Tuesday, 11 Nov 2014

Written Answers Nos. 514-28

Irish Water Staff

Questions (514)

Tom Barry

Question:

514. Deputy Tom Barry asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of persons, other than those recruited from local authorities, employed by Irish Water. [43132/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

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.

I understand from the latest data supplied to my Department by Irish Water that 531 staff have been recruited. Of these, 160 have been recruited from local authorities, 87 from Bord Gáis Éireann (BGE)/Ervia, 5 from my Department, with the remaining 279 recruited from outside of these organisations.

Question No. 515 answered with Question No. 488.

Irish Water Expenditure

Questions (516)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

516. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the total costs and liabilities of Irish Water up to the end of 2015. [43144/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

The establishment of Irish Water is an integral component of the Government’s water sector reform strategy and involves major organisational change. The establishment of a high performance utility will lead to lower costs and improved services in the future, providing much better outcomes for customers and the environment.

Details of Irish Water’s financial forecasts for the period 1 October 2014 to December 2016 are outlined in their revenue and water charges plan which was reviewed by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). Details of the review and the CER’s decision are available at http://www.cer.ie/docs/000979/CER14454%20WCP%20Revenue%20Response%20&%20Decision%20Paper.pdf.

Non-Principal Private Residence Charge Administration

Questions (517)

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

517. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if local authorities have the ability to return portions of the non-principal private residence fines and, if so, under what statutes. [43158/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, as amended, provides the legislative basis for the Non-Principal Private Residence Charge. The NPPR Charge, 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 section 77 of the Local Government Reform Act 2014, my Department issued guidance to local authorities concerning matters relating to arrears of the NPPR Charge and late payment fees to ensure that a consistent national approach is adopted. The guidelines, which are available at http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/LocalGovernment/Administration/FileDownLoad,37899,en.pdf, encourage local authorities to take a proactive approach to ensure that any outstanding NPPR liabilities are discharged in the most equitable, efficient and economically beneficial manner and include guidance in respect of dealing with hardship cases.

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, including refunds where appropriate, is a matter for the relevant local authority.

EU Directives

Questions (518)

Barry Cowen

Question:

518. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the estimated cost of bringing Ireland into line with the EU water framework directive standards; the timeframe for the meeting of these objectives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43162/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

The Water Framework Directive establishes a common framework for the protection of inland surface waters, transitional waters, coastal waters and groundwater. The overall aim of the Directive is to maintain high and good status waters where they exist and to restore waters that do not currently support aquatic ecosystems adequately. River basin management planning, structured in 6-year cycles, is the tool prescribed by the Directive for achieving these aims.

In July 2010, the first cycle River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) for Ireland were published, covering the period up to 2015. The RBMPs describe the measures planned to protect and improve Ireland’s water environment covering rivers, lakes, groundwater, transitional (estuaries) and coastal waters.

My Department is currently conducting a public consultation in respect of the second cycle of River Basin Management planning in Ireland. In accordance with the requirements of the Directive, an economic analysis will be carried out to estimate the potential costs of implementing the second cycle in Ireland. This will allow for informed decision-making on the programme of measures to be undertaken in the second cycle to achieve the most cost-effective and best possible outcomes for the investment in measures.

I published in July 2014 a consultation document setting out the timeframe for the implementation of the second cycle and the consultation period remains open until 31 January 2015. In mid-2015, I intend to publish, and engage in consultation on, an interim overview of the significant water management issues in Ireland and this will provide context for the measures to be undertaken as part of the second cycle RBMPs. As outlined in the consultation document, it is likely that finalised second cycle RBMPs will be published by end-2017.

Water Supply

Questions (519)

Barry Cowen

Question:

519. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the estimated costs of reducing the water network leakage rate in line with the EU average; the timeframe for meeting such a target; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43163/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

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 including the delivery of water services capital infrastructure. Irish Water has published its proposed Capital Investment Plan (CIP) 2014-2016 and this is available online at http://www.water.ie/news/proposed-capital-investme/Proposed-Capital-Investment-Plan-2014-2016.pdf.

The CIP sets out details of Irish Water’s plans for water conservation projects.

Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives and has contacted all Oireachtas members to provide details of an improved level of service which it is aiming to provide. The team can be contacted via email to [e-mail] or by telephone on a new dedicated number, 1890 578 578.

Departmental Schemes

Questions (520)

Brendan Ryan

Question:

520. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when his Department will introduce a new tenant purchase scheme for tenants of local authority housing; the provisions he plans to include in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43171/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

Part 3 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 provides for a new scheme for the purchase of existing local authority houses, which 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 a minimum prescribed annual income.

The new scheme will operate along the incremental purchase model currently being applied in the purchase schemes for local authority apartments and new local authority houses under the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009. This model involves discounts for purchasers linked to household income, rather than tenancy, and a discount-related charge on the property that reduces over a period of years, unless the house is resold or the purchaser fails to comply with conditions of the sale.

I intend in the coming months to make regulations under the 2014 Act, setting down the detailed terms of the new scheme.

EU Directives

Questions (521)

Barry Cowen

Question:

521. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the estimated cost of meeting Ireland's obligations under the urban wastewater framework directive; the timeline for meeting those obligations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43172/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

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 including the delivery of water services capital infrastructure. The Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 requires Irish Water to put in place an investment plan setting out where it considers investment in infrastructure is necessary for the effective performance of its functions, including compliance with Water Framework Directive requirements, improving sewage treatment and collection infrastructure in accordance with the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, responding to judgments of the European Court of Justice and achieving environmental and public health objectives arising from various regulations and EPA reports dealing with water quality.

