Written Answers Nos. 236 - 256
236. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the funding his Department provided, the amount drawn down and the number of tenancies this supported under the housing assistance payment scheme, by local authority, for each year since the scheme commenced, in tabular form. [11540/16]
View answerFunding for the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme has increased year on year, since it commenced in September 2014, in order to meet the continuing costs of existing HAP households, and the costs of an additional households to be supported. The majority of this funding is to support on-going rent payments to landlords in respect of existing HAP households and the cost of additional HAP tenancies as households find accommodation through the scheme during the year. In addition funding also includes the operational costs of the HAP shared service centre and the costs of the HAP Administrative Payment made to local authorities operating the scheme.
Table 1 which provides details of all voted Exchequer funding allocated and spent on HAP since the scheme commenced in September 2014 and the number of additional households supported by the scheme in each of those years, as indicated.
TABLE 1
|
Year |
Exchequer allocation (€M) |
Outturn (€M) |
Additional Households supported by HAP |
|
2014 |
0.5 |
0.394 |
485 |
|
2015 |
23.2 |
15.64 |
5, 680 |
|
2016 |
47.7 |
2.2 ( end March provisional ) |
2,531 ( to end March) |
Further information in relation to the number of households supported by HAP in each local authority area is available on my Department’s website www.environ.ie.
The primary administrative support to HAP local authorities is the central transactional shared service being provided by Limerick City and County Council to all local authorities operating the HAP scheme. This shared service is responsible for a range of functions including monthly payments to landlords and the collection of weekly differential rent from tenants and provides a range of efficiencies to the operation of the scheme. Accordingly all funding supplied by my Department relating to rent payments for landlords is made directly to the central transactional shared service centre.
In order to cover staffing and administrative costs arising from the operation of the HAP scheme in their area, local authorities are provided with a direct once-off administrative payment of €150 per household set up under the HAP scheme. This payment was commenced in 2015, when some €993,000 was paid by my Department in HAP administration costs directly to local authorities. This payment was made in respect of tenancies set up in both 2014 and 2015, and also included some minimum payments to authorities who had started delivering the scheme in late 2015. Similar payments will be made to relevant local authorities in respect of 2016 tenancies on a six monthly basis in 2016.
Table 2 details administrative payments made to each authority in 2015 in respect of tenancies established in 2014 and 2015.
TABLE 2
|
Local Authority |
HAP Administrative Payment to end 2015 |
|
Carlow County Council |
€25,377 |
|
Clare County Council |
€37,950 |
|
Cork City Council |
€25,377 |
|
Cork County Council |
€146,250 |
|
Donegal County Council |
€76,050 |
|
Dublin City Council* |
€13,350 |
|
Galway County Council |
€5,000 |
|
Kildare County Council |
€5,000 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
€90,300 |
|
Limerick City & County Council ** |
€171,000 |
|
Louth County Council |
€99,450 |
|
Mayo County Council |
€5,000 |
|
Meath County Council |
€5,000 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
€28,800 |
|
Offaly County Council |
€27,257 |
|
Sligo County Council |
€5,000 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
€91,200 |
|
Tipperary County Council |
€26,100 |
|
Waterford City & County Council |
€109,650 |
|
Total |
€993,111 |
* Operates Dublin Regional Homeless Executive and HAP Homeless Pilot scheme for all Dublin Local Authorities.
** Denotes administrative funding supplied to Limerick for their operation of the HAP scheme locally, and is separate to the costs of the Shared Service Centre.
237. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the funding his Department provided for long-term leasing accommodation, the amount drawn down and the number of tenancies this supported by local authority for each of the years 2008 to 2016 to date in tabular form. [11541/16]
View answerThe Social Housing Current Expenditure Programme (SHCEP), previously referred to as the Social Housing Leasing Initiative, was introduced in February, 2009. Since then the programme has been expanded on a number of occasions to provide for new types of supply and to involve a greater range of agencies and bodies in providing accommodation. SHCEP supports the delivery of social housing by providing financial support to local authorities for the long term leasing of houses and apartments from private owners, developers and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs). Properties made available under the programme are used to accommodate households from local authority waiting lists. Leased properties are allocated to tenants, in accordance with the relevant local authority’s allocation scheme. The Department recoups the cost of the agreements that are made with private property owners, including AHBs, to the Local Authorities. Expenditure includes the ongoing cost of contractual arrangements and relevant cost of new contracts made within the year.
Details of the funding provided and drawn-down by Local Authorities under SHCEP are provided in tabular form.
|
Local Authority |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 To Date |
|
CARLOW |
0 |
0 |
156,756 |
216,524 |
160,517 |
698,512 |
530,205 |
229,417 |
|
CAVAN |
0 |
0 |
11,440 |
24,909 |
40,421 |
69,575 |
64,493 |
19,210 |
|
CLARE |
0 |
10,432 |
174,838 |
322,720 |
490,314 |
627,413 |
882,570 |
397,654 |
|
CORK CITY |
0 |
255,440 |
918,515 |
809,524 |
877,593 |
954,852 |
1,107,646 |
477,440 |
|
CORK COUNTY |
0 |
97,825 |
1,192,543 |
2,142,602 |
2,636,200 |
3,243,869 |
3,712,136 |
1,179,348 |
|
DONEGAL |
3,038 |
79,164 |
525,611 |
940,827 |
1,025,469 |
1,071,421 |
1,248,328 |
331,203 |
|
DUBLIN CITY |
279,694 |
1,200,719 |
2,919,951 |
3,279,535 |
4,304,430 |
4,878,079 |
5,757,606 |
2,619,195 |
|
DÚN LAOGHAIRE-RATHDOWN |
0 |
0 |
224,005 |
684,636 |
1,559,673 |
1,561,843 |
1,768,110 |
403,068 |
|
FINGAL |
0 |
120,175 |
1,100,914 |
1,999,292 |
2,422,573 |
2,997,742 |
3,385,519 |
74,028 |
|
GALWAY CITY |
0 |
0 |
764,849 |
978,508 |
1,068,190 |
1,146,868 |
415,809 |
520,559 |
|
GALWAY COUNTY |
0 |
0 |
0 |
58,617 |
158,248 |
179,008 |
385,394 |
7,275 |
|
KERRY |
0 |
0 |
0 |
38,839 |
215,680 |
359,535 |
515,535 |
38,209 |
|
KILDARE |
0 |
321,809 |
534,214 |
670,838 |
943,714 |
1,391,456 |
1,194,118 |
31,792 |
|
KILKENNY |
0 |
110,710 |
88,181 |
235,067 |
338,861 |
433,758 |
737,465 |
132,457 |
|
LAOIS |
40,968 |
213,984 |
454,484 |
550,694 |
616,890 |
704,482 |
585,566 |
400,521 |
|
LEITRIM |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2,183 |
4,055 |
3,253 |
9,093 |
16,089 |
|
LIMERICK |
0 |
5,337 |
103,824 |
92,368 |
252,082 |
259,693 |
203,560 |
41,165 |
|
LONGFORD |
0 |
9,768 |
70,105 |
116,234 |
76,159 |
72,135 |
147,813 |
54,939 |
|
LOUTH |
0 |
37,350 |
290,643 |
1,479,379 |
1,826,270 |
2,736,682 |
2,646,597 |
717,400 |
|
MAYO |
0 |
123,991 |
222,864 |
360,071 |
518,343 |
707,971 |
442,122 |
209,868 |
|
MEATH |
9,466 |
175,041 |
414,163 |
458,617 |
516,449 |
539,830 |
1,211,043 |
253,815 |
|
MONAGHAN |
0 |
0 |
3,267 |
2,262 |
6,762 |
4,512 |
2,262 |
23,172 |
|
OFFALY |
28,939 |
95,279 |
256,190 |
374,546 |
691,967 |
1,063,883 |
943,158 |
662,309 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
0 |
3,792 |
42,260 |
34,915 |
34,030 |
34,378 |
25,901 |
8,137 |
|
SLIGO |
0 |
0 |
97,010 |
189,488 |
205,053 |
235,998 |
278,926 |
91,964 |
|
SOUTH DUBLIN |
206,306 |
470,410 |
1,851,388 |
2,183,792 |
2,552,557 |
4,676,090 |
1,893,560 |
311,831 |
|
TIPPERARY |
0 |
6,409 |
361,729 |
695,335 |
1,487,136 |
1,487,839 |
1,361,952 |
0 |
|
WATERFORD |
0 |
13,353 |
362,353 |
579,761 |
553,145 |
497,711 |
691,391 |
254,605 |
|
WESTMEATH |
50,697 |
170,799 |
446,325 |
781,022 |
1,062,290 |
1,323,564 |
1,128,189 |
789,655 |
|
WEXFORD |
0 |
58,528 |
195,243 |
337,478 |
424,733 |
432,037 |
689,804 |
183,153 |
|
WICKLOW |
0 |
0 |
10,710 |
94,942 |
241,732 |
263,361 |
250,717 |
142,067 |
|
TOTAL |
619,108 |
3,580,313 |
13,794,378 |
20,735,524 |
27,311,536 |
34,657,349 |
34,216,589 |
10,621,545 |
In relation to the number of tenancies supported, this figure constantly varies as contracts end, tenants move on to other properties, landlords withdraw from the Scheme, and new tenancies are allocated or vacancies in contracted units are filled. The information in the table sets out the number of units supported by the Programme on a cumulative basis since the SHCEP was introduced in 2009.
