Written Answers Nos. 573-91
573. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 524 of 6 May 2015, if his Department has completed its pilot study in relation to the taking in charge of relevant developments, with stand-alone developer-provided water services infrastructure; if not, when will this study be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33061/15]
View answerThe purpose of the pilot project concerned was to identify the extent of problems arising from developer-provided water services infrastructure nationally, a range of possible solutions and the potential costs involved. The project’s Steering Group was comprised of my Department, representatives of Irish Water, the County and City Management Association and the EPA. Based on investigations carried out in the functional areas of the local authorities participating in the pilot project, the Steering Group has made a number of recommendations. These will inform the development, by my Department, of a national approach, including funding options, to address the problems arising from developer-provided water services infrastructure in order to remove impediments to the taking in charge of associated housing estates.
574. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to address concerns of holders of shared ownership loans as operated by the local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33062/15]
View answerMy Department, with the assistance of the Housing Agency, the Housing Finance Agency and the Local Authority Housing Loans Management Group, has been examining the operation of the Shared Ownership Scheme for existing borrowers. The issues arising with Shared Ownership Schemes require careful consideration and expert financial data analysis.
Arising from the findings of the review to date, the Index Linked Shared Ownership Scheme which operated from 1999 until 2002 has been revised with regard to the annual indexation of the rental equity balance and rental payments. The amendments, which came into effect on 1 July 2015, reduce the monthly cost for these borrowers and avoid existing rental equity balances increasing for the remaining term. My Department has issued directions to local authorities outlining the measures and I understand that these changes are being applied to individual loan accounts.
In addition, the recent reduction of 0.20% in the Local Authority variable mortgage interest rate will also benefit many Share Ownership borrowers. This rate cut brought the variable mortgage interest rate charged to local authority borrowers down to 2.55% with effect from 1 July, saving borrowers around €17 per month on a typical mortgage of €100,000.
My Department, together with the other agencies, is continuing to examine the operation of Shared Ownership loans and issues arising for some borrowers, with a view to developing further measures that may assist with the affordability of these arrangements.
Local authority borrowers should contact their local authority if they are having difficulty making the repayments on their local authority mortgage or Shared Ownership arrangement. My Department’s latest guidelines for local authorities in dealing with mortgage arrears within the local authority sector, Dealing with Mortgage Arrears – A Guide for Local Authorities (June 2014), are available on my Department’s website at:
http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/DevelopmentandHousing/Housing/FileDownLoad,30943,en.pdf.
575. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amount of grant assistance under the Leader programme that was made available in each of the years 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014, by Mayo North East Leader Partnership, for the support and development of indigenous local businesses and start-ups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33094/15]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, there are three economic measures under the LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013. The following table sets out the amounts paid under each of these measures by Mayo North East LEADER Partnership for each of the relevant years.
|
Measure |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
|
Business Creation and Development |
€115,268 |
€163,647 |
€0 |
€138,873 |
|
Diversification into non-agricultural activities |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€37,457 |
|
Encouragement of tourism activities |
€85,738 |
€119,719 |
30,095.33 |
€10,051 |
576. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the Leader element of the Rural Development Programme 2014 to 2020 will be open for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33105/15]
View answerThe LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme 2014–2020 will provide €250 million in financial resources to support the development of sustainable rural communities. Under stage one of the selection process for the new programme, any entity who wished to be considered as a Local Action Group was invited to submit an expression of interest. For the purposes of the new programme, there are 28 sub-regional areas in Ireland and 45 separate expressions of interest were received. A single expression of interest was received in 19 of the 28 areas and at least 2 expressions of interest were received in the remaining 9 areas.
Of the 45 expressions of interest received, 1 was formally withdrawn before assessment. Of the remaining 44, 42 met the minimum criteria and have proceeded to the next stage of the process, which is the preparation of local development strategies for their areas.
A minimum of 6 months will be allowed for the preparation of local development strategies. However, I expect that not all areas will require the full 6 months to prepare their strategies. Indeed, I am hopeful that many areas will have their strategies approved and be in a position to begin delivery on the ground later this Autumn, with all areas operational and processing applications by early 2016.
577. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the review of the National Standards Authority of Ireland's standard relating to pyrite will be concluded. [33138/15]
View answerThe review, or revision, of national standards is a matter for the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI). However, I understand that in August 2015, the NSAI initiated a review of I.S. 398 -1:2013 Reactive pyrite in sub-floor hardcore material – Part 1: Testing and Categorisation Protocol in the light of practical experience since the standard was first introduced in January 2013. This involves gathering of submissions from the expert committee established for the purposes of the review ; my Department understands that this process is now underway.
