Written Answers Nos. 1497-1525
1499. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to bring the climate action and low carbon development Bill before the Houses of the Oireachtas. [33287/14]
View answerIn April 2014, the Government approved the General Scheme of the Climate Action and Low-Carbon Development Bill. The Bill, which is listed among the Bills expected to be published during the Autumn Session as part of the Government’s Legislation Programme, is currently being drafted within the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. Once the final Bill is approved by Government, my objective is to introduce the Bill and progress its passage through the Oireachtas as quickly as possible, with a view to enactment by end 2014, as set out in the Statement of Government Priorities 2014-2016.
1500. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has considered the introduction of a vacant site levy in cities to increase the supply and development of land to meet housing demands. [33289/14]
View answerAs Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, my role in relation to the planning system is to oversee the provision and updating of the planning legislative and policy framework, including as articulated through statutory planning guidelines, to secure the proper planning and sustainable development of the country as a whole, including urban areas.
While responsibility for planning at local level is a matter for local authorities within this framework, I am continuing to ensure that the most relevant legislative and policy framework is available to support authorities in the exercise of their planning functions and facilitate the adequate and appropriate provision of facilities, infrastructure and development to support residential and commercial developments within their areas.
In this regard, I continue to keep under review the need for any further legislative changes and policy measures, and where I am satisfied there is a sufficient evidence base, I will advance proposals accordingly, including any appropriate targeted initiatives for urban areas such as measures to encourage landowners or developers to bring forward sustainable urban development proposals. In this regard, I intend to introduce a new Planning Bill later this year to facilitate the implementation of certain planning-related actions in the Government’s Construction 2020 Strategy published in May 2014. Action 23 of the Strategy commits to examining the possibility of enabling local authorities, should they wish to do so, to adopt new measures to incentivise the use and development of vacant sites in urban areas. A final decision on this matter will be taken in the context of the forthcoming Planning Bill.
1501. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views that the granting of planning permission for the conversion of small apartments to suitable sized homes for young families should be fast-tracked. [33291/14]
View answerSection 34(8) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, provides that a planning authority shall make its decision on a planning application within the period of 8 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application. Accordingly, planning authorities normally decide planning application within 8 weeks, unless further information is required.
Where an appeal is lodged with An Bord Pleanála in relation to a planning decision by a local authority, the Board has a statutory objective under section 126(2) of the Act of 2000 to determine the matter within 18 weeks. The compliance rate with the statutory objective period for normal planning appeals stood at 81% for the period January to August 2014, and the average time taken was 16 weeks.
I do not consider these timeframes unduly long.
Construction 2020, A Strategy for a Renewed Construction Sector, published in May 2014, acknowledges that, there are existing planning permissions for developments – whether residential, commercial or industrial - that have become unviable due to developments in the market but, nevertheless might with modification - for example to change the number of apartments vis-à-vis ‘own door’ houses in a given residential scheme - be able to proceed. As further stated in the Strategy, while it is important that third parties, including other local residents, have the opportunity to have their voices heard in relation to such modifications, my Department will examine whether there is scope to provide a more streamlined process for certain alterations of planning permission in relation to developments of this kind.
1502. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider the setting up of a national property authority, containing persons from all aspects of the property industry including bodies involved in the provision of social housing, with a purpose of advising and offering guidelines to policy makers. [33299/14]
View answerThe Government is committed to responding more quickly and on a larger scale to social housing needs through a variety of mechanisms. On 14 May 2014, the Government published Construction 2020 – A Strategy for a Renewed Construction Sector. The Strategy contains 75 Actions in total and my Department, together with the Housing Agency, will be involved in the delivery of over 30 of those. Under Action 8 of Construction 2020, a Social Housing Strategy will be published following consideration by Government in the coming weeks. To assist in the development of the Strategy, the Housing Agency invited submissions from the public by 31 July 2014. Further information is available at the following weblink:
http://www.housing.ie/News/Current-News/Invitation-for-Submissions-Preparation-of-a-Social.aspx.
My intention is that the Strategy will be both challenging and innovative, and will provide the basis for an enhanced approach to social housing provision in Ireland. It will contain clear measurable actions that are to be taken to increase the supply of social housing and, most importantly, reduce the number of people on waiting lists.
I have no plans to establish a National Property Authority of the kind referred to in the Question. However, I am committed to ensuring continued consultation and engagement on policy development and implementation in order to ensure the widest range of inputs into those processes.
