Written Answers Nos. 392-417
392. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on the proposed sewage treatment plant in Omeath which is to begin in 2017 and to confirm that it will go ahead in spite of the new Irish Water arrangement. [9883/16]
View answerSince 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels. Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via email to oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on a dedicated number, 1890 578 578.
393. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the details of Irish Water’s new ten-year office lease, including why cheaper rental locations in, and outside, County Dublin were not assessed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9932/16]
View answerOffice accommodation for Irish Water is an operational matter for the utility and one in which I have no function. Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via email to oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on a dedicated number, 1890 578 578.
394. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the details of the retirement plan of the former managing director of Irish Water, including the specific sum this person (detail supplied) will receive on officially retiring; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9933/16]
View answerSince 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 staffing arrangements. The Managing Director of Irish Water was appointed by the Board of Bord Gáis Éireann (now Ervia), and his remuneration was approved by the then Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, following consultation with the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
In line with all other Irish Water employees that transferred directly from local government to the utility, superannuation terms were determined on the basis of being no less favourable than those that would have applied had they remained to retirement in their previous employments.
In accordance with his Contract of Employment, the Managing Director of Irish Water’s retirement terms and conditions are determined by the Company and are a matter for Irish Water. 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 578 578.
396. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 129 of 21 April 2016, if he records the level of Exchequer funding allocated to homeless services by each local authority. [10025/16]
View answerAs outlined in the reply to Question Number 129 of 21 April 2016, my Department does not fund any homeless services directly, but provides funding to housing authorities, on a regional basis, towards the operational costs of homeless accommodation and related services in accordance with Section 10 of the Housing Act 1988. Under these funding arrangements, housing authorities must provide at least 10% of the cost of such services from their own resources. Details of the homeless accommodation and services funded by housing authorities are available in quarterly financial reports received from them and are published on my Department's website at the following link: http://www.environ.ie/housing/homelessness/other/homelessness-data.
398. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if is he satisfied with the outcome of the review into An Bord Pleanála that was commissioned in August 2015 and published in March 2016, despite many persons believing they were left out and did not get an opportunity to submit to the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10167/16]
View answerThe Report of the Independent Review Group on the operations of An Bord Pleanála, which was commissioned by the previous Minister in July 2015, was published on 14 March 2016. The review was undertaken to ensure that An Bord Pleanála was appropriately positioned and fit for purpose from an organisational perspective to fulfil its legislative mandate, taking account of considerations including an anticipated increase in construction activity, the increasingly complex legislative and policy context within which the Board operates, and the increase in functions assigned to the Board. The report is a comprehensive document containing 101 recommendations relating to:
- the simplification and streamlining of the planning legislation,
- more open arrangements for the appointment of Board members,
- improvements to the processes, systems and practices of An Bord Pleanála,
- access to environmental and other specialist advice,
- mandatory pre-application discussions for all potential Strategic Infrastructure Development projects, and
- changes to the statutory objective timeframes for the work of the Board.
As part of its work, the Review Group engaged extensively with interested and relevant parties:
- by holding an 8 week public consultation process between September and November 2015;
- by seeking written submissions from bodies and organisations with an institutional connection to An Bord Pleanála ; and
- by engaging in a series of information gathering meetings with a range of bodies involved in the planning sector.
Further information on the Review generally, including public consultation responses and written submissions received and considered by the Review Group, can be accessed on my Department’s website at the following link: http://www.environ.ie/planning/bord-pleanala/review/bord-pleanala-review
I am satisfied that the Review was conducted in an open and transparent manner, in accordance with the terms of reference, and in a manner that facilitated engagement with the public and with relevant stakeholders.
My Department is currently reviewing the contents of the Report and has asked An Bord Pleanála to provide its views on the report and its recommendations. Following consideration of the report and the receipt of the views of An Bord Pleanála, it is envisaged that a comprehensive implementation plan will be developed given the importance of the report and the number of recommendations contained therein, some of which would require legislative underpinning.
400. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Comhshaoil, Pobail agus Rialtais Áitiúil an bhfuil sé i gceist aige cúnamh breise a chur ar fáil do ghrúpscéimeanna uisce agus do dhaoine a bhfuil toibreacha acu, chomh maith le daoine a bhfuil a gcóras coireála uisce féin acu, mar shampla, dabhcha séarachais, nuair a chuirfear na táillí uisce do dhaoine atá ag fáil a gcuid uisce agus seirbhísí séarachais ó Uisce Éireann ar ceal; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [10248/16]
View answerTá gealltanas tugtha ag an Rialtas reachtaíocht a thabhairt isteach laistigh de sé seachtaine chun muirir uisce tí a chur ar fionraí ar feadh tréimhse naoi mhí ó dheireadh na sraithe bhille reatha. Beidh sonraí na fionraí leagtha amach sa reachtaíocht ag am foilsithe. Ag an am chéanna, chun cothromas cóireála a chinntiú, beidh an fóirdheontas a bhí ar fáil do ghrúpscéimeanna Uisce curtha ar ais. Déanfar athbhreithniú ar leibhéal an deontais nuair atá cinneadh déanta ag an tOireachtas ar samhail maoinithe buaine d'Uisce Éireann.
Níl teaghlaigh a chuireann ar fáil a gcuid seirbhísí uisce féin, trí thoibreacha aonair nó chórais chóireála fuíolluisce tí, lena n-áirítear umair sheipteacha, áirithe mar chustaiméirí d’Uisce Éireann, agus níl táillí dlite orthu. Tá sé ar intinn ag an Rialtas athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar na leibhéil deontais atá ar fáil do lucht grúpscéimeanna nua agus d'athchóiriú toibreacha príobháideacha.
401. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to provide funds in 2016 for new sewerage distribution and treatment plants in towns and villages that do not have these services; the amount of the provision for such work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10249/16]
View answer403. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of houses that do not have a supply of water from either a public supply or through a Group Water Scheme; if he will provide a service to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10251/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 401 and 403 together.
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 a Water Services Strategic Plan (WSSP). The WSSP outlines the strategic direction for Irish Water over the short, medium and long-term time frames up to 2040. It identifies and prioritises the key objectives required to ensure that smaller towns and villages are appropriately supported by water services infrastructure. Irish Water published the WSSP in October 2015 and this is available online at: http://www.water.ie/about-us/project-and-plans/future-plans/.
Irish Water's Capital Investment Plan (CIP) 2014-2016 outlines a number of priorities to be delivered including improving water quality, tackling leakage, improving capacity and investing for economic development and it identifies where Irish Water considers investment in infrastructure is necessary for the effective performance of its functions. This plan is available online at: http://www.water.ie/news/proposed-capital-investme/Proposed-Capital-Investment-Plan-2014-2016.pdf
A successor CIP has been prepared by Irish Water and the Commission for Energy Regulation is expected to issue a consultation paper on this plan later this year.
During 2015, my Department established a working group involving key stakeholders in the rural water sector to address the development of the sector within the overall water reform programme to ensure that the programme responds effectively to current and future needs. Local authorities, the Water Services Transition Office, Irish Water, the National Federation of Group Water Schemes and my Department are represented on the working group. One of the tasks of the group is to ensure that there is appropriate integration of the Department's Rural Water Programme and Irish Water's Capital Investment Programme so as to fully support rural development and address any environmental issues that may arise.
The working group is also considering a number of areas where there are potential boundary issues with Irish Water or legacy issues which need to be addressed and new approaches in this area will be informed by a number of demonstration projects or pilot schemes, including in relation to the provision of new group sewerage schemes by communities.
In January 2016, my Department wrote to local authorities advising them of the new approach to the funding of group water and sewerage schemes for 2016 and beyond under the rural water programme. This will ultimately lead to the development of appropriate prioritised lists of schemes for funding and a series of demonstration projects which will assist in further evolving the programme of investment. Details of the new multi-annual programme are available on my Department’s website at http://www.environ.ie/en/Environment/Water/WaterServices/RuralWaterProgramme/
My Department is currently considering local authorities' bids for funding and allocations to authorities under the new programme will be provided shortly. €17.535 million is the amount of money allocated to this programme in 2016.
The 2011 Census results indicated that 163,612 dwellings had their water supplied through sources other than public or group water scheme supplies. Funding is available under my Department’s Rural Water Programme towards the provision of water supplies by group water schemes and towards the provision or necessary improvement of an individual water supply in a house. Information on these schemes is available from the local authorities.
402. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the funds available in 2016 for the extension or establishment of group water schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10250/16]
View answerIn January 2016, my Department wrote to local authorities advising them of the new approach to the funding of group water and sewerage schemes for 2016 and beyond under the Rural Water Programme. This will ultimately lead to the development of appropriate prioritised lists of schemes for funding and a series of demonstration projects which will assist in further evolving the programme of investment. Details of the new multi-annual programme are available on my Department’s website at http://www.environ.ie/en/Environment/Water/WaterServices/RuralWaterProgramme/
My Department is currently considering local authorities' bids for funding and allocations to authorities for funding under the new programme will be provided shortly. €17.5 35 million is the amount of money allocated to this programme in 2016.
405. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the entitlements of County Limerick Teachtaí Dála in respect of Limerick City and County Council given the abolition of the dual mandate. [10289/16]
View answerThe Local Government Act 2001 (Section 237A) Regulations 2003 set out statutory provisions for local authorities and their dealings with members of the Houses of the Oireachtas.
The Regulations provide, inter alia, for the supply of specified documentation by the local authority to local Oireachtas members, including notice, agenda and minutes of local authority meetings as well as the local authority budget, development plan, planning applications/decisions and proposed bye-laws. Each local authority must deal with requests for access to information by Oireachtas members as expeditiously as possible and in accordance with a proper level of customer service. In this regard, local authorities are required to put in place arrangements to ensure that systems, procedures and time frames equivalent to those used by them in relation to correspondence from local authority members also apply in respect of parliamentary representatives.
The Regulations also require that the Chief Executive, together with the Cathaoirleach, meets at least annually with local Oireachtas members and thus provide an opportunity for an update on developments and for any difficulties encountered to be raised and addressed. An Oireachtas member is also entitled to attend a meeting of a local authority or of a committee but does not have an entitlement to participate in a meeting.
406. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will promote the right to housing as part of the economic, social and cultural rights approach to the long-term solution of homelessness and to the overall housing crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10305/16]
View answerThe Eighth Report of the Convention on the Constitution: Economic, Social and Cultural (ESC) Rights, available at the link below, recommended that the State progressively realise economic, social and cultural rights subject to maximum available resources, that this duty be recognisable by the courts and that specific additional rights, including the right to housing, be inserted into the Constitution. https://www.constitution.ie/AttachmentDownload.ashx?mid=5333bbe7-a9b8-e311-a7ce-005056a32ee4
The recommendation for a right to housing raises substantial questions on, for example, the balance of rights, proper governance and resource implications for the State. Therefore, as set out in The Programme for a Partnership Government, available at the link below, the recommendation regarding the right to housing contained in the Eighth Report of the Convention on the Constitution: Economic, Social and Cultural (ESC) Rights will be referred to the Oireachtas Committee on Housing for in-depth consideration.
http://www.merrionstreet.ie/MerrionStreet/en/ImageLibrary/Programme_for_PartnershipGovernment.pdf.
407. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to report to Dáil Éireann on the number of persons who will be housed, by local authority and by area, in 2016 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10332/16]
View answerThe allocation of social housing support to qualified households is, in the first instance, a matter for the local authority concerned, in accordance with the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and associated Regulations.
Information on the number of social housing units delivered in 2015 can be found in the Social Housing Output in 2015 report. The report, which was published on 26 January 2016, in collaboration with the Housing Agency, is available on my Department’s website at the following link:
http://www.environ.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/social_housing_output_in_2015_0.pdf
Additional data on the breakdown of output, across all social housing delivery programmes, by local authority in 2015, are available on my Department’s website at the following link:
http://www.environ.ie/sites/default/files/attachments/1a2-sh-2015-brkdn_1.xlsx
Information regarding on-going output in 2016 is being gathered and will be collated and published in due course.
Social housing targets have been set for each local authority out to 2017 and are available on my Department’s website, along with the associated provisional funding allocations, at the following link: http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/News/MainBody,41016,en.html.
408. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to examine the issue of outstanding commercial rates due to Louth County Council with a view to introducing a scheme or an amnesty for commercial businesses which are struggling with arrears of rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10386/16]
View answerLocal 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 levying and collection of rates are matters for each individual local authority. As with all local charges, the invoicing and collection of due amounts is a matter for the local authority concerned to manage in the light of prevailing local circumstances and in accordance with normal accountancy procedures.
Commercial rates income makes a significant contribution to the current funding requirements of local authorities. However, local authorities work closely with ratepayers experiencing difficulty in the payment of commercial rates. In this regard, local authorities endeavour to work with businesses to put in place flexible payment options that reflect capacity to pay.
409. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the cost of reimbursing persons who have paid their domestic water charges to Uisce Éireann, net of the amount paid to persons under the water conservation grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10402/16]
View answerIrish Water's customer billing and collection levels are a matter for the utility. Irish Water has published information on bill payment levels for the first three billing cycles on its website at www.water.ie.
The €110.8m collected in respect of domestic water charges is the amount of cash (net of rebates) collected as at 11 January 2016. The number of customers who had made a payment to 11 January was 928,000. Irish Water is currently finalising collection details in relation to its fourth billing cycle and it is expected that information relating to same will be published shortly by the company.
Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via email to oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on a dedicated number, 1890 578 578.
To date, the Department of Social Protection, which administers the Water Conservation Grant on behalf of my Department, has made grant payments totalling €88,985,500 in respect of the 2015 Water Conservation Grant.
410. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he will suspend domestic water charges and if he will do so retrospective to the formation of this Government or to the coming together of the Thirty-second Dáil; if he will reimburse those who have paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10403/16]
View answerUnder the confidence and supply arrangement agreed in the context of facilitating a minority government, the Government is committed to introducing and supporting legislation in the Oireachtas, within six weeks of its appointment, to suspend domestic water charges for a period of nine months from the end of the current bill cycle. This is to allow for the Oireachtas to decide on the enduring funding model for Irish Water. The confidence and supply arrangement also states that those who have paid their water bills to date will be treated no less favourably than those who have not. The proposed details of the suspension will be set out in the legislation when published.
411. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the funding his Department has allocated to Sligo County Council since 2002 towards implementing gateway city status under the National Spatial Strategy 2002-2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10444/16]
View answerThe 2002 National Spatial Strategy (NSS) was Ireland’s first national strategic spatial planning framework and outlined policies and objectives to secure a better balance of social, economic and physical development and population growth between regions. The Strategy set out a broad framework for use in spatial planning by regional and local authorities as well as the planning of investment by the public and private sectors in providing infrastructure such as roads, public transport, energy and communications links. The NSS has influenced two National Development Plans and continues to be a key reference document in planning legislation. In addition, all county & city development plans are required to be consistent with Regional Planning Guidelines in force for their area.
The strategy is intended as a Planning Framework rather than a spending plan so spending in my Department is not specifically accounted for in relation to locations such as Sligo.
Nevertheless, my Department has a wide and diverse business agenda, including the water sector, providing necessary housing supports and fostering community development in partnership with local government and other local development bodies. In order to deliver on this broad business agenda, my Department allocates significant resources to a wide range of organisations, including local authorities.
In relation to Sligo County Council the re have been significant capital projects that have benefitted from funding from my Department over the last number of years, including some €28m which was recouped to the Council under the Water Services Investment Programme since 2002 and over €22m in the Cranmore Regeneration Project since 2006, with both areas of investment benefitting Sligo and its role as a Gateway under the NSS.
412. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the funding requested and provided for Traveller accommodation facilities and the drawdown, by local authority, for each of the past three years; if all the funding provided was spent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10453/16]
View answerIn accordance with the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998, housing authorities have statutory responsibility for the assessment of the accommodation needs of Travellers and the preparation, adoption and implementation of multi-annual Traveller Accommodation Programmes (TAPs) in their areas. My Department’s role is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist the authorities in providing such accommodation, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding.
The first three TAPs covered the periods 2000-2004, 2005-2008 and 2009-2013. Local authorities adopted the fourth and current round of TAPs in April 2014, with the five-year rolling programmes running from 2014 to 2018. These programmes provide a road map for local authority investment priorities over the period. They also form the basis for the allocation of funding from my Department for traveller accommodation. Local authorities submit proposals for individual traveller-specific projects and developments, which are assessed on a case-by-case basis in my Department in advance of allocations being made.
The capital allocations and amounts recouped in respect of Traveller-specific accommodation for the years 2013, 2014 and 2015 are set out in the table. A provision of €5.5m for Traveller-specific accommodation is in place for 2016, an increase of €1.2m on the 2015 allocation, and allocations will be made very shortly.
|
County Council |
Allocation 2013 € |
Recouped 2013 € |
Allocation 2014 € |
Recouped 2014 € |
Allocation 2015 € |
Recoupment 2015 € |
|
Carlow |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Cavan |
0 |
57,412 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Clare |
343,450 |
248,290 |
181,976 |
250,613 |
37,000 |
0 |
|
Cork |
110,000 |
148,865 |
0 |
15,322 |
149,000 |
0 |
|
Donegal |
88,000 |
0 |
0 |
3,175 |
0 |
4,750 |
|
South Dublin |
50,000 |
81,277 |
24,750 |
46,978 |
0 |
0 |
|
Fingal |
115,000 |
55,000 |
222,575 |
424,754 |
645,000 |
1,058,425 |
|
Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown |
160,000 |
204,352 |
8,793 |
23,986 |
0 |
1,592,429 |
|
Galway |
190,000 |
138,840 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Kerry |
0 |
11,025 |
99,571 |
144,415 |
4,550 |
3,810 |
|
Kildare |
113,000 |
148,352 |
300,000 |
0 |
200,000 |
0 |
|
Kilkenny |
0 |
94,974 |
450,000 |
287,239 |
551,626 |
397,577 |
|
Laois |
659,000 |
675,028 |
0 |
60,262 |
0 |
30,600 |
|
Leitrim |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
65,975 |
|
Limerick |
29,110 |
31,760 |
0 |
0 |
See Limerick City (City & County merged in 2014) |
See Limerick City( City & County merged in 2014) |
|
Longford |
0 |
0 |
0 |
25,000 |
78,000 |
88,966 |
|
Louth |
155,000 |
155,000 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
7,620 |
|
Mayo |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3,810 |
0 |
0 |
|
Meath |
220,000 |
255,626 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Monaghan |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
North Tipperary |
126,600 |
244,346 |
353,656 |
See Tipperary County Council (merged in 2014) |
See Tipperary County Council (merged in 2014) |
See Tipperary County Council (merged in 2014) |
|
Offaly |
0 |
50,377 |
70,000 |
73,760 |
3,069 |
85,000 |
|
Roscommon |
427,000 |
393,184 |
54,000 |
96,126 |
19,622 |
0 |
|
Sligo |
8,000 |
9,700 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
South Tipperary |
0 |
1,275 |
0 |
See Tipperary County Council merged in 2014 |
See Tipperary County Council (merged in 2014) |
See Tipperary County Council (merged in 2014 |
|
Tipperary |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
291,874 |
800,000 |
23,142 |
|
Waterford |
0 |
0 |
0 |
9,769 (City & County merged 2014) |
413,347 (City & County merged in 2014) |
0 |
|
Westmeath |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
95,000 |
0 |
|
Wexford |
150,000 |
150,000 |
105,901 |
328,733 |
0 |
30,906 |
|
Wicklow |
108,300 |
164,684 |
0 |
67,038 |
63,097 |
27,891 |
|
City Council |
||||||
|
Cork |
0 |
17,500 |
256,687 |
206,913 |
800,000 |
427,304 |
|
Dublin |
420,000 |
465,000 |
407,500 |
481,693 |
366,299 |
99,162 |
|
Galway |
159,000 |
0 |
75,127 |
72,241 |
0 |
62,150 |
|
Limerick |
295,000 |
264,310 |
350,000 |
249,987 |
7,500(City & County Council merged in 2014) |
68,923( City & County merged in 2014) |
|
Waterford |
25,000 |
76,756 |
0 |
9,769 (city & county) |
413,347 (City & County Council merged in 2014) |
0 |
|
Reserve |
48,540 |
39,464 |
66,890 |
|||
|
TOTAL |
4,000,000 |
4,142,933 |
3,000,000 |
3,163,688 |
4,300,000 |
4,074,630 |
413. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which approved housing bodies had a role in determining the suitability of properties the National Asset Management Agency offered to local authorities for social housing, given that most residential properties leased through the National Asset Residential Property Services Limited or acquired from the agency were transferred to approved housing bodies. [10458/16]
View answerIn December 2011, the National Assets Management Agency (NAMA) announced that it would facilitate the provision of accommodation for social housing. In the period since, a Steering Group, comprising my Department, NAMA and the Housing Agency, has been working with housing authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) towards achieving this objective.
The properties under consideration are part of the security for loans that NAMA has acquired. In the majority of cases, properties remain in the ownership of the original borrowers. The remaining properties are controlled by receivers appointed by NAMA.
When a property has been identified by NAMA as potentially available for social housing use, the Housing Agency works with local authorities to determine, in the first instance, whether there is a demand for social housing in the area, and secondly, that there is and would continue to be an appropriate mix of housing tenures in the area, and that segregation within developments and specific areas is avoided.
Once a demand has been confirmed by the appropriate local authority, NAMA makes contact with the relevant property owner/receiver to determine if the properties are still available and to discuss how these properties can be best utilised. Properties that are deemed suitable may be leased or purchased by local authorities or Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) through engagement with the property owners or, on their behalf, appointed insolvency practitioners, facilitated by NAMA. Assuming properties are still available, arrangements are made for local authorities and interested AHBs to inspect and then secure as many of the suitable properties as possible for social housing purposes using the full range of social housing delivery methods.
414. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on whether parents with joint custody and a social housing eligibility is entitled to be placed on the housing list with additional bedrooms to facilitate overnight stays with their children; and the guidelines he provides to local authorities on this matter. [10463/16]
View answerThe allocation of social housing support to qualified households is a matter for the local authority concerned, under its allocation scheme, made in accordance with Section 22 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Allocation Regulations 2011.
This legislation requires all housing authorities, as a reserved function, to make an allocation scheme determining the order of priority to be accorded in the allocation of dwellings to households qualified for social housing support, the allocation of which would, in the opinion of the authority, meet the accommodation needs and requirements of the households. As such, it is a matter for each housing authority to decide on the type of support to be allocated to individual households.
As Minister, I am precluded under housing legislation from exercising any power or control in relation to any individual case being dealt with by a housing authority.
415. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of persons who have been refused entry onto the Meath social housing waiting list over the past five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10480/16]
View answerThe decision as to whether a household qualifies for social housing support and can be placed on a housing list is solely a matter for the housing authority concerned in accordance with Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and associated regulations.
My Department does not hold information on the number of applicant households for social housing support or the number of households which are deemed ineligible for such support on assessment.
416. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has received the legal advice referred to in Parliamentary Question No. 860 of 13 January 2016 in regard to a foreshore issue (details supplied); the action he will take based on this advice and if he has not received it his efforts to ensure it is provided in a timely way; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10485/16]
View answerWhile the advices referred to have not yet been received in my Department, it is understood that they are imminent. My Department will on receipt of the advices, in consultation with the State’s legal services, determine the appropriate next steps.
417. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the contact name and address of the person on the mica expert panel to whom correspondence can be sent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10509/16]
View answerThe expert panel on concrete blocks has met on two occasions since it was established early last month and also met last week with a number of affected homeowners in Donegal in order to view first-hand the problems that have emerged in their homes and to seek any additional information that may be available to better inform the panel of the nature of the problems that have emerged in the blockwork of their homes.
During their visit to Donegal last week, the panel also met representatives from Donegal County Council, both elected members and officials, in order to hear their views and experiences of the issue within the county. The panel welcomes all information that can be provided by affected homeowners and other interested parties which will assist them in their investigations into this complex issue; copies of technical reports and other relevant information may be sent to the expert panel:
- by emailing blockpanel@environ.ie; or
- by post at the following address
Secretariat to the Expert Panel on Concrete Blocks,
c/o Department of the Housing, Planning and Local Government,
Custom House,
Dublin 1,
D01 W6X0
It is anticipated that the panel will seek further meetings with a range stakeholders and other interested parties over the coming weeks and months in order to assist them in their understanding of the nature of the problems facing affected homeowners in both Donegal and Mayo and to facilitate the gathering of the information that will be required for them to complete their report in accordance with the terms of reference announced in late November 2015.
