Written Answers Nos. 552-574
553. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the costs and the timeframe for the proposed rebranding of Irish Water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40114/15]
View answerThe Water Services Act 2013 provides for the establishment of Irish Water as a subsidiary of Bord Gáis Éireann (changed to Ervia in accordance with SI 287 of 2014), conforming to the conditions contained in the Act and registered under the Companies Acts. Section 5 of the Act provides that the subsidiary shall be known, in the Irish language as Uisce Éireann, and in the English language, Irish Water. I have not received any proposals for the rebranding of Irish Water.
554. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the estimates of the revenue lost from the reduction of rateable valuation on energy and telecommunications infrastructure commencing in 2016; and how any budget shortfall will be made up. [40118/15]
View answer571. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reduction in rates payable by local authorities and by the State as a result of the revision of the global valuation on utilities in tabular form; if it is appropriate that this measure was taken, considering small and medium businesses cannot avail of these global revisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40441/15]
View answer582. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will fill the €21 million funding gap remaining after the reduction in the global commercial rates revaluation to ensure that local authorities are not left underfunded. [40576/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 554, 571 and 582 together.
Local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by the independent Commissioner of Valuation under the Valuation Act 2001.
The Commissioner for Valuation has sole responsibility for all valuation matters, including the global valuation of property of public utility undertakings under Part 11 of the Valuation Act 2001, as amended. The Valuation Act 2001 comes under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
The levying and collection of rates are matters for each individual local authority. The annual rate on valuation (ARV), which is applied to the valuation for each property, determined by the Valuation Office, to obtain the amount payable in rates, is decided by the elected members of each local authority in the annual budget and its determination is a reserved function. This process is currently being followed in the local government sector as part of the budgeting process. The prescribed period that applies for the holding of 2016 budget meetings by local authorities is 2 November to 27 November 2015. The implications of the Commissioner of Valuation’s global revaluation of utility infrastructure for individual local authorities will ultimately be dependent on each authority’s ARV, and its overall income and expenditure decided on in its budget.
555. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is aware that the National Asset Management Agency is effectively breaking residential contracts which were agreed between home owners and particular developers who are now under its remit by now making many empty housing units in certain housing estates, which were not sold at the time of the developer's difficulties available for social housing; that one such occurrence is now taking place in an estate (details supplied) in County Sligo; his views on this particular issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40162/15]
View answerThe Government has enabled and facilitated the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) in playing an important role in the delivery of housing supply generally, and social housing in particular. In that context NAMA affords public bodies first option on the acquisition of land and property required for demonstrable public purposes. In the context of social housing delivery, NAMA has had ongoing engagement, since December 2011, with my Department and the Housing Agency in identifying properties that might potentially be suitable for social housing purposes. To the end of September 2015, a total of 1,600 NAMA residential properties have been delivered for social housing use, comprising 1,241 completed properties and a further 359 that have been contracted and where completion work is on-going. A special purpose vehicle (SPV), known as National Asset Residential Property Services Limited (NARPS), has been established by NAMA as a social housing delivery mechanism. The purpose of the SPV is to acquire properties from developers or receivers in NAMA’s portfolio of loans and to make these available to local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) by way of a long term lease. In this way, a number of legal complexities around the securing of properties can be addressed and the process can move more quickly. Once a demand has been confirmed for properties by the local authority, NAMA will assess the possibility of the SPV acquiring the property and identifying a local authority or AHB to lease the property from the SPV.
In relation to the houses in the development concerned, NAMA funded the owner of the properties to complete units which were incomplete and vacant, and to address issues of non-compliance in the wider development, to the benefit of all residents. NARPS completed the purchase of four units, and the AHB STEER Housing Association will lease these units under an arrangement that will ensure that the units are tenanted and maintained to a high standard. As part of this process, Sligo County Council has considered both the demand for social housing and potential impacts regarding the private and social housing mix in assessing whether these properties are suitable for social housing purposes.
556. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will consider a matter (details supplied) on the housing aid grant for older people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40168/15]
View answerThe Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability is administered by local authorities with funding from my Department. Grant eligible works are generally those carried out to the fabric of a building, such as structural repairs or improvements, re-wiring, repairs to or replacement of windows and doors, sanitary facilities, the provision of heating and other repair or improvement works which are considered reasonably necessary. These works are aimed at facilitating the continued independent occupancy of their homes by older people and people with a disability. The nature and the extent of the works to be undertaken should also be considered by local authorities in their administration of these schemes, with a view to providing for the benefits of the schemes to be available to the greatest possible number of applicants.
Other funding schemes may be available to address problems such as those set out in the details supplied with this question. This may include grant schemes that arise from the Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems (Financial Assistance) Regulations 2013, details of which are available on my Department’s website at: http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/Environment/Water/FileDownLoad,33607,en.pdf.
The Home Renovation Incentive Scheme, introduced under Section 5 of the Finance (No. 2) Act 2013, may also apply. The Scheme covers main residence repairs, renovations and improvements and is administered by the Revenue Commissioners; full details of the scheme are available on www.revenue.ie.
In view of the focus of the Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes on works generally to the building fabric, and given supports available under other schemes, I do not expect that local authorities would ordinarily approve works to address problems such as those set out in the details supplied with this question.
557. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the provisions in place to enable a homeless citizen to vote; and if there is no present provision, the measures he plans to introduce in time for the forthcoming Dáil Éireann election. [40175/15]
View answerIn order to vote at an election or a referendum a voter must be registered in the appropriate register of electors for that election or referendum. The Electoral Act 1992 provides for the registration of voters where they are ‘ordinarily resident’. Depending on the circumstances, the registration authority may consider it appropriate to register a homeless person at a particular hostel or shelter where they may be residing, either permanently or temporarily. While the registration of voters is a matter for the registration authorities, I would expect, in the circumstances, that they take a reasonable and commonsense approach to the inclusion of homeless persons in the register of electors.
558. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government why the owner of a new coach-factory-built, purpose-built motor caravan fulfilling the requirements to be deemed a motor caravan-motor home by virtue of design, construction and type approval, as required by and declared to the Revenue Commissioners, must present the vehicle for physical inspection to have the vehicle taxed for the first time by Meath County Council; if this is standard procedure with all taxing authorities in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40191/15]
View answerArticle 3 of the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing)(Amendment) Regulations 1992 provides that a licensing authority shall issue a licence if it is satisfied that the licence applied for is the appropriate licence for the vehicle specified. The processing of individual applications for motor tax is a matter for the licensing authority concerned.
559. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has received the report he commissioned on the reorganisation of the local authorities in County Galway; if he will publish the report; if he will make a decision on the report in the next three months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40207/15]
View answerI have not yet received the report of the Galway Local Government Review Committee. However, I will give full consideration to all the details and recommendations contained in the report when it has been received and it would also be intended to publish the report.
560. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the status of industrial processes established in his area under side deals concluded with trade unions in parallel with the Lansdowne Road talks in May 2015; the details of any agreements concluded to date on foot of such processes; and the costs, including anticipated costs in future years, of any agreements reached. [40223/15]
View answerIn parallel with the Lansdowne Road talks, the Local Government Sector agreed to look at the question of the payment of fees for apprenticeships and also to review the pay and conditions of the General Operatives in the Dublin Authorities in relation to those applying to general operatives nationwide. Both of these issues have been referred to the normal industrial relations mechanism operating within the sector and are under consideration at the moment. Issues relating to the civil service sector are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
561. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the initiatives and funding available to Westmeath County Council and to Longford County Council to develop social housing; the provision in terms of financial allocation that is available to each local authority to assist it in delivering its own social housing stock in its own right; if plans are brought forward by each local authority to construct and-or acquire additional housing; if additional funding will be made available to each local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40234/15]
View answerUnder the Social Housing Strategy, there are substantial targets and funding resources for the delivery by local authorities of social housing, including for both Longford and Westmeath authorities. In April last, I issued social housing targets and provisional funding allocations to all local authorities, to be invested in a combination of building, buying and leasing schemes designed to accommodate 25% of those currently on the housing waiting lists. The following are the targets in respect of Longford and Westmeath local authorities, which are supported by funding allocations of €7.6m and €30.7m respectively:
|
~ |
Local Authority Housing/ AHB delivery via CAS/ Return of vacant properties |
~ |
Social Housing Current Expenditure Programme |
~ |
Rental Accommodation Scheme |
|
|
2015-17 |
2015 |
2016/7 |
2015 |
2016/7 |
|
Longford County Council |
34 |
35 |
79 |
30 |
32 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
148 |
72 |
226 |
52 |
44 |
As the housing authorities for their areas, local authorities are responsible for the detailed planning of social housing provision based on the local need. This includes working with approved housing bodies to assist in meeting the needs of those on the social housing waiting list in their administrative areas. However, I also stated when I allocated the targets and funding that all local authorities will be expected to kick-start a building programme.