Irish Water has published its proposed Capital Investment Plan 2014-2016 and this is available online at http://www.water.ie/news/proposed-capital-investme/Proposed-Capital-Investment-Plan-2014-2016.pdf.

Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives and has contacted all Oireachtas members to provide details of an improved level of service which it is aiming to provide. The team can be contacted via email to [e-mail] or by telephone on a new dedicated number, 1890 578 578.

Irish Water Remit

Questions (522)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

522. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the liability Irish Water has with regard to the payment of compensation to owners of private properties that are damaged following flooding caused by burst water mains or other leaks in the water distribution system, such as those that took place in Ashwood estate in Clondalkin on 4 November 2014. [43181/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

Irish Water’s liability in respect of property damage in such situations is the same as the Local Authorities’ liability would have been prior to the transfer of water services functions from local authorities to Irish Water. If there is negligence on the part of Irish Water, Irish Water would, under the terms of its public liability insurance, be responsible for third party property damage.

Irish Water have advised me that they are currently investigating the incident in the Ashwood estate in Clondalkin.

Building Regulations Compliance

Questions (523)

Jim Daly

Question:

523. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding building control regulations. [43183/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

The correspondence referred to in the Question relates to the arrangements in place since 1 March 2014 under S.I. No. 9 of 2014 for the giving of statutory certificates of compliance with building regulations in respect of the design and construction of building projects in general.

An extensive public consultation process was undertaken in 2012 to inform the development of the revised building control regulations which came into effect on 1 March 2014. Comprehensive consultation documents were published, including Strengthening the Building Control System - A Document to inform public consultation on Draft Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2012, which set out the context in which the revised regulatory framework would operate and the impact of same for building owners and industry stakeholders. This document remains available on my Department’s website, at http://www.environ.ie/en/Legislation/DevelopmentandHousing/BuildingStandards/FileDownLoad,29908,en.pdf.

Over 500 submissions were received in response to that public consultation from construction industry stakeholders, individual practitioners and members of the public. Concerns similar to those outlined in the detailed and comprehensive correspondence referred to in the Question were raised with and fully considered by my Department in this context. Such external input is extremely helpful and valuable. However, the time available for public consultation is finite and my Department’s consideration of this matter has effectively concluded given that SI No. 9 of 2014 is now in place and is fully operational.

My Department continues to work closely with industry during the implementation stage to ensure that all parties fully understand their obligations and how they can be fulfilled in practice.

I would also encourage the correspondent to contact both the RIAI and the SCSI as the respective registration bodies for Architects and for Building Surveyors in relation to the routes to registration that are currently available to him. My Department continues to liaise with the registration bodies and other interested parties such as the Architects Alliance of Ireland and the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists in relation to the ongoing development of arrangements in place for the registration of construction professionals in line with the recommendations made in the Fennell Report published last year or in any other reasonable and appropriate way.

Arts Funding

Questions (524)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

524. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the delay with regard to Irish Water sanctioning the Per Cent for Art contribution made in various schemes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43187/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

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 including the delivery of water services capital infrastructure.

The % for Arts scheme does not operate on the basis of there being a specific public art fund from which monies are drawn down to undertake or commission works of an artistic nature. Instead, under the terms of the scheme, such works were factored into, and funded from, the budgets of the capital projects in question by the relevant public body undertaking the project.

Voluntary Housing Sector

Questions (525)

John McGuinness

Question:

525. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on an application to a voluntary housing scheme at Moore Abbey, Kill Hill, Monasterevin, County Kildare, in the name of the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary; the current status of discussions on the project between Kildare County Council, his Department and other stakeholders; the funding allocated to the project to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43189/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

The proposal in relation to this social housing project is a matter between Kildare County Council and the approved housing body. My Department is not involved in discussions in that context and has provided no funding for the project. If the project is approved and recommended by Kildare County Council, it will be given full consideration by my Department under future calls for proposals for the Capital Assistance Scheme, which provides support through local authorities towards the approved costs of housing bodies in providing accommodation for persons with specific categories of housing need.

Water Charges Administration

Questions (526, 537)

Brian Stanley

Question:

526. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the way he will provide reassurances regarding the price and affordability of water in the context of the EU polluter-pays principle directive, which demands full cost recovery exclusively via water rates and certain levies where applicable. [43211/14]

Finian McGrath

Question:

537. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the half-yearly water cost of €736.88 for a family of three dependent adults is correct; and his views on correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43250/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

I propose to take Questions Nos. 526 and 537 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 CER has issued a determination on the water charges plan submitted to it by Irish Water. Full details and associated documentation are available on the CER website at www.cer.ie/document-detail/CER-Water-Charges-Plan-Consultation/979.

The Government are currently considering the overall impact of these arrangements to ensure that households have certainty around a modest affordable charge. The Government’s policy on water charging is consistent with the principles of the EU Water Framework Directive which provides for social, environmental and economic effects to be taken in to consideration by Member States.

Waste Management

Questions (527)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

527. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent of the clean-up required at the Bord Na Móna bog at Barna, Ballydesmond, County Cork, following illegal dumping there; how far into the cleaning process the authorities are and how long they expect the work to take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43212/14]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government

Issues concerning the enforcement of waste management legislation are a matter for the appropriate regulatory authority and should therefore be pursued with the Environmental Protection Agency or the relevant local authority, as appropriate. Under section 60(3) of the Waste Management Act 1996, as Minister, I am precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to the performance by the Agency or a local authority, in particular circumstances, of a statutory function vested in it.

Question No. 528 answered with Question No. 499.