|
Period |
Cumulative units made operational under SHCEP |
|
2009 |
437 |
|
2010 |
1,303 |
|
2011 |
2,496 |
|
2012 |
3,701 |
|
2013 |
4,600 |
|
2014 |
5,622 |
|
2015 |
7,099 |
|
2016 End Q1 |
7,270 |
238. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the funding his Department provided for accommodation provided by approved housing bodies, the amount drawn down and the number of tenancies this supported by local authority for each of the years 2008 to 2016 to date in tabular form. [11542/16]
View answerMy Department provides funding to Approved Housing Bodies through local authorities for the construction and acquisition of units of accommodation under the Capital Loan and Subsidy Scheme and the Capital Assistance Scheme. Since 2008, a total of €496.5 million has been provided under the Capital Loan Subsidy Scheme and €638.4 million under the Capital Assistance Scheme. A breakdown of this funding by year and local authority is outlined in the following tables.
Capital Assistance Scheme
|
- |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
|
Carlow County Council |
€11,744,634 |
€2,433,488 |
€812,609 |
|
Cavan County Council |
€0 |
€926,861 |
€1,284,593 |
|
Clare County Council |
€8,120,623 |
€1,833,632 |
€1,738,589 |
|
Cork County Council |
€10,745,788 |
€12,177,968 |
€3,689,618 |
|
Cork City Council |
€9,096,364 |
€9,527,474 |
€4,904,190 |
|
Donegal County Council |
€14,987,125 |
€5,095,856 |
€820,518 |
|
Dublin City Council |
€20,631,986 |
€30,515,554 |
€15,717,826 |
|
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown |
€3,953,541 |
€19,166,581 |
€4,988,449 |
|
Fingal County Council |
€9,233,886 |
€1,148,994 |
€5,815,961 |
|
Galway City Council |
€160,213 |
€5,027,167 |
€6,118,835 |
|
Galway County Council |
€1,475,866 |
€165,685 |
€1,044,027 |
|
Kerry County Council |
€7,703,293 |
€2,905,909 |
€3,876,327 |
|
Kildare County Council |
€4,243,626 |
€2,526,904 |
€5,921,801 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
€3,133,989 |
€842,147 |
€2,623,400 |
|
Laois County Council |
€1,115,727 |
€211,271 |
€1,920,539 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
€72,797 |
€2,262,455 |
€1,335,000 |
|
Limerick City Council |
€846,047 |
€12,226,114 |
€58,691 |
|
Limerick County Council |
€4,161,438 |
€2,868,253 |
€1,811,184 |
|
Longford County Council |
€2,361,772 |
€800,690 |
€4,054,104 |
|
Louth County Council |
€1,300,273 |
€1,047,305 |
€5,159,568 |
|
Mayo County Council |
€6,411,242 |
€2,481,237 |
€1,948,301 |
|
Meath County Council |
€2,186,906 |
€8,213,361 |
€4,199,940 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
€5,671,276 |
€112,482 |
€415,175 |
|
Offaly County Council |
€5,485,102 |
€1,517,028 |
€812,508 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
€1,883,210 |
€423,263 |
€655,576 |
|
Sligo County Council |
€2,004,867 |
€2,535,368 |
€2,850,214 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
€1,759,875 |
€22,868,369 |
€11,822,349 |
|
Tipperary North County Council |
€2,982,219 |
€1,954,198 |
€2,177,126 |
|
Tipperary South County Council |
€1,751,043 |
€1,827,535 |
€3,774,142 |
|
Waterford City Council |
€2,871,350 |
€833,076 |
€2,691,671 |
|
Waterford County Council |
€1,931,455 |
€1,172,049 |
€2,028,058 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
€1,688,610 |
€274,550 |
€3,531,718 |
|
Wexford County Council |
€1,731,984 |
€535,351 |
€1,161,563 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
€2,841,873 |
€54,566 |
€1,883,455 |
Capital Assistance Scheme
|
- |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
|
Carlow County Council |
€658,320 |
€1,488,727 |
€2,168,748 |
|
Cavan County Council |
€14,378 |
€664,288 |
€348,563 |
|
Clare County Council |
€787,153 |
€885,309 |
€2,827,788 |
|
Cork County Council |
€1,245,460 |
€871,091 |
€1,628,254 |
|
Cork City Council |
€547,937 |
€1,222,763 |
€844,687 |
|
Donegal County Council |
€515,591 |
€871,158 |
€448,236 |
|
Dublin City Council |
€4,968,484 |
€10,258,397 |
€9,327,326 |
|
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown |
€385,573 |
€1,512,349 |
€457,141 |
|
Fingal County Council |
€2,132,123 |
€4,969,304 |
€1,625,163 |
|
Galway City Council |
€360,538 |
€3,984,938 |
€475,026 |
|
Galway County Council |
€27,067 |
€764,980 |
€229,188 |
|
Kerry County Council |
€2,789,529 |
€242,052 |
€63,308 |
|
Kildare County Council |
€1,956,675 |
€1,891,864 |
€842,708 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
€681,185 |
€984,044 |
€1,028,692 |
|
Laois County Council |
€345,665 |
€695,291 |
€142,447 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
€10,000 |
€22,115 |
€10,000 |
|
Limerick City Council |
€2,286,271 |
€3,772,811 |
€1,827,945 |
|
Limerick County Council |
€550,183 |
€1,431,786 |
€887,751 |
|
Longford County Council |
€802,912 |
€1,123,017 |
€212,308 |
|
Louth County Council |
€0 |
€728,437 |
€760,433 |
|
Mayo County Council |
€281,063 |
€1,054,003 |
€2,499,474 |
|
Meath County Council |
€21,108 |
€685,743 |
€961,298 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
€86,636 |
€1,125,300 |
€1,191,568 |
|
Offaly County Council |
€178,248 |
€1,139,322 |
€539,520 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
€357,098 |
€928,590 |
€511,376 |
|
Sligo County Council |
€4,319,357 |
€3,537,274 |
€251,134 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
€3,096,552 |
€4,367,485 |
€1,229,114 |
|
Tipperary North County Council |
€234,817 |
€1,280,339 |
€193,490 |
|
Tipperary South County Council |
€1,089,300 |
€485,615 |
€338,374 |
|
Waterford City Council |
€4,578,871 |
€2,005,274 |
€885,346 |
|
Waterford County Council |
€176,359 |
€1,448,472 |
€409,222 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
€213,733 |
€590,314 |
€118,647 |
|
Wexford County Council |
€254,723 |
€269,551 |
€229,384 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
€2,086,839 |
€742,351 |
€1,180,675 |
Capital Assistance Scheme
|
- |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 to date |
|
Carlow County Council |
€238,815 |
€450,774 |
€193,752 |
|
Cavan County Council |
€102,150 |
€0 |
€0 |
|
Clare County Council |
€1,391,867 |
€0 |
€0 |
|
Cork County Council |
€209,827 |
€1,348,425 |
€0 |
|
Cork City Council |
€0 |
€1,744,053 |
€133,650 |
|
Donegal County Council |
€619,430 |
€125,000 |
€0 |
|
Dublin City Council |
€16,999,920 |
€5,885,998 |
€0 |
|
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown |
€853,650 |
€4,101,784 |
€0 |
|
Fingal County Council |
€2,695,161 |
€3,417,414 |
€0 |
|
Galway City Council |
€20,684 |
€466,587 |
€0 |
|
Galway County Council |
€389,512 |
€858,451 |
€1,319,574 |
|
Kerry County Council |
€0 |
€230,000 |
€185,000 |
|
Kildare County Council |
€448,598 |
€380,381 |
€180,000 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
€116,381 |
€1,718,486 |
€0 |
|
Laois County Council |
€321,516 |
€849,646 |
€896,000 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
€10,000 |
€10,000 |
€0 |
|
Limerick City & County Council |
€1,266,626 |
€753,950 |
€453,042 |
|
Longford County Council |
€118,349 |
€76,731 |
€0 |
|
Louth County Council |
€305,457 |
€674,059 |
€4,544 |
|
Mayo County Council |
€358,101 |
€672,712 |
€367,740 |
|
Meath County Council |
€554,782 |
€185,400 |
€149,350 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
€1,434,736 |
€118,311 |
€37,661 |
|
Offaly County Council |
€389,980 |
€9,750 |
€0 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
€106,961 |
€0 |
€0 |
|
Sligo County Council |
€801,380 |
€0 |
€335,000 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
€1,258,566 |
€0 |
€0 |
|
Tipperary County Council |
€84,439 |
€0 |
€0 |
|
Waterford City & County Council |
€1,756,794 |
€4,425,735 |
€863,663 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
€16,431 |
€0 |
€0 |
|
Wexford County Council |
€1,404,917 |
€1,467,475 |
€0 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
€21,703 |
€7,744,845 |
€0 |
|
- |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
|
Carlow County Council |
€2,234,235 |
€903,379 |
€1,792,884 |
|
Cavan County Council |
€107,817 |
€95,964 |
€81,738 |
|
Clare County Council |
€787,938 |
€786,647 |
€607,888 |
|
Cork County Council |
€2,318,745 |
€2,969,666 |
€3,720,384 |
|
Cork City Council |
€2,453,465 |
€1,007,508 |
€2,244,316 |
|
Donegal County Council |
€2,773,719 |
€3,991,479 |
€1,079,935 |
|
Dublin City Council |
€16,689,881 |
€12,884,091 |
€10,999,761 |
|
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown |
€1,853,709 |
€2,569,900 |
€6,029,246 |
|
Fingal County Council |
€1,964,868 |
€3,236,537 |
€3,810,797 |
|
Galway City Council |
€1,114,239 |
€1,065,725 |
€821,156 |
|
Galway County Council |
€982,337 |
€971,357 |
€801,748 |
|
Kerry County Council |
€949,859 |
€1,358,757 |
€681,187 |
|
Kildare County Council |
€3,613,293 |
€1,671,438 |
€3,663,153 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
€673,228 |
€647,476 |
€516,134 |
|
Laois County Council |
€1,109,159 |
€2,604,138 |
€1,479,526 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
€307,530 |
€297,924 |
€229,951 |
|
Limerick City Council |
€621,490 |
€538,041 |
€425,050 |
|
Limerick County Council |
€537,973 |
€590,339 |
€451,018 |
|
Longford County Council |
€762,475 |
€737,550 |
€1,967,412 |
|
Louth County Council |
€2,320,886 |
€3,770,979 |
€4,289,156 |
|
Mayo County Council |
€835,791 |
€736,985 |
€574,906 |
|
Meath County Council |
€2,687,400 |
€785,913 |
€1,260,428 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
€34,254 |
€997,408 |
€192,213 |
|
Offaly County Council |
€1,173,095 |
€2,126,565 |
€1,275,740 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
€181,089 |
€172,577 |
€133,560 |
|
Sligo County Council |
€1,005,661 |
€966,802 |
€588,603 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
€4,590,247 |
€14,014,401 |
€5,085,520 |
|
Tipperary North County Council |
€18,419 |
€297,046 |
€1,477,822 |
|
Tipperary South County Council |
€3,471,998 |
€2,270,590 |
€1,779,239 |
|
Waterford City Council |
€1,321,625 |
€2,094,013 |
€597,477 |
|
Waterford County Council |
€593,501 |
€667,536 |
€611,931 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
|
Wexford County Council |
€1,605,621 |
€1,533,619 |
€1,728,832 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
€297,596 |
€533,927 |
€346,153 |
|
Kerry County Council |
€1,165,743 |
€1,165,075 |
€539,157 |
|
Kildare County Council |
€1,483,288 |
€0 |
€ 0 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
€543,809 |
€543,930 |
€238,080 |
|
Laois County Council |
€2,007,963 |
€2,017,529 |
€968,195 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
€244,839 |
€244,881 |
€129,717 |
|
Limerick City Council |
€ 1,042,068 |
€1,043,956 |
€467,505 |
|
Longford County Council |
€1,388,097 |
€1,397,948 |
€640,379 |
|
Louth County Council |
€4,031,742 |
€4,089,520 |
€0 |
|
Mayo County Council |
€1,258,477 |
€1,222,205 |
€557,373 |
|
Meath County Council |
€980,420 |
€328,118 |
€0 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
€467,714 |
€444,239 |
€212,293 |
|
Offaly County Council |
€763,390 |
€1,417,529 |
€ 756,834 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
€142,119 |
€142,144 |
€ 75,196 |
|
Sligo County Council |
€1,471,993 |
€1,051,943 |
€ 466,358 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
€3,621,431 |
€3,058,277 |
€ 0 |
|
Tipperary County Council |
€3,748,138 |
€3,686,434 |
€ 1,709,288 |
|
Waterford City Council |
€ 2,127,994 |
€2,128,269 |
€ 0 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
€0 |
€0 |
€ 0 |
|
Wexford County Council |
€1,241,118 |
€1,448,189 |
€ 0 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
€373,908 |
€186,984 |
€ 0 |
|
- |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
|
Carlow County Council |
€719,253 |
€1,380,299 |
€1,317,196 |
|
Cavan County Council |
€190,300 |
€93,701 |
€495,465 |
|
Clare County Council |
€631,322 |
€724,167 |
€692,365 |
|
Cork County Council |
€5,387,170 |
€4,564,908 |
€4,064,926 |
|
Cork City Council |
€1,777,047 |
€1,981,212 |
€1,812,249 |
|
Donegal County Council |
€2,350,532 |
€2,543,645 |
€2,476,945 |
|
Dublin City Council |
€14,141,264 |
€13,840,753 |
€16,138,018 |
|
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown |
€4,137,173 |
€4,458,262 |
€4,153,388 |
|
Fingal County Council |
€2,717,803 |
€3,389,869 |
€3,299,954 |
|
Galway City Council |
€989,362 |
€1,026,261 |
€981,541 |
|
Galway County Council |
€921,200 |
€1,013,294 |
€974,144 |
|
Kerry County Council |
€1,149,670 |
€1,223,658 |
€1,158,152 |
|
Kildare County Council |
€2,565,529 |
€2,808,732 |
€2,640,242 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
€463,625 |
€635,164 |
€545,616 |
|
Laois County Council |
€1,224,378 |
€2,126,876 |
€2,017,889 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
€237,983 |
€258,191 |
€245,867 |
|
Limerick City Council |
€437,576 |
€468,447 |
€449,771 |
|
Limerick County Council |
€474,608 |
€572,732 |
€596,722 |
|
Longford County Council |
€647,342 |
€1,263,434 |
€1,440,378 |
|
Louth County Council |
€3,215,195 |
€4,246,421 |
€4,005,951 |
|
Mayo County Council |
€734,003 |
€1,146,263 |
€1,162,539 |
|
Meath County Council |
€607,981 |
€1,031,912 |
€1,084,629 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
€449,153 |
€496,287 |
€469,936 |
|
Offaly County Council |
€1,412,306 |
€1,428,432 |
€1,408,442 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
€72,597 |
€215,403 |
€142,709 |
|
Sligo County Council |
€952,254 |
€820,104 |
€605,125 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
€6,364,211 |
€7,119,316 |
€7,026,225 |
|
Tipperary North County Council |
€773,125 |
€1,568,429 |
€1,490,916 |
|
Tipperary South County Council |
€1,140,474 |
€2,341,140 |
€2,234,341 |
|
Waterford City Council |
€2,228,316 |
€1,526,885 |
€1,460,549 |
|
Waterford County Council |
€641,892 |
€708,461 |
€676,083 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
|
Wexford County Council |
€780,899 |
€1,459,015 |
€1,303,761 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
€404,824 |
€198,664 |
€572,520 |
|
- |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 to date |
|
Carlow County Council |
€1,311,952 |
€1,312,198 |
€588,955 |
|
Cavan County Council |
€356,464 |
€344,390 |
€165,649 |
|
Clare County Council |
€372,705 |
€260,175 |
€ 0 |
|
Cork County Council |
€2,205,256 |
€105,296 |
€ 0 |
|
Cork City Council |
€946,750 |
€1,813,507 |
€ 824,918 |
|
Donegal County Council |
€2,501,087 |
€2,446,106 |
€1,106,227 |
|
Dublin City Council |
€7,935,223 |
€5,408,918 |
€ 0 |
|
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown |
€2,175,990 |
€8,999 |
€ 0 |
|
Fingal County Council |
€6,884,892 |
€1,492,385 |
€ 0 |
|
Galway City Council |
€983,906 |
€3,555 |
€ 0 |
|
Galway County Council |
€1,018,371 |
€1,019,375 |
€460,873 |
|
Kerry County Council |
€1,165,743 |
€1,165,075 |
€539,157 |
|
Kildare County Council |
€1,483,288 |
€0 |
€ 0 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
€543,809 |
€543,930 |
€238,080 |
|
Laois County Council |
€2,007,963 |
€2,017,529 |
€968,195 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
€244,839 |
€244,881 |
€129,717 |
|
Limerick City Council |
€ 1,042,068 |
€1,043,956 |
€467,505 |
|
Longford County Council |
€1,388,097 |
€1,397,948 |
€640,379 |
|
Louth County Council |
€4,031,742 |
€4,089,520 |
€0 |
|
Mayo County Council |
€1,258,477 |
€1,222,205 |
€557,373 |
|
Meath County Council |
€980,420 |
€328,118 |
€0 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
€467,714 |
€444,239 |
€212,293 |
|
Offaly County Council |
€763,390 |
€1,417,529 |
€ 756,834 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
€142,119 |
€142,144 |
€ 75,196 |
|
Sligo County Council |
€1,471,993 |
€1,051,943 |
€ 466,358 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
€3,621,431 |
€3,058,277 |
€ 0 |
|
Tipperary County Council |
€3,748,138 |
€3,686,434 |
€ 1,709,288 |
|
Waterford City Council |
€ 2,127,994 |
€2,128,269 |
€ 0 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
€0 |
€0 |
€ 0 |
|
Wexford County Council |
€1,241,118 |
€1,448,189 |
€ 0 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
€373,908 |
€186,984 |
€ 0 |
|