The current programme indicates that this initial stage, i.e. the review process , should be completed in Q4 2015. A review of I.S. 398 -2:2013 Reactive pyrite in sub-floor hardcore material – Part 2: Methodology for remediation works is also scheduled and will follow a similar programme.
I also understand that the expert committee, having considered the review submissions, will then make recommendations for the NSAI’s consideration regarding the appropriate course of action which may include either a recommendation to leave the standards unchanged or a recommendation in support of a programme for the revision of the standards. Subject to the recommendations being accepted by the NSAI, the work programme will then be implemented accordingly by the expert committee.
578. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in relation to Statutory Instrument No. 306 of the 1991 building regulations and the requirement for up-to-date standards to be implemented in cases where a material alteration to a dwelling is made, the impact of these regulations on situations where the housing agency discovers defective fire safety measures in place during the course of pyrite remediation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33139/15]
View answerThe pyrite remediation scheme is first and foremost a works scheme aimed at the repair of dwellings affected by significant damage attributable to pyritic heave in the subfloor hardcore material. Under the scheme, remedial works are typically confined to the removal of hardcore from under the ground floor of the dwelling and from within 500 mm of the perimeter of the dwelling. However, where defects are discovered during the removal of the existing floor slab and the defective hardcore material, which impact on the structural stability of the dwelling and the health and safety of the occupants, the works contractor may, in accordance with good building practice, remedy such defects prior to the installation of replacement hardcore material and/or the reinstatement of the concrete floor slab.
Remediation works are carried out in accordance with I.S. 398-2:2013 Reactive pyrite in sub-floor hardcore material - Part 2: Methodology for remediation works, published by the National Standards Authority of Ireland in January 2013, which sets out a clear methodology for the remediation of dwellings affected by pyrite in the subfloor hardcore.
The Building Regulations 1991 were revoked and replaced by the Building Regulations 1997 (as amended) which came into effect on 1 July 1997. Notwithstanding the above, in broad terms, the regulations apply to works (including material alterations as well as repair and renewal works), or a building as regards which a material change of use takes place, where the works commence or the material change of use takes place on or after the commencement of the regulations (i.e. 1 July 1998).
In the case of works to an existing building, the regulations apply to every part of a building affected by such works subject to the requirement that no works shall be carried out to an existing building which would cause a new or greater contravention in the building of any provision of the Building Regulations. The regulations do not apply to parts of the building that are unaffected by the works being undertaken.
In this regard, the removal of hardcore from under the ground floor of dwellings included in the pyrite remediation scheme does not impose any statutory requirement to undertake additional works to other parts of the building which are unaffected by the removal of the hardcore such as works to address defective fire safety measures. Any defects, damage or substandard works not attributable to pyritic heave are outside the scope of the scheme and should be investigated by the scheme participant’s own construction professional who will be able to advise on the severity of the issue and the appropriate action that should be taken to mitigate any risk to health and safety.
579. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the role of a company (details supplied) as project managers in the pyrite remediation scheme, with particular reference to whom it was accountable and answerable. [33140/15]
View answerThe Pyrite Resolution Board reached an agreement with HomeBond in mid-June 2014 which set out the voluntary contribution that HomeBond would make to the implementation/administration of the pyrite remediation scheme. The agreement sets out the contribution to the value of €2 million by way of staffing and services in the following areas:
- to provide assistance to the Pyrite Resolution Board;
- to arrange for the provision of sampling, testing and reporting on subfloor materials;
- project management support to the Housing Agency; and
- the provision of a structural warranty for works completed under the pyrite remediation scheme.
The agreement came into immediate effect and is subject to annual review. All services are being provided under the direction and supervision of the Pyrite Resolution Board and/or the Housing Agency. As matters currently stand, two staff from HomeBond have been made available to the Housing Agency and have been assigned as project managers in respect of a number of remediation projects that are currently underway. In exercising their duties as project managers under the pyrite remediation scheme, the two staff work under the direction of, and report to, the Housing Agency.
580. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when an application submitted to his Department under the expressions of interest for recreation projects 2015 will be finalised in respect of a group (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the current status of the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33181/15]
View answer581. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when an application submitted to his Department under the expressions of interest for recreation projects 2015 will be finalised in respect of a group (details supplied) in County Tipperary; the current status of the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33179/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 580 and 581 together.