1503. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the procurement process for the delivery of the new social inclusion and community activation programme in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33301/14]
View answerThe proposals outlined in Putting People First - Action Programme for Effective Local Government seek to position local government “as the primary vehicle of governance and public service at local level – leading economic, social and community development, delivering efficient and good value services, and representing citizens and local communities effectively and accountably”.
As part of the programme of reform of local government, Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) are being established in all local authority areas. These Committees, comprising public-private socio-economic interests, will have responsibility for local and community development programmes on an area basis, including the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP). They will develop, co-ordinate and implement a more coherent and integrated approach to local and community development than heretofore, with the aim of reducing duplication and overlap and optimising the use of available resources for the benefit of citizens and communities.
My Department’s Local and Community Development Programme (LCDP) is the largest social inclusion intervention of its kind in the State. The current Programme officially ended at the end of 2013 having operated for four years with funding of €281m over that period. It is being implemented on a transitional basis for 2014 with a budget of €47m pending the roll out of the new programme SICAP.
The SICAP programme is a key priority of Government and its budget for next year will be decided in the 2015 Estimates process. As a key intervention for the harder to reach, the Programme’s target groups are:
- Children and Families from Disadvantaged Areas
- Lone Parents
- New Communities (including Refugees/Asylum Seekers)
- People living in Disadvantaged Communities
- People with Disabilities
- Roma
- The Unemployed (including those not on the Live Register)
- Travellers
- Young Unemployed People from Disadvantaged areas
In accordance with the Public Spending Code, good practice internationally, legal advice and in order to ensure the optimum delivery of services to clients, the new Programme is subject to a public procurement process, which is currently underway. This process is a competitive process that is open to Local Development Companies, including the Mayo companies, other not-for-profit community groups, commercial firms and national organisations, that can provide the services to be tendered for to deliver the new Programme. The closing date for receipt of expressions of interest under Stage one of the process was noon, Friday, 11 July 2014. Stage two of the process (Invitation to Tender) is due to get underway shortly.
1504. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will introduce additional domestic free water allowances for students over the age of 18 in full-time education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33318/14]
View answer1508. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will set out the charges Irish Water intends to levy upon applicants for planning permission for a residential or commercial development which requires a connection to the public water and-or sewerage mains; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33386/14]
View answer1509. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the age limit to qualify as a child under Irish Water billing arrangements. [33389/14]
View answer1574. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on a matter regarding water charges (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34352/14]
View answer1621. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will respond to correspondence (details supplied) regarding the free water allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34860/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1504, 1508, 1509, 1574 and 1621 together.
With effect from 1 January 2014, Irish Water is responsible for public water services. The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provides that Irish Water can collect charges from its customers in receipt of water services provided by it. The Act also provides that responsibility for the independent economic regulation of the water sector is assigned to the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and the CER has been given statutory responsibility for protecting the interests of customers.
The proposed approach to charging was outlined by Irish Water in a water charges plan which it has submitted to the CER in line with the provisions of the Act. The CER recently held a public consultation on this plan which covered a range of issues relating to water charges and allowances. The CER is currently reviewing submissions received on the consultation and a determination will be made by the CER later this month. Full details of the CER public consultation are available on www.cer.ie.
In making its decision on the approval or otherwise of the water charges plan, the CER must take account of the decisions made by the Government on the funding model for Irish Water and a direction made under Section 42 of the Water Services (No. 2) Act in July 2014. This policy direction addressed a number of matters relating to domestic water charges including the provision of a free allowance of 30,000 litres of water supplied and waste water treated per annum for a primary residence on a public supply and a free allowance to cover the normal usage of water services by every child in their primary residence based on the same qualifying conditions as the child benefit allowance while customers with specific medical conditions which require increased water consumption will have their charges capped. There are no plans to provide additional allowances, other than those announced in the Government decision.
The CER intends to hold a public consultation on a new connection charging policy for customers of Irish Water later this year. Pending the outcome of this consultation, Irish Water will continue to levy connection charges on customers requiring such services at rates equivalent to the water and wastewater related development levies which the local authorities applied as at 31 December 2013.