Local Authority |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 To Date |
|
CARLOW |
0 |
0 |
156,756 |
216,524 |
160,517 |
698,512 |
530,205 |
229,417 |
|
CAVAN |
0 |
0 |
11,440 |
24,909 |
40,421 |
69,575 |
64,493 |
19,210 |
|
CLARE |
0 |
10,432 |
174,838 |
322,720 |
490,314 |
627,413 |
882,570 |
397,654 |
|
CORK CITY |
0 |
255,440 |
918,515 |
809,524 |
877,593 |
954,852 |
1,107,646 |
477,440 |
|
CORK COUNTY |
0 |
97,825 |
1,192,543 |
2,142,602 |
2,636,200 |
3,243,869 |
3,712,136 |
1,179,348 |
|
DONEGAL |
3,038 |
79,164 |
525,611 |
940,827 |
1,025,469 |
1,071,421 |
1,248,328 |
331,203 |
|
DUBLIN CITY |
279,694 |
1,200,719 |
2,919,951 |
3,279,535 |
4,304,430 |
4,878,079 |
5,757,606 |
2,619,195 |
|
DUN LAOGHAIRE/RATHDOWN |
0 |
0 |
224,005 |
684,636 |
1,559,673 |
1,561,843 |
1,768,110 |
403,068 |
|
FINGAL |
0 |
120,175 |
1,100,914 |
1,999,292 |
2,422,573 |
2,997,742 |
3,385,519 |
74,028 |
|
GALWAY CITY |
0 |
0 |
764,849 |
978,508 |
1,068,190 |
1,146,868 |
415,809 |
520,559 |
|
GALWAY COUNTY |
0 |
0 |
0 |
58,617 |
158,248 |
179,008 |
385,394 |
7,275 |
|
KERRY |
0 |
0 |
0 |
38,839 |
215,680 |
359,535 |
515,535 |
38,209 |
|
KILDARE |
0 |
321,809 |
534,214 |
670,838 |
943,714 |
1,391,456 |
1,194,118 |
31,792 |
|
KILKENNY |
0 |
110,710 |
88,181 |
235,067 |
338,861 |
433,758 |
737,465 |
132,457 |
|
LAOIS |
40,968 |
213,984 |
454,484 |
550,694 |
616,890 |
704,482 |
585,566 |
400,521 |
|
LEITRIM |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2,183 |
4,055 |
3,253 |
9,093 |
16,089 |
|
LIMERICK |
0 |
5,337 |
103,824 |
92,368 |
252,082 |
259,693 |
203,560 |
41,165 |
|
LONGFORD |
0 |
9,768 |
70,105 |
116,234 |
76,159 |
72,135 |
147,813 |
54,939 |
|
LOUTH |
0 |
37,350 |
290,643 |
1,479,379 |
1,826,270 |
2,736,682 |
2,646,597 |
717,400 |
|
MAYO |
0 |
123,991 |
222,864 |
360,071 |
518,343 |
707,971 |
442,122 |
209,868 |
|
MEATH |
9,466 |
175,041 |
414,163 |
458,617 |
516,449 |
539,830 |
1,211,043 |
253,815 |
|
MONAGHAN |
0 |
0 |
3,267 |
2,262 |
6,762 |
4,512 |
2,262 |
23,172 |
|
OFFALY |
28,939 |
95,279 |
256,190 |
374,546 |
691,967 |
1,063,883 |
943,158 |
662,309 |
|
ROSCOMMON |
0 |
3,792 |
42,260 |
34,915 |
34,030 |
34,378 |
25,901 |
8,137 |
|
SLIGO |
0 |
0 |
97,010 |
189,488 |
205,053 |
235,998 |
278,926 |
91,964 |
|
SOUTH DUBLIN |
206,306 |
470,410 |
1,851,388 |
2,183,792 |
2,552,557 |
4,676,090 |
1,893,560 |
311,831 |
|
TIPPERARY |
0 |
6,409 |
361,729 |
695,335 |
1,487,136 |
1,487,839 |
1,361,952 |
0 |
|
WATERFORD |
0 |
13,353 |
362,353 |
579,761 |
553,145 |
497,711 |
691,391 |
254,605 |
|
WESTMEATH |
50,697 |
170,799 |
446,325 |
781,022 |
1,062,290 |
1,323,564 |
1,128,189 |
789,655 |
|
WEXFORD |
0 |
58,528 |
195,243 |
337,478 |
424,733 |
432,037 |
689,804 |
183,153 |
|
WICKLOW |
0 |
0 |
10,710 |
94,942 |
241,732 |
263,361 |
250,717 |
142,067 |
|
TOTAL |
619,108 |
3,580,313 |
13,794,378 |
20,735,524 |
27,311,536 |
34,657,349 |
34,216,589 |
10,621,545 |
|
Period |
Cumulative units made operational under SHCEP |
|
2009 |
437 |
|
2010 |
1,303 |
|
2011 |
2,496 |
|
2012 |
3,701 |
|
2013 |
4,600 |
|
2014 |
5,622 |
|
2015 |
7,099 |
|
2016 to end Q1 |
7,270 |
241. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to request Cavan County Council to release its inspection reports of a so-called 'puppy farm' in County Cavan, recently referred to on a British Broadcasting Corporation Panorama investigation programme as shocking and operated on an industrial scale; to ensure the release of all relevant information regarding this location and its activities, in the interest of highest standards only applying at dog breeding establishments, and the restoration of public confidence that the law applies to all such operations; if and when he will change the relevant legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11604/16]
View answerThe regulation of dog breeding establishments is a matter for local authorities in accordance with the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010 and I understand that Cavan County Council is dealing with the matter referred to by the Deputy.