My Department recently invited Expressions of Interest from a variety of organisations, agencies and groups in respect of the funding of recreational Infrastructure projects, should funding become available.
This initiative has generated a considerable amount of interest and my Department will shortly carry out a detailed assessment of each expression of interest received, including any received from the groups referred to by the Deputy in the details supplied. This assessment process will allow projects to be prioritised for any funding which is made available.
583. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the status of the provision of social housing at a location (details supplied) in Dublin 17; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33157/15]
View answerMy Department recently approved the preliminary budget and design for both projects and it is now a matter for Dublin City Council to advance the planning of these schemes.
584. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to report whether his ministerial directive that 50% of all social housing allocations be made to persons with homeless priority, and to vulnerable groups, includes those with Traveller priority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33172/15]
View answerUnder a Ministerial Direction, which applies until 31 January 2016, key local authorities are required to prioritise homeless and other vulnerable households in the allocation of tenancies under their control. The four Dublin local authorities have been directed to allocate 50% of all available dwellings to such households, while the local authorities in counties Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford have been directed to allocate 30%. Under this Direction each of the identified housing authorities must ensure that at least the relevant percentage, referred to above, of the dwellings available for allocation under Section 22 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 during the specified period will be allocated to households that are qualified for social housing support (i.e. those who are on the record of qualified households) and that, on or before 1 June 2015, have been deemed by the authority to have one or more than one of the following needs:
(i) was in an institution, emergency accommodation or a hostel (i.e. a homeless household within the meaning of Section 2 of the Housing Act 1988);
(ii) has an accommodation requirement arising from an enduring physical, sensory, mental health or intellectual impairment (i.e. households where one of its members has a disability and as such is deemed to be a vulnerable household); and
(iii) was in accommodation that was unsuitable for the household's adequate housing on exceptional medical or compassionate grounds (i.e. including households the subject of domestic violence and young people leaving State care and as such deemed to be a vulnerable household).
A copy of this Direction is available on my Department's website at:
http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/SpecialNeeds/HomelessPeople/.
The Direction does not apply to traveller-specific accommodation. I have no function in relation to the individual allocations of housing to homeless and other vulnerable households in accordance with the Direction, as this is solely a matter for the local authorities concerned.
585. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to report on what measures he has directed local authorities to take in relation to working with those at risk of homelessness, as was standard practice before the enormous increases in persons experiencing homelessness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33173/15]
View answerMy 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 and related services for homeless persons rests with individual housing authorities. A range of measures are being taken to secure a ring-fenced supply of accommodation to house homeless households and mobilise the necessary supports in order to deliver on the Government's target of ending involuntary long-term homelessness. These measures have been identified in the Government's Implementation Plan on the State's Response to Homelessness (May 2014) and in the Action Plan to Address Homelessness (December 2014). Progress in implementing these plans is reported through the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy and Public Service Reform. The plans and progress reports are available on my Department's website at the following link:
www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/SpecialNeeds/HomelessPeople/.
These Plans represent a whole-of-Government approach to dealing with homelessness and the implementation of measures identified in these plans is being overseen by a group of senior officials drawn from key State agencies concerned including my Department, the Departments of Social Protection, Health, and Children & Youth Affairs, the Health Service Executive, Tusla (the Child and Family Agency), the Irish Prison Service and housing authorities.
A range of actions contribute towards homelessness prevention including the tenancy sustainment services funded by many housing authorities, the various ongoing public awareness campaigns, including the programme being implemented by the Private Residential Tenancies Board, and the Department of Social Protection’s Interim Tenancy Sustainment Protocol and National Tenancy Sustainment Framework.
586. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has appointed the independent panel to examine the issue of the impact of defective mica blocks on homes and families in County Donegal; if so, when it will commence its work; and when it will complete its report and recommendations. [33209/15]
View answerWhile I fully appreciate and acknowledge the extremely difficult and distressing situations that certain homeowners in Donegal are facing on account of damage to the structural integrity of their homes, in general, building defects are matters for resolution between the relevant contracting parties, i.e. the homeowner, the builder, the materials supplier and/or their respective insurers. In this regard, I believe that the parties responsible for poor workmanship and/or the supply of defective materials should face up to their responsibilities and take appropriate actions to provide remedies for the affected homeowners.
In the event that the contracting parties cannot reach a settlement by negotiation, the option of seeking redress in the Courts can be considered. In this context, my Department understands that legal proceedings have been instigated in a number of cases relating to this problem.
Earlier this year, I agreed to visit a number of the affected homes to view first-hand the damage being caused; my Department also met with a number of the affected homeowners in early December 2014. At my Department’s request, copies of test reports on the affected concrete blocks, which had previously been commissioned by a number of homeowners, were made available to my Department in order to provide a more detailed and scientific insight into the problems that have emerged in Donegal. A technical report has been prepared for my information and I intend to complete my consideration of this matter shortly.
587. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the assistance available to the owner of a building wishing to remove lead water pipes from the building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33239/15]
View answerI refer to the reply to Questions Nos. 1466 and 1477 of 22 September 2015. The position is unchanged.
588. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if additional funding will be provided to Dublin City Council before the end of 2015 to enable it to continue its successful insulation programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33302/15]
View answerI refer to the reply to Question No. 1426 of 22 September 2015 which sets out the position in this matter.
589. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will respond to concerns raised by a person (details supplied) regarding the Environmental Protection Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33334/15]
View answerThe matter raised in the question has been the subject of recent court decisions which are currently under appeal to the Supreme Court. As the matter is sub judice, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further at this time.
590. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has considered contacting EUROSTAT, in order to declare Dublin's homeless crisis an emergency; the steps required to declare the homeless crisis an emergency; if this declaration would speed up the public procurement process when building social housing; if this declaration would allow the Government to fund the building of social housing off-balance sheet. [33353/15]
View answerThe Dublin local authorities are exploring the potential for modular housing as an option for addressing emergency accommodation needs and I have asked Dublin City Council, as the lead authority for homelessness in the region, to develop the proposal further and my Department is liaising with the City Council in this regard.
The issue of procurement is included in these considerations and, under the relevant EU Directive, compliance with procurement requirements is a matter for the contracting authority. EUROSTAT is the statistical office of the European Union and, as such, their rules are not directly relevant to issues in relation to EU procurement law.
In Budget 2015, the Government announced that it would allocate €400 million of the proceeds from the sale of Bord Gáis Energy to set up an off-balance sheet financial vehicle, to be known as the Strategic Housing Fund. The intention of the Fund was to leverage additional private finance and, together, provide financing to Approved Housing Bodies to deliver at least another 2,000 housing units over the period 2016 to 2018. Work on the development of this new funding model is being progressed under the Finance Workstream which has been put in place in my Department as part of the governance and implementation arrangements for the Social Housing Strategy 2020. The group is actively exploring potential opportunities which may be capable of enabling this €400m, either alone or in conjunction with additional private funding, to be used to facilitate the delivery of additional social and/or affordable housing through the private and/or voluntary housing sectors.
591. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on extending the housing assistance payment to those who became homeless after December 2014. [33355/15]
View answerThe first phase of the statutory pilot for the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme commenced in September 2014 and has been introduced incrementally to 13 local authority areas to date - Limerick City and County Council; Waterford City and County Council; Cork, Louth, Kilkenny, South Dublin, Monaghan, Donegal, Offaly, Carlow, Clare and Tipperary County Councils; and Cork City Council. To date, there are over 4,000 households supported by HAP across these local authority areas, including 144 previously homeless households. 52 of these homeless households have been housed with the assistance of the additional supports provided by the Dublin Homeless HAP pilot scheme which has been in operation since February 2015. The Homeless HAP pilot scheme is managed by the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE), an established shared-service arrangement between the four housing authorities in the region for which Dublin City Council is the lead authority. Regulations came into effect on 18 December 2014, which extend the statutory HAP pilot to cover the administrative areas of Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council and Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, in respect of homeless households only.
The Homeless HAP pilot is targeted at households qualified for social housing support that are considered homeless by the housing authority concerned and that stayed in ‘Section 10’ funded accommodation on 1 December 2014 or at any time within the preceding 6 months. In order to take account of the particular difficulties with sourcing suitable rental accommodation in Dublin city and county local authority areas, the maximum rents set out in the homeless HAP regulations provide that up to an additional 20% above the current Rent Supplement rent limit applicable may be payable.
It was agreed by all stakeholders that a review of the homeless HAP pilot would be prepared following six months of operation. Issues in relation to the operation of the scheme, such as the date for eligibility to access the homeless HAP pilot scheme, are currently being considered as part of that review process.