1505. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to review the fixed-term tenant purchase scheme or other such schemes to allow persons who previously owned a home or who are non-first-time buyers to be allowed to engage in the purchase of property from a local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33343/14]
View answer1513. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when local authorities will be told that they can put a scheme in place allowing tenants of local authority houses to purchase their homes. [33425/14]
View answer1527. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the date on which a new tenant purchase scheme will be put in place for council tenants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33768/14]
View answer1550. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to re-open the tenant purchase scheme for local authority tenants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34091/14]
View answer1555. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the timeframe for the introduction of a tenant purchase scheme as provided for in legislation earlier this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34128/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1505, 1513, 1527, 1550 and 1555 together.
Part 3 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 provides for a new scheme for the tenant purchase of existing local authority houses. This scheme will replace the 1995 and 2011 tenant purchase schemes under section 90 of the Housing Act 1966, which closed in June 2014 and June 2013, respectively.
The new scheme will be open to local authority tenants in receipt of social housing support for a prescribed period of at least one year who have not previously purchased a house under a tenant purchase scheme and who have an annual income equal to or greater than a prescribed amount. I intend to make the necessary statutory instruments later this year to enable the new scheme to come into operation.
1506. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if local authorities have the authority to charge rates on vacant commercial premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33375/14]
View answerThe Local Government Act 1946 provides that where a property in a county council or urban local authority area is unoccupied on the date of the making of the rate, the owner becomes liable for rates. However, the owner is entitled to a refund if the property is vacant for specified purposes i.e. if the premises are unoccupied for the purpose of additions, alterations or repairs; where the owner is bona fide unable to obtain a suitable tenant at a reasonable rent; and where the premises are vacant pending redevelopment. The collection of rates and the determination of eligibility for a refund in this context are matters for each individual local authority.
The Local Government Act 1946 provided that the owner was entitled to a 100% refund in most local authority areas. Separate legislation governs refunds in the cities of Dublin, Limerick and Cork, where the same criteria for refunds apply but only 50% of the rates paid was refundable.
The Local Government Reform Act 2014 provides for a change to rating law in relation to the refund of rates on vacant properties and gives discretion to the elected members of individual local authorities to vary the level of rates refunds that apply in individual local electoral areas within the authority’s administrative area. This discretion allows elected members to respond to the differing characteristics of local commercial property markets. The amendment does not make any change to the eligibility or otherwise for refunds as currently provided for in relevant legislation.
The provision commenced with effect from 1 June 2014. The Local Government (Financial and Audit Procedures) Regulations 2014 provide that the decision to alter the rate of refund should be taken at the annual budget meeting and that the rate of refund decided in respect of the relevant local electoral area shall apply to eligible persons for the year to which the budget relates. The absence of a decision to vary the refund means that the existing legislative provisions regarding the rate of refunds apply (either 100% or 50% as set out above).
1507. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if Irish Water is now responsible for sewers and road gullies or if the matter is still in the control of local authority (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33380/14]
View answerThe Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provided for the transfer of water services functions, with some exceptions, of the city and county councils to Irish Water. The provision, operation and maintenance of sewers, other than storm water sewers, are amongst the functions transferred to Irish Water. However, the operation and maintenance of storm water sewers remains a function of the local authorities. The operation and maintenance of road gullies is the responsibility of the relevant road authority under the Roads Act 1993.
1510. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he intends to support an application from Tipperary County Council regarding an estimated cost of €1.146 million towards the construction of ten new dwellings in Roscrea and make a full statement on his involvement in the premature announcing of moneys, €1.1 million towards Ros na Cronan estate in Ashbury, Roscrea, County Tipperary. [33394/14]
View answerA proposal for the acquisition and refurbishment of 12 houses at Ashbury, Roscrea, County Tipperary was submitted to my Department by the local authority and approved by the then Minister for Housing and Planning, Jan O’Sullivan, T.D., in March 2014.
Subsequently, Tipperary County Council advised my Department that they were no longer pursuing the project as the cost of acquiring the houses was proving more costly than originally envisaged and the project no longer offered a value-for-money solution to meeting social housing need in the area. The County Council has submitted an outline proposal for an alternative project to meet this social housing need. This is in respect of the construction of 10 new houses on Council-owned land at Glencarrig, Roscrea, County Tipperary, at an estimated cost of €1.146 million and my Department expects to receive a full proposal from the County Council on this project shortly.
1512. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding coastal erosion works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33421/14]
View answerSection 179 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 provides that local authorities may carry out works that are necessary for dealing urgently with any situation which the Chief Executive considers is an emergency situation calling for immediate action.