The local authority must maintain for public inspection a register of dog breeding establishments in its functional area, which must include the name and address of the applicant seeking entry onto the register, the address of the dog breeding establishment and the maximum number of breeding bitches that may be kept at the dog breeding establishment or premises.
The Dog Breeding Establishment Act 2010 provides a robust regulatory framework for, inter alia, the licensing, monitoring and inspection of dog breeding establishments by local authorities and, where a serious and immediate threat exists to public health or animal health and welfare, for the closure of such establishments.
A joint inspection regime of dog breeding establishments, involving officials from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the Local Authority Veterinary Service, was inaugurated last year and is activated, when appropriate. Inspections are on-going and necessary follow up action is taken as appropriate. The discovery of individual problematic dog breeding establishments, and the taking of action by the Gardaí, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and local authorities in an integrated manner in the most serious cases, is a matter for law enforcement which is largely effective. That said, a working group is currently examining the legislation to determine if amendments are required. Until such time as this process is complete, it would be inappropriate for me to comment.
More generally, the enforcement of welfare standards regarding all animals is a matter for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine under the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
242. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the grants available through the local social inclusion project to support arts and disability projects that are associated and assisting with mental health recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11616/16]
View answerThe aim of the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) is to reduce poverty, promote social inclusion and equality through local, regional and national engagement and collaboration. SICAP is a key priority of Government and its vision is to improve the life chances and opportunities of those who are marginalised in society, living in poverty or in unemployment through community development approaches, targeted supports and interagency collaboration, where the values of equality and inclusion are promoted and human rights are respected. SICAP is delivered locally by Programme Implementers, who operate a range of community schemes and programmes.
The programme’s target groups are, children and families from disadvantaged areas, lone parents, new communities (including refugees, asylum seekers), people living in disadvantaged communities, people with disabilities, Roma, the unemployed (including those not on the Live Register), travellers, low income workers/households, young unemployed people from disadvantaged areas and NEETs - young people aged 15-24 who are not in employment, education or training. There is a strong focus on community activation, social inclusion and community development, in addition to prioritisation of those most hard to reach in our communities.
While SICAP does not provide grants, Programme Implementers do fund activities to address and respond to local needs and priorities. For example, people with disabilities can receive a range of supports i.e. to develop community groups to address and respond to their needs, increase their engagement at community level, access education or training or to bring them closer to the labour market, in line with the Programme’s goals. Supports to deal with mental health issues are often provided as part of a holistic approach to support the development and participation of programme beneficiaries.
As other Government Departments may have specific grant schemes under their respective remit which relate to the matter referred to in the Question, the Deputy may wish to make direct contact with the Departments of Health, Social Protection and Justice and Equality.
243. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to reform local government and plans for funding extra services; his approach to the high level of commercial rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11626/16]
View answerI refer to the reply to Question Nos. 46 and 48 on today’s order paper which set out the position with regard to the general issue of local government reform.
On the question of funding for additional local authority services the distribution of such funding is a matter for individual local authorities who must decide on priorities for their own areas. In relation to commercial rates local authorities have been asked by my Department to continue to strive for reductions in commercial rates and other local charges in 2016. Authorities have responded well to such requests in recent years with a decrease in average Annual Rate on Valuation from 2010 to 2014. Figures for 2015 and 2016 are not directly comparable with previous years due to the unification of town and borough councils into single local authority structures which were accompