Written Answers Nos. 568-585
568. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the status of a Leader funding application for a community project (details supplied) in County Mayo; the reason for the delay in processing the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36880/14]
View answerThere are 35 Local Development Companies (LDCs) contracted, on my Department’s behalf, to deliver the LEADER elements of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 (RDP) throughout the country. In line with the ‘bottom-up’ approach to rural development the LDCs 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 Programme’s Operating Rules and EU regulations.
The only exception to this is the requirement to seek final approval from my Department in respect of projects that request funding of €150,000 or more. The assessment of these higher value projects usually involves detailed consultations between my Department and the relevant local development company.
The specific project referred to is currently with my Department for assessment and I expect a decision will issue shortly.
569. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 5 of 17 September 2014, in which he states that he expects some 6,000 social housing units to be delivered across the range of programmes in the calendar year 2014, if he will provide a breakdown of this delivery by number, in each category; if the 6,000 contains the number of additional payments of rent supplements and-or housing assistance to tenants in private accommodation expected in 2014; if so, the number of additional payments; if the number contains new leasings of privately owned accommodation units; if so, the number; if it contains the number of refurbishments of existing social housing units; if so, the number; if it contains new houses to be built in 2014 by local authorities and approved housing associations; if so, the number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36894/14]
View answerI expect some 6,000 units will be provided for social housing in 2014, the breakdown for which is as follows:
- 275 new units for people with special housing needs, provided by approved housing bodies with support under the Capital Assistance Scheme;
- 150 new units, to be provided specifically for people with disabilities leaving institutional care through leasing arrangements;
- an additional 200 new homes developed by local authorities under the Social Housing Investment Programme;
- a target of 1,960 units, supported through the construction stimulus package, for a programme of returning vacant properties to productive use;
- up to 100 new transfers under the Mortgage to Rent Scheme;
- approximately 1,100 new units through leasing arrangements; and
- a further 2,500 new transfers under the Rental Accommodation Scheme.
The figure of 6,000 social housing units does not include cases where housing need is met under the new Housing Assistance Payment. Households supported through rent supplement, which is a matter for the Minister for Social Protection, are also not included.
570. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the status of independent investigations into planning irregularities launched in 2013; the status of investigations into planning irregularities in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36895/14]
View answerMacCabe Durney Barnes Consultants were appointed in February 2014 to carry out an independent planning review on the performance of planning functions in six selected planning authorities (Carlow, Cork, Galway and Meath County Councils and Cork and Dublin City Councils) in accordance with section 255 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. I expect to receive the final report from the consultants in the coming weeks and I subsequently intend to publish it having considered its contents.
My Department is currently considering legal advice received from the Attorney General’s Office on the matter of Donegal and the course to be pursued. I expect to consider proposals shortly informing the next steps to be taken in this case.
572. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on increasing the free domestic water allowance (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36936/14]
View answer589. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if persons with a water softener system in place at their property will receive an increased allowance in their water allocation as a result of costs they have incurred to improve the quality of their water supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37128/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 572 and 589 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 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 has today issued a determination on the water charges plan and details are available on the CER website (www.cer.ie).
In making its determination on the water charges plan, the CER had to 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.
Under the Water Services Act 2007, responsibility for repair and maintenance of the internal water distribution system from the main stopcock to the house and within the house rests with the homeowner. However, the Government has agreed to provide additional funding to Irish Water for their capital investment to include a free first fix scheme. As part of the water charges plan, approved today by the CER, customers will be capped at the relevant unmetered charge for an initial period after their water meter is installed. This will ensure that those with meters installed, and an identified leak external to the dwelling, will not be penalised pending the carrying out of the first fix.
Irish Water has recently submitted a draft first fix policy to the CER for approval. It is understood that the CER intend to hold a public consultation in advance of a decision and implementation of this scheme in January 2015.
573. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 137 of 27 March 2014, if he will provide an update; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36944/14]
View answerBudget 2014 contained a special provision, in the form of a targeted €10m Special Resolution Fund (SRF), to assist further in addressing the legacy of unfinished housing developments. The SRF is designed to encourage the resolution of the remaining tranche of unfinished developments identified in the National Housing Development Survey 2013 and, particularly, those developments not likely to be resolved in the normal way through solely developer/owner/funder action because of the presence of specific financial barriers.
On 2 May 2014, allocations from the Special Resolution Fund were announced and 86 developments were approved for funding. The following link contains a list of all developments approved for SRF funding: http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/News/MainBody,37940,en.htm.
€250,000, the maximum amount of SRF funding payable in respect of any one estate, was approved for the particular development referred to.
It is hoped that the SRF will enable very substantial progress to be made in resolving as many of the remaining unfinished developments as possible.
574. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government with regard to Irish Water and allowances for children if he will indicate the way in which the allowances will apply where a child spends half the time with one parent and half with the other; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36970/14]
View answer588. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider extending the under 18s water allowance to third-level students living in the family home. [37122/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 574 and 588 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 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 has today issued a determination on the water charges plan and details are available on the CER website (www.cer.ie). The water charges plan provides that the children’s water allowance will only apply to the address at which a child is registered for the purposes of receiving child benefit, unless the registered occupier provides approval to transfer.
In making its determination on the water charges plan, the CER had to 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. There are no plans to provide additional allowances, other than those announced in the Government decision.
575. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans for good neighbour legislation as exists in many other countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36971/14]
View answerIt is unclear which specific “good neighbour” legislation and in which other jurisdictions the Question is referring to, and the particular issues that such legislation addresses. In the event of more detailed information being provided, I will be better able to respond.
576. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on concerns regarding tampering with a water supply (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36973/14]
View answerThe Water Services Act 2013 provides for the establishment of Irish Water as an independent subsidiary within the Bord Gáis Éireann Group and assigns the necessary powers to allow Irish Water to undertake the water metering programme.
Irish Water has procured meters that comply with all relevant European and international standards designed to protect the health and safety of customers and the public. As the meter boxes are not sealed, it is possible for a customer to access the meter to verify readings if necessary.
In common with meters for other utility services, once installed the meters remain the property of Irish Water. Section 74 of the Water Services Act 2007 provides that it is an offence to damage or otherwise impair a water meter and a person convicted of an offence under section 74 is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €5,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or both. Section 57 of the 2007 Act makes it an offence to cause pollution to water in any waterworks or service connection. A person convicted of an offence under section 57 is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €5,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or both, or if convicted on indictment, to a fine not exceeding €15,000,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or both.
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.
577. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide the amount of money his Department has given to the Orange Order in the years 2012 and 2013; if he will provide in tabular form each grant provided and what it was provided for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36994/14]
View answerMy Department has not made any direct payments to the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland in respect of the years concerned.
The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) manages, inter alia, cross-border European Union Structural Funds in Northern Ireland, including programmes under the PEACE III initiative. Some €5,646,138 in funding has been allocated by the SEUPB to projects involving the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland/related body under PEACE III. Of this, my Department has contributed funding of €2,047,289 (representing 36.3% of the total allocation); details are set out in the following tables. The EU Commission supports the PEACE III initiative of which by refunding 54.5% of allocated funding.
Table 1 Lead Project level
|
Programme Theme |
Lead Partner |
Project Name |
Year Awarded |
Total Programme Funding Award (€) |
DECLG Contribution |
|
1.1B |
The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland |
Orange Interpretative and Education Resource (REACH) |
2012 |
€4,522,007 |
€1,639,679 |
|
2.1 |
The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland |
Stepping Towards Reconciliation In Positive Engagement (STRIPE) |
2012 |
€1,094,131 |
€396,732 |
Table 2 Sub Project level
|
PEACE Action Plan |
Lead Partner |
Project Name |
Year Awarded |
Total Programme Funding Award (€) |
DECLG Contribution |
|
Cavan Peace Partnership |
Brakey Orange Lodge |
Brakey Orange Lodge |
2012 |
€30,000 |
€10,878 |
578. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the total spent between 2011 and 2013 in repairing and replacing leaking water pipes. [37003/14]
View answerMy Department’s Water Services Investment Programme 2010 – 2013 built on the investment which had taken place on water conservation in previous programmes. In total, over €290 million was spent by my Department on water conservation measures between 2003 and 2013 with over €122m being spent in the period 2011-2013.
Since 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels. This includes water mains rehabilitation to repair leaks and to replace pipes in the public water supply.