However, where such works would require an environmental impact assessment or an appropriate assessment under the terms of the EIA Directive 2011/92/EU or the Habitats Directive 1992/43/EEC, the proposed works are required to be submitted to An Bord Pleanála for approval under section 175 or 177AE, respectively, of the Planning and Development Act.
In relation to the appropriate assessment requirements, it is a matter for the local authority, under Article 250 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended, to carry out a screening for appropriate assessment. Where the local authority determines that the proposed works would not have an adverse effect on a designated European site, the local authority may proceed to carry out the proposed works without submitting them to An Bord Pleanála for approval.
I will consider whether any further amendments are required to the legislative provisions relating to emergency works generally.
1514. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider making motor tax payment services available at post offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33431/14]
View answerUnder existing arrangements, motor tax is payable in person or by post via motor tax offices in twenty six local authorities. It is also payable online at any time, with some 62% of vehicle owners who are eligible to do so now taxing their vehicles online. I have no plans currently to provide for the collection of motor tax through the post office network. The operation of the motor tax system is, of course, kept under regular review.
1515. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there is a national policy in respect of the bin collection times that private waste management firms are allowed to operate in residential estates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33442/14]
View answerWaste collection is subject to compliance with applicable environmental and other relevant legislation, primarily the Waste Management Acts 1996 – 2013, and conditions attached to each waste collector’s collection permit issued under the Waste Management (Collection Permit) Regulations 2007. Waste collection in individual local authority areas may also be subject to local bye-laws, including bye-laws specifying times during which waste is to be made available for collection. As part of implementation of the Government’s waste policy, A Resource Opportunity, my Department carried out a public consultation process earlier this year on options for revising the existing regulatory regime which applies to waste collection. The issues involved included the question of whether waste collection should take place between specified times and whether such times should be decided at a local, regional or national level. Arising from that process, my Department is now developing a robust new regulatory framework aimed at professionalising and modernising Ireland’s system of household waste collection. I expect to finalise the new Regulations in January 2015, with a view to the new regime coming into operation on 1 July 2015.
1516. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the action he will take to ensure that adequate funding is provided to local authorities to deal with the demand for the housing aid for older persons scheme, the mobility aids housing grant scheme and the housing adaptation grant for persons with a disability; the action his Department will take to reduce and streamline application processing times and if he will review the current means test for this scheme (details supplied). [33457/14]
View answerThe allocations to local authorities under the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability were announced on 16 January 2014. Every local authority received increased funding for grants compared to the 2013 allocations.
My Department monitors the levels of grant activity in each authority and this is a factor in the allocation of funding.
Changes to the terms and conditions of the grant schemes were notified to local authorities in January 2014 as a result of the work of a review group established by my Department in 2013. These changes are spreading the benefits of the schemes as widely as possible and improving fairness and value for money in their operation. Accordingly, I have no plans to review the current means test for this scheme.
I expect an additional 800 households to benefit under the schemes in 2014 compared to 2013, when 7,011 households were supported. I am aware that the grant measures are heavily subscribed across local authority areas and my Department will be requesting authorities, where necessary, to prioritise those applications where the most urgent need exists.
The detailed administration of these schemes is the responsibility of the relevant local authority. This includes all aspects of the assessment, approval and payment of grants to applicants under the various grant measures.
1517. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide assurances that funding will be maintained for the senior alerts scheme (details supplied); and his views on extending the scheme to include assistive technology devices (details supplied). [33458/14]
View answerThe Seniors Alert Scheme aims to encourage community support for vulnerable older people in our communities by providing grant assistance towards the purchase and installation of personal monitored alarms to enable older persons, of limited means, to continue to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind. The Scheme is administered by local community and voluntary groups with the support of my Department.
My Department only approved applications for personal monitored alarms connected to a landline up to October 2013. Personal monitored alarms are now available using mobile technology and these alternative systems may also be funded at a similar rate when the sponsoring Community Group is satisfied that it meets the requirements of the beneficiary. It will be a matter for the sponsoring community group to satisfy itself that a system using mobile technology provides reliable coverage in its area. Mobile type devices currently on offer do not provide full mobile phone functionality and therefore are not a replacement for a telephone.
The funding allocated for the Seniors Alert Scheme in 2014 is €2.35 million, which is considered sufficient to meet current demand levels for this important scheme.
1518. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in view of the fact that it is claimed six new people become homeless each day, to set out his plans to end homelessness by 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33582/14]
View answer1546. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the number of people who are homeless in County Meath; the body which is charged with keeping a count on the number of people who are homeless; if he will provide the numbers for each of the years 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34036/14]
View answer1592. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to deal with the challenge of homelessness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34525/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1518, 1546 and 1592 together.
My Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation for homeless persons rests with individual housing authorities and the purposes for which housing authorities may incur expenditure in addressing homelessness are prescribed in Section 10 of the Housing Act 1988.
Traditionally it has been difficult to quantify the number of homeless persons on an ongoing basis; this is in part a consequence of the volatility within this cohort of housing need. In February 2013, at the time of publication of the Government’s Homelessness Policy Statement, a set of indicators was identified to be used to demonstrate the dynamics of homelessness as it is addressed. These indicators will give a clearer picture of homelessness in Ireland and, in quantifying its ongoing extent, will support the implementation of realistic and practical solutions. The Pathway Accommodation & Support System (PASS) is now operational nationwide and will assist lead housing authorities in each of the 9 regions to report on these indicators. 2014 will be the first year for which PASS will produce composite national data on homelessness. Quarterly reports from lead housing authorities are being published on my Department's website as soon as these are available. Reports in respect of the first 2 quarters are available at, http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/SpecialNeeds/HomelessPeople/.
Based on data recorded on PASS, a recent survey of lead housing authorities confirmed that 2,509 unique individuals utilised Section 10 funded emergency accommodation nationally during the week of 14 to 20 July 2014, and 23 of these individuals were recorded for County Meath. A copy of this report is available on my Department's website at the link provided above.
Prior to the full implementation of PASS the most complete set of data available in relation to homelessness nationally is the Central Statistics Office’s special Census report, Homeless Persons in Ireland, which was published on 6 September 2012. This report indicated that a total of 64 individuals were sleeping rough on Census night, 10 April 2011, while identifying a further 3,744 people as housed in accommodation defined as emergency, transitional or long-term. Of the total of 3,808 individuals included in the report almost 60% were in long-term or transitional housing arrangements. This report is available on CSO's website, www.cso.ie.
In February 2013, the Government’s Homelessness Policy Statement was published in which the aim to end long-term homelessness by the end of 2016 was outlined. The statement emphasises a housing-led approach, which is focused on accessing permanent housing as the primary response to all forms of homelessness. The availability and supply of secure, affordable and adequate housing is essential in ensuring sustainable tenancies and ending long-term homelessness.
On 20 May 2014, the Implementation Plan on the State's Response to Homelessness was published in which the Government's approach to delivery on its objective of ending involuntary long-term homelessness by the end of 2016 was outlined. A copy of this plan is available on my Department's website at the link provided above.
This plan sets out a range of measures to secure a ring-fenced supply of accommodation to house homeless households within the next three years and mobilise the necessary supports. Progress in implementing the plan is reported quarterly through the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy and a copy of the Quarter 2 Progress Report is also available on my Department's website at the link provided above.
1519. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if there is a lead problem in the water in an area (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [33664/14]
View answer1557. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding water quality in an area (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34140/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1519 and 1557 together.
With effect from 1st January 2014, Irish Water is responsible for public water services. The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provides that Irish Water can collect charges from its customers in receipt of water services provided by it. The Act also provides that responsibility for the independent economic regulation of the water sector is assigned to the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and the water charges plan to be prepared by Irish Water is subject to the approval of the CER.
Under the European Communities (Drinking Water) Regulations 2014, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas library, suppliers of drinking water are required to ensure that the water supplied complies with the chemical and microbiological parameters set out in the Regulations. The maximum allowable value for lead is 10 micrograms per litre, which came into effect at the end of 2013. At this concentration, there is a risk of exceeding the limits wherever there is lead piping and in particular where the water has been sitting in the pipe overnight. Irish Water has informed my Department that of its estimated 58,000 kilometres of distribution system, there is a very small proportion of lead piping, consisting of approximately 190 short lengths across 14 local authorities. Irish Water is working on the replacement of these pipes as quickly as possible.
However, there are a significant number of lead public service pipes between the water mains and the customer stopcock or water meter. Irish Water is identifying the location of such lead service connections during the meter installation programme. The numbers currently being identified are about 5% of houses, but this is expected to be higher in town centre areas. Irish Water also estimates that there may be a further 30,000 to 40,000 houses with shared lead backyard service connections. Irish Water has informed my Department that it intends to invest in public lead pipe replacement schemes, primarily communications pipes, with a view to eliminating lead mains, including shared backyard service connections over the next ten years. Irish Water is also reviewing its water treatment processes to ensure that they can mitigate the risk in the short term.
The Water Services Act 2007 provides that the owner of a premises is responsible for the maintenance and renewal of the internal water distribution system and shall ensure that it is kept in good order and repair, so as to prevent a risk to human health or the environment and that the water meets prescribed quality standards. Responsibility for replacing lead pipes from the main stopcock to the house and within the house rests with the homeowner. As a precaution, Irish Water recommends persons in premises that have lead piping, to flush the supply at the kitchen tap first thing in the morning, before using for drinking.
The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 requires the CER to perform its functions in a manner that best serves the interests of the customers of Irish Water. This is similar to the CER’s statutory role in respect of the gas and electricity sectors. I fully expect that the CER will consider compliance with statutory standards by Irish Water in the discharge of its functions.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the supervisory authority with responsibility for monitoring Irish Water’s compliance with these Regulations. In the event of non-compliance with the quality standards set out in the Regulations, the water supplier will investigate the cause in consultation with the EPA and, if a potential risk to human health exists, with the Health Service Executive, to ensure that the appropriate remedial action is taken. This may include the prohibition or the restriction of the supply by the water supplier. The EPA publishes an annual report on the quality of drinking water supplies in Ireland, which sets out details on the numbers of water restrictions and boil water notices. Copies of these reports are available in the Oireachtas library or from the EPA website ( http://www.epa.ie). Irish Water also publishes water quality results on its website www.water.ie.
I understand that lead exceedances have been reported to the EPA in recent years in one of the areas in question arising from samples taken at private dwellings. The EPA has indicated to my Department that, in each case, its investigations have concluded that Dublin City Council/Irish Water took appropriate action and advice was given to the householders concerned. No water restriction has issued under the Drinking Water Regulations to consumers in either of the areas in question.
1520. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the non-principal private residence charge in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33666/14]
View answer1526. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the non-principal private residence charge in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [33766/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1520 and 1526 together.
The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, as amended, provides the legislative basis for the Non Principal Private Residence (NPPR) Charge. The NPPR Charge of €200 per annum, which has since been discontinued, applied in the years 2009 to 2013 to any residential property in which the owner did not reside as their normal place of residence.
Under the Act, it is a function of a local authority to collect NPPR charges and late payment fees due to it, and all charges and late payment fees imposed and payable to a local authority are under the care and management of the local authority concerned. In this regard, application of the legislation in particular circumstances is a matter for the relevant local authority.
1521. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the options available to a person (details supplied) who does not meet the criteria for social housing but still has a housing need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33670/14]
View answer1537. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the rental accommodation scheme in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33912/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1521 and 1537 together.
The administration of the Rental Accommodation Scheme is a matter for individual local authorities. In order to qualify for the scheme, a household must be assessed by the relevant authority as being eligible for social housing support and having a housing need, and have been in receipt of rent supplement for the previous 18 months.
In determining the eligibility of individual households for social housing support, local authorities have regard to section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011 which set down the eligibility criteria for such support.
Regulation 22(1) of the 2011 provides that a household with alternative accommodation that would meet its housing need is ineligible for social housing support. However paragraph (2) of the Regulation clarifies that this does not operate to exclude from eligibility for social housing support an applicant who owns accommodation that is occupied by his or her spouse, from whom he or she is separated under a court order or deed of separation.
Section 49(2)(e) of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 amended section 20 of the 2009 Act to deal with situations where a housing authority is unable to establish for the time being whether alternative accommodation is available to a household that would meet its housing need because a household member is separated and has a claim on the family home that has not been determined. The amendment provides that, where such a household is otherwise qualified for social housing support, the household will, subject to review by the housing authority at prescribed intervals, be entitled to housing assistance or accommodation provided under a rental accommodation arrangement. Section 49(2)(e) came into operation on 15 September 2014.
1522. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number and names of local authorities that have completed educational impact assessments on residential zoning to identify potential need for schools. [33686/14]
View answerThe information requested is not available in my Department.
In this connection, The Provision of Schools and the Planning System - A Code of Practice was jointly published, in August 2008, by my Department and the Department of Education and Skills. The Code of Practice sets out co-ordinated actions to be taken in relation to forecasting future demand for school places by the Department of Education and Skills and planning for the provision of school sites within the planning system, as well as the efficient handling of planning applications and associated consultations by the relevant planning authorities to expedite school delivery. With regard to assessing the implications of local authority development planning on the issue of schools and school provision in a given area, local authorities are obliged under the Code of Practice to take this matter into account in preparing and finalising their local area and development plans, working in conjunction with the relevant forward planning and new school sections of the Department of Education and Skills.
Furthermore, section 10(2)(l) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 requires a development plan to include objectives for “the provision, or facilitation of the provision, of services for the community including, in particular, schools, crèches and other education and childcare facilities”. This requirement is restated in my Department’s 2007 Development Plan Guidelines for Planning Authorities.
In addition, a Memorandum of Understanding has been agreed between the Department of Education and Skills, the City and County Management Association and my Department in relation to the acquisition of sites for schools by local authorities.
The Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Local Area Plans published on 25 June, 2013 highlight the importance of local authority engagement and co-operation with the Department of Education and Skills, particularly through the foregoing mechanisms, and recommend that local area plans provide a realistic phasing timetable to ensure that the provision of school facilities is delivered in conjunction with the phased construction of housing.
Both I and the Minister for Education and Skills are statutory consultees for the purposes of local authority development plans. My Department continues to work pro-actively with the Department of Education and Skills in ensuring the issue of schools provision is properly addressed both in local authority plans and that new schools are delivered in a timely and cost-effective manner and in line with the proper planning and sustainable development of the areas in which they are needed.
1524. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the granting of extra free water usage allowance to those with inflammatory bowel disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33745/14]
View answer1551. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the proposal that persons suffering from illnesses and conditions that require a heavy water usage, for example, dialysis patients and so on should be exempt from extra charges that will apply for the necessary use of such water; and his proposals for water charges for those suffering from severe illnesses. [34113/14]
View answer1570. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if Alzheimer's and other related dementias will be included on the list of medical conditions for which water charges would be capped. [34286/14]
View answer1618. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he expects to be in a position to give an indication regarding the rate or level of water charges likely in respect of persons with disabilities or medical conditions; the extent to which basic or free allowance is likely to apply in these instances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34853/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1524, 1551, 1570 and 1618 together.
With effect from 1 January 2014, Irish Water is responsible for public water services. The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provides that Irish Water can collect charges from its customers in receipt of water services provided by it. The Act also provides that responsibility for the independent economic regulation of the water sector is assigned to the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and CER has been given statutory responsibility for protecting the interest of customers.
The proposed approach to charging has been outlined by Irish Water in a water charges plan which it has submitted to the CER in line with the provisions of the Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013. The CER is responsible for approving the plan, taking account of a Ministerial policy direction issued to the CER in July 2014, in accordance with section 42 of the Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013.
The water charges plan submitted by Irish Water in line with the CER’s requirements, reflects both metered charges and unmetered or “assessed” charges which are to be as close as possible a proxy for metered usage under normal consumption circumstances.
The policy direction of July 2014 requires that special provision be made in the water charges plan for customers of Irish water who have specific medical conditions which require increased water consumption, involving capping of the charges at the relevant assessed charges.
The direction also indicates that the conditions to be covered will be set out following consultation with the Minister for Health. I hope to conclude the necessary consultation shortly and announce arrangements in advance of 1 October 2014.
1525. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of money the Department spent in 2009 announcing the introduction of the non-principal private residence charge (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33752/14]
View answerThe Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, as amended, provides the legislative basis for the Non Principal Private Residence (NPPR) Charge. The NPPR Charge of €200 per annum, which has since been discontinued, applied in the years 2009 to 2013 to any residential property in which the owner did not reside as their normal place of residence.
My Department undertook an initial media campaign when the NPPR charge was first introduced in 2009 at a cost of €44,400. Nationwide advertising has also taken place in each year since the introduction of the charge under the auspices of the local authorities to ensure general awareness of the charge and the liability dates. In addition, local authorities have undertaken their own advertising campaigns locally.
The NPPR Project Board, in conjunction with individual local authorities, undertook a media campaign this year aimed at reminding non-compliant owners that additional late payment penalties applied after 31 August 2014. The extensive radio and print media campaign reminded non-compliant owners of their obligations to come forward to regularise their affairs and to take advantage of this once-off grace period. As this is a matter for the local authorities themselves, information on the costs of such advertising is not available in my Department.