In that regard, I have announced new social housing construction and acquisition projects to the value of approximately half a billion euros so far this year, including 16 new units for Longford County Council at a cost estimate of € 2.5 m and 43 new units for Westmeath County Council at a cost estimate of almost € 7 m. Details are available on my Department’s website at the following links: http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/News/MainBody,41340,en.htm
http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/News/MainBody,42225,en.htm.
Given the time-lag between approval and delivery in terms of construction projects, a successful programme to remediate vacant units, as well as the acquisition by local authorities of properties through turn-key developments and other purchases, are important parts of social housing delivery this year. Both authorities inform me they aim to deliver a combined 30 new acquisitions this year, while I am providing funding support to them to return 85 vacant social housing units to productive use.
The projects and programmes to deliver new social housing are being advanced strongly by local authorities. I am confident that by utilising all delivery mechanisms under these programmes, local authorities will continue to deliver on their social housing targets in line with the Social Housing Strategy.
562. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to change planning regulations (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40269/15]
View answerSection 32 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, sets out the general obligation to obtain planning permission in relation to development and section 33 of the Act provides that regulations may be made in relation to the procedure and administration regarding applications for permission to include, inter alia, public consultation. Article 18 and 19 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001– 2015 specify requirements in relation to both publishing notice in a newspaper and displaying notice of an application for planning permission, respectively.
In relation to a newspaper notice, Article 18 provides that a notice must be placed in an approved newspaper and that “each planning authority shall approve a list of the newspapers, including national papers, it considers have a sufficiently large circulation in its functional area”. In relation to a site notice, Article 19 (3) provides that “where a planning authority considers that the erection or fixing of a single site notice is not sufficient or does not adequately inform the public, the authority may require the applicant to erect or fix such further site notice or notices in such a manner and in such terms as it may specify and to submit to the authority such evidence as it may specify in relation to compliance with any such requirements”.
Article 20 further requires that a site notice shall be maintained in position for a period of 5 weeks from the date of receipt of the planning application by the planning authority. Such notices are required to advise that details of the planning application are available for public inspection and any person may make a submission or observation to the planning authority concerned on the planning application during this time.
In a similar way, Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended, sets out the requirements and procedures relating to local authority own developments. These procedures also allow for public notice (in a newspaper and on site), public consultation with prescribed bodies, the public display of plans and other documentation, the receipt of submissions or observations for a period of 8 weeks from the public notice, with the proposed development being ultimately subject to the will of the elected members of the local authority concerned.
Having regard to the need to consult with the public in relation to proposed developments, I consider that the current provisions and procedures set out in the planning code in this regard are reasonable and appropriate and I have no plans to amend them at this point in time.
563. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide additional funding to local authorities for the housing aid for older persons scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40271/15]
View answerA total funding allocation for 2015 of €50.5m nationally was made for the Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability, an increase of 10% on the previous year. My Department is in ongoing contact with local authorities regarding these schemes and opportunities will be taken, if they arise, for redistribution of funding between authorities that have varying levels of grant activity.
564. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the measures his Department has taken to increase awareness of voting registration before 25 November 2015; and if he will take additional measures to that effect. [40290/15]
View answerEach year, in November, my Department undertakes a number of measures to promote greater awareness of the register of electors. The objective is to encourage the electorate to check the draft register of electors to ensure that they are correctly registered and to inform the appropriate local authority of any errors or omissions. This can be done on www.checktheregister.ie or directly with local authorities who are the registration authorities.
The measures being undertaken to encourage people to check the register this year are:
- the issue of promotional posters to local authorities, members of the Oireachtas, Student Unions, some 48 organisations affiliated to the National Youth Council of Ireland and a range of other organisations, including the Immigrant Council of Ireland, the Irish Centre for Human Rights and the Irish Refugee Council. Local Authorities are asked to display the posters in Council Offices, Garda Stations, Libraries and Post Offices;
- the placement of an advertisement in the National newspapers;
- the inclusion of on-line advertisements throughout the month of November on selected websites - Herald.ie; myhome.ie; and RTE.ie., and on social media – Facebook; and
- the highlighting of the register on my Department’s website and Twitter accounts.
565. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the cost of installing fully accessible toilets, including a hoist and a changing bench, in 50 public amenities. [40330/15]
View answerInsofar as my Department is concerned, the contracting authority for any work of this nature would typically be a local authority and the specific information sought is, therefore, not available within my Department.
In general terms the cost of upgrading public amenities to provide for accessible toilets will be influenced by a range of factors including the geographic location or locations of the amenities concerned, the standard of facilities currently in use at each location and the level of upgrade works required, which would be expected to vary from one location to another, having regard to site specific considerations.