Irish Water has published its Proposed Capital Investment Plan (CIP) for 2014 – 2016 and this is available on the Irish Water website, www.water.ie. The further progression and funding of all water services capital projects, including those for water conservation, is now a matter for Irish Water. Irish Water has confirmed to my Department that it has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via email at oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on 1890 278 278.
583. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in relation to the implementation of the pyrite remediation scheme, if he will ensure that homeowners are not left out of pocket at any stage and that the €6,000 costs associated with moving and alternative accommodation which they are entitled to is made available as the expenses are incurred, or on a monthly basis, as no family could be without this money for months. [37083/14]
View answerThe pyrite remediation scheme applies to dwellings which are affected by significant damage attributable to pyritic heave in the counties of Kildare, Meath, Offaly and the administrative areas of Fingal County Council and Dublin City Council. The scheme is one of “last resort” and to be included in the scheme applicants must be able to demonstrate to the Pyrite Resolution Board that they have no practicable options other than under the scheme to secure the remediation of their dwelling.
As set out in the scheme, each application must first be validated by the Board which involves an assessment of the application against the relevant eligibility criteria, and may include an audit of the Building Condition Assessment. Following validation, the application is referred to the Housing Agency for the assessment and verification stage which involves confirmation that the damage recorded in the Building Condition Assessment in respect of a dwelling is attributable to pyritic heave. The verification stage may involve physical inspection of the dwelling and the testing of the hardcore material.
Once a dwelling has been approved by the Board for inclusion in the pyrite remediation scheme, following completion of the assessment and verification process, the scheme participant may recoup the vouched cost of the Building Condition Assessment from the Housing Agency, subject to a maximum limit of €500 (including VAT). While the validation, assessment and verification processes, of their nature, take some time to complete, the Board is keen to ensure that there will be no undue delay in the processing of applications.
The scheme also provides for the recoupment of the vouched cost of alternative accommodation, furniture removal and storage subject to limits of €3,000 and €2,500 (inclusive of VAT), respectively. However, where a scheme participant can satisfy the Housing Agency, in advance, that suitable rental accommodation cannot be obtained for €3,000 or less, the expenses for the accommodation and furniture removal can be combined, subject to the overall limit of €5,500. In addition, earlier payment in part or in whole may be made where a scheme participant can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Housing Agency, in advance, that payment of these costs on completion of the works would cause financial hardship.
I am satisfied that the scheme provides the necessary flexibility to enable advance payments to be made to scheme participants in respect of alternative accommodation and the removal of furniture where the case for financial hardship has been made to the satisfaction of the Housing Agency.
584. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the responsibility for paying a water tax bill falls on a landlord when the tenant defaults on payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37115/14]
View answerThe Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provides Irish Water with the power to charge customers in respect of the services provided. 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 Act defines the customer as the occupier of the premises in respect of which the water services are provided. It also provides, unless the contrary is proved, that the owner of a premises is also the occupier of the premises. Irish Water is currently undertaking a customer verification exercise to obtain the details of customers in receipt of services from Irish Water. In order to identify occupiers of property who are not the owners for billing purposes, Irish Water can utilise the powers that are provided to it in the water services legislation and it must also ensure it acts in accordance with data protection legislation.
The Act also requires that Irish Water prepare codes of practice on a range of matters, including standards in relation to the performance of its functions and the billing of persons in respect of water services provided. The CER recently held a public consultation which covered a range of issues, including a number of proposed payment options. The CER has today issued a determination on the water charges plan and details are available on the CER website (www.cer.ie).
Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. They may be contacted via email at oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on 1890 278 278.
585. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding plans for the Dublin docklands strategic development zone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37116/14]
View answerA Ministerial Order announcing details of the designation of a Strategic Development Zone for the Dublin Docklands area was signed on 18 December 2012. This designation is intended to provide for the continued fast-tracking of planning in the Dublin Docklands area and to help develop a comprehensive planning framework for the area.
Subsequently, a Strategic Development Zone planning scheme was prepared and approved by the Members of Dublin City Council. This was appealed to An Bord Pleanála, which earlier this year granted approval (with modifications) for the scheme.
Accordingly, the Dublin Docklands Strategic Development Zone is now the statutory plan for the SDZ area. Dublin City Council is the designated Development Agency for the area and is now assessing and determining planning applications for the area in accordance with the SDZ planning scheme.
