstance. The Pyrite Resolution Board has no powers to investigate the alleged use of defective blocks in the construction of the houses in County Donegal and I have no proposals to amend the Act in this regard.
1490. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to outline his plans to allow redress for homeowners who have already completed the overdue and necessary remedial works to their dwellings as a result of pyrite under the pyrite remediation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33139/14]
View answerThe Pyrite Resolution Act 2013 provides the statutory framework within which the pyrite remediation scheme must operate. It is not a compensation scheme and section 14(8) of the Act specifically states that homeowners cannot seek the recoupment of costs associated with the remediation of a dwelling undertaken prior to the commencement of the scheme.
The pyrite remediation scheme is a scheme of “last resort” for affected homeowners who have no other practical option to obtain redress. Inclusion in the scheme is predicated, inter alia, on the dwelling being subject to significant damage attributable to pyritic heave, and where this can be verified having regard to the I.S 398:1-2013, prior to works commencing. This is in line with how similar Government schemes operate or have operated in the past, where prior approval is a key eligibility requirement for a scheme. There are no plans to amend the legislation.
In general, building defects are matters for resolution between the contracting parties, the homeowner, the builder, the supplier and/or their respective insurers and in the event that the parties cannot reach a settlement by negotiation, the option of seeking redress in the Courts is available.
1492. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government whether Irish Water may install water meters on a private road. [33162/14]
View answerThe Water Services Act 2013 provided for the establishment of Irish Water as an independent subsidiary within the Bord Gáis Éireann Group and assigned the company the necessary powers to allow it to undertake the metering programme.
Most meters for public utilities are located at the point where the connection enters the household. In the case of water services, under the provisions of the Water Services Act 2007, households’ pipes internal to the boundary of a property are considered the responsibility of the householder, and thus water meters are being fitted at the stopcock at the boundary of the property. As this is located on publicly accessible land, it minimises disruption during the installation programme and also in terms of meter reading in due course as access is not required to private property. Where it is not possible to locate the stopcock on publicly accessible land, Irish Water will not install a meter on private property without the householder’s permission.
1493. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will respond to the application for funding made by the Limerick City and County Council on 18 February 2014 in respect of severe flood damage on 1 February 2014; if funding will be granted; if so, when will it be issued; and when work is expected to start on the flood defences for Limerick city; if he will confirm that moneys granted will not be taken from moneys already granted or pledged to the regeneration project in the city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33194/14]
View answerThere were two distinct phases of severe weather which affected the country last winter, from 13 December 2013 to 6 January 2014 and from 27 January to 17 February 2014. My Department had an initial role in coordinating and collating details and costs of damage in the immediate aftermath of the severe weather, based on returns and estimates provided by local authorities.
On foot of a report provided by my Department, the Government decided on 11 February 2014 to allocate funding of up to €69.5 million to local authorities in the areas worst affected by the first phase of severe weather to help affected communities by restoring roads, coastal protection, amenities/facilities and other public infrastructure. It was agreed that the funding would be made available via the Votes of the Departments with responsibility for the relevant infrastructure i.e. Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport; Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine; the Office of Public Works and my Department. In the case of my own Department, an amount of €72,000 was remitted to Limerick and City Council in respect of their response and clean-up costs for the first phase of severe weather. The issue of funding in relation to costs associated with the second phase of severe weather remains under consideration.
The provision of new or enhanced flood defences and flood risk management are matters for the Office of Public Works and the relevant local authorities, in this case Limerick City and County Council. While I understand that the design of flood defences, particularly at King’s Island, is being incorporated into the Limerick Regeneration Project, the associated funding remains a matter for the Office of Public Works.
1494. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to set out the position regarding an application to Mayo North East Leader by an organisation (details supplied); if same will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33196/14]
View answerIn line with the ‘bottom-up’ approach to rural development under the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013, the Local Action Groups (LAGs) are the principal decision-makers in relation to the allocation of project funding. Such decisions are made in the context of the local development strategy of the individual groups and in line with the Programme’s Operating Rules and EU regulations. The LAG for the area referred to in the question is Mayo North East LEADER Partnership (MNELP). The project file concerned was submitted to my Department by MNELP on 6 August 2014 for a review which should be completed shortly.
1495. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to detail the number of staff who retired, left or otherwise departed from the Department's employment from 1 July 2013 to 31 December 2013, and the expected annual savings arising therefrom; the number of staff expected to leave in 2014, and the annual expected savings therefrom; the number of staff expected to leave in 2015, and the annual savings therefrom; the number of staff expected to leave in 2016, and the annual savings therefrom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33203/14]
View answer1497. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to detail the number of new staff employed since 1 July 2013 up to 31 December 2013 and the expected annual costs arising therefrom; the expected number to be employed in 2014 and the estimated annual cost arising therefrom; the expected number to be employed in 2015 and the estimated annual cost arising therefrom; the expected number to be employed in 2016 and the estimated annual cost arising therefrom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33220/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1495 and 1497 together.
The information requested is set out in the following tables:
|
- |
- |
Departures and Expected Departures |
|
Period |
Number |
Estimated Annual Savings |
|
2013 (July - December) |
28 |
€1,524,080 |
|
2014 |
62 |
€4,260,979 |
|
2015 |
8 |
€521,972 |
|
2016 |
9 |
€694,131 |
|
Total |
107 |
€7,001,162 |
|
Starters & Expected Starters |
||
|
Period |
Number |
Estimated Annual Costs |
|
2013 (July - December) |
9 |
€470,517 |
|
2014 |
50 |
€2,829,939 |
|
2015 |
13 |
€898,567 |
|
2016 |
0 |
€0 |
|
Total |
72 |
€4,199,023 |
The information in the tables reflect departures and starters in my Department, including those expected in the future that are known at this stage, due to retirements, transfers, secondments, career breaks, ministerial staff and a limited number of new staff recruited in line with sanction received from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. Estimated savings and costs are based on full annual costs including salary, employers PRSI and allowances.
1496. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to detail the number of staff who retired, left or otherwise departed from local authorities from 1 July 2013 to 31 December 2013 and the expected annual savings arising therefrom; the number of staff expected to leave in 2014 and the annual expected saving therefrom; the number of staff expected to leave in 2015 and the annual savings therefrom; the number of staff expected to leave in 2016 and the annual savings therefrom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33213/14]
View answer1498. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to detail the number of new staff employed in local authorities since 1 July 2013 up to 31 December 2013 and the expected annual costs arising therefrom; the expected number to be employed in 2014 and the estimated annual cost arising therefrom; the expected number to be employed in 2015 and the estimated annual cost arising therefrom; the expected number to be employed in 2016 and the estimated annual cost arising therefrom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33233/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1496 and 1498 together.
My Department gathers quarterly data on staff numbers in local authorities. The total number of staff employed by all local authorities at the end of June 2013 was 28,667.72 on a whole time equivalent basis (wte). The total number of staff employed by all local authorities at the end of December 2013 was 27,501.51 (wte), a decrease of 1,166.21 (wte) when compared to the end of June 2013 position.
My Department also gathers quarterly data on planned staff numbers in local authorities to the end of the current year. In the most recent data collected at the end of June 2014, the local authorities reported that the planned staff numbers for year end 2014 would be 27,117.97 (wte). My Department does not have information in relation to the estimated staff numbers for 2015 or 2016 or information regarding the actual savings arising for local authorities.