Procurement of all such works would be required to comply with all relevant EU and domestic legislative and policy requirements as determined by the National Public Procurement Policy Guidance and Capital Works Management Framework published by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. Value for money will be a critical and inherent objective of the procurement process for the contracting authority concerned.
566. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the timeframes with regard to the smoky coal ban he announced on 20 September 2015 and that will come into force nationwide ahead of the start of the 2017 heating season, as indicated by him at the recent announcement in Foynes by a company (details supplied) of its intention to commence construction of a low-smoke manufacturing fuel plant. [40393/15]
View answer575. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the timelines regarding the ban on smoke-emitting coal that he announced on 20 September 2015, that will enter into force ahead of the start of the 2017 heating season, as indicated by him at the recent announcement in Foynes in County Limerick at which a company (details supplied) announced its intention to commence construction of a low-smoke manufacturing fuel plant; if current powers available to him will allow for this timeframe; the legislative requirements to enact the ban; the status of notification to the European Commission in this regard, and of the public consultation announced by him on 28 September 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40519/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 566 and 575 together.
The ban on the marketing, sale and distribution of bituminous fuel (or ‘smoky coal ban’ as it is commonly known) was first introduced in Dublin in 1990 in response to severe episodes of winter smog that resulted from the widespread use of smoky coal for residential heating. The ban proved very effective in reducing particulate matter and sulphur dioxide levels in Dublin. As well as bringing air quality levels into compliance with EU standards, the ban also had the effect of significantly improving human health in the capital, with research indicating that the ban in Dublin has resulted in over 350 fewer annual deaths. The ban was subsequently extended to other large urban areas.
In August 2012, following a public consultation process, new solid fuel regulations were introduced with the aim of ensuring that the smoky coal ban remains fit for purpose in safeguarding air quality by limiting harmful emissions of air pollutants arising from the use of certain residential solid fuels. The ban now applies in 26 urban areas nationwide, including all towns with a population greater than 15,000 people, bringing the ban areas broadly into line with national EPA air quality management zones.
In the meantime, air quality monitoring by the EPA has shown that air quality can be poorer in towns where the smoky coal ban does not apply. As there is evidence that smaller smoky coal ban areas tend to be less effective, the further extension of the ban to smaller towns on an individual basis may not be the most effective solution to addressing the problem of emissions from residential solid fuel use in these areas. In addition, having different regulations between urban and rural locations is not ideal as it can result in different levels of environmental protection and clean air benefits for citizens in different locations.
I have therefore commenced a process that aims to extend the benefits of the smoky coal ban nationwide. This process necessarily involves discussion and consultation with a wide number of stakeholders, including with the European Commission, relevant Departments and agencies of Government, the residential fuel industry as well as the general public. Preliminary discussions on issues that may arise in connection with the proposed ban have already taken place with many of these stakeholders, including with the Commission. I will be launching a public consultation on Ireland’s first ever national Clean Air Strategy early in 2016, and I expect that the precise legal mechanism for bringing in a national ban will be informed by this process.
Taking account of these consultations and the anticipated completion of the North South Study on residential solid fuel use, it is my intention that a nationwide smoky coal ban will be in place for the heating season 2017/2018. This is an ambitious target but I am confident that it is achievable.
567. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amounts he has allocated to Sligo County Council for adaptations and extensions to social housing, for each of the years 2013 to 2015 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40416/15]
View answer568. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the amounts Sligo County Council has drawn down for adaptations and extensions to social housing from his Department, for each of the years 2013 to 2015 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40417/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 567 and 568 together.
My Department provides funding to local authorities for various social housing supports, including for adaptations and extensions to the social housing stock to meet the needs of local authority tenants with a disability or to address serious overcrowding. Funding provided by my Department meets 90% of the cost of the works, with each local authority providing the remaining 10%.
The allocations and recoupments in respect of adaptations and extensions to social housing in Sligo for the years 2013 to 2015 are set out in the following table:
|
Year
|
Allocation |
Recouped |
|
2013 |
€50,679 |
€113,493 |
|
2014 |
€109,128 |
€15,120 |
|
2015 (to 15 November) |
€163,215 |
€177,225 |
Additional funding has been provided to Sligo County Council in respect of increased activity in 2015 under these measures. This is primarily associated with grants to adapt local authority houses to suit the needs of tenants with mobility issues.
The administration of this funding locally is a matter for each local authority, including decisions in relation to the projects to be implemented.
569. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of landlords who have withdrawn from the rental accommodation scheme before the landlord's contract with the local authority came to an end, by local authority area, for each of the past three years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40424/15]
View answerThe administration of the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) is a matter for each local authority. The specific information requested is not available in my Department.
570. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the procedures in place to protect tenants in private rented accommodation whose homes have been taken over by receivers; if there is a statutory period of notice to be provided to such tenants in the event of the receiver deciding to sell the property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40428/15]
View answerThe Residential Tenancies Act 2004 regulates the landlord-tenant relationship in the private rented residential sector and sets out the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants relating to, inter alia, security of tenure and the termination of tenancies. The Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) was established as an independent statutory body under the Act to operate a national tenancy registration system and to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants.
In circumstances where a receiver is appointed to a landlord's interest in a dwelling it is essential that the rights of tenants are protected. While the circumstances of each case may vary depending on the terms of the mortgage or charge under which a receiver is appointed, the policies and procedures of banks in appointing receivers cannot affect the statutory or contractual rights of tenants. The tenant continues to enjoy the same security of tenure. The appointment of a receiver does not mean that a tenant loses their rights under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004.
The Act sets out the procedures and notice periods that must be complied with when terminating a tenancy. Notice periods for the termination of a tenancy by the landlord vary depending on the duration of the tenancy but periods of up to 112 days are provided for under the Act. The Residential Tenancies (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012 is currently before the Oireachtas and will amend the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 to provide, inter alia, to extend these notice periods further for tenancies in excess of 4 years. Where there is a dispute regarding the appropriate period of notice to be given in respect of a tenancy or the validity of a notice of termination, or where the tenant does not comply with the notice of termination, the dispute may be referred to the Private Residential Tenancies Board for resolution.
The PRTB is aware of the impact on tenants of receivership and repossession proceedings. The Board is engaging with the Central Bank and the financial institutions with a view to developing best practice guidelines to apply in such situations. The main purpose of the guidelines would be to ensure that the financial institutions are fully aware of the provisions of the Residential Tenancies Act and to ensure that there is consistency and fairness in the treatment of tenants in these cases.
572. Deputy Helen McEntee asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of foreshore leases which fell due for rent review and the actual number of rent reviews that were finalised by the State in each of the years 2011 to 2015 to date in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40480/15]
View answerRent reviews generally fall due every 5 or 7 years, depending on the particular rent review clause included in a foreshore lease or licence. During the period in question, the Valuation Office did not have the capacity to provide a service to my Department in respect of rent reviews. These circumstances would have resulted in potential significant costs for my Department, if external valuation services were to be engaged to carry out rent reviews arising. Taking account of scarce resources, it was not possible to carry out rent reviews during this period.
However, in more recent times, my Department has re-engaged with the Valuation Office in terms of initial valuations of leases and licences and it is proposed to recommence rent reviews from 2016 onwards.
The information requested is set out in the following table:
|
Year |
Number of Rent Reviews Falling Due |
|
2011 |
16 |
|
2012 |
39 |
|
2013 |
47 |
|
2014 |
53 |
|
2015 |
41 |
|
Total |
196* |
* The above figure includes 33 cases with annual rents of less than €100.
573. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government for further details, including background information, on the companies (details supplied) which made submissions to his Department, and which met with the social housing clearing house group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40487/15]
View answer574. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the last date for submissions from interested groups to submit to the social housing clearing house group; if these submissions will be made public; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40488/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 573 and 574 together.
While the Clearing Housing Group is currently in the process of concluding its work and will be bringing forward recommendations, no final date has been set for interested groups to submit proposals.
Provisions applying in respect of the treatment and consideration of proposals are set out in the Protocol on engaging with proposers seeking to advance Social Housing Investment/Delivery Proposals in the context of the Social Housing Strategy and in the template form for submitting proposals, Assessment of Social Housing Investment/Delivery Proposals, copies of which are available on my Department’s website at the following link:
http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/DevelopmentandHousing/Housing/FileDownLoad,40899,en.pdf .
In relation to the entities referred to, the first entity is a component of a proposal submitted to the Clearing House Group by WK Nowlan Property Ltd. The second entity describes its mission as being to accelerate the development of social housing in partnership with Local Authorities and Approved Housing Bodies. The third entity has indicated in its proposal to the Clearing House Group that it seeks to facilitate investment by pension funds.
Having regard to issues of commercial sensitivity in relation to the information provided, it is not intended that proposals to the Clearing House Group would be published. However, it should be noted that both the protocol and assessment form provide that, amongst other things, all proposals will be subject to public procurement procedures in due course.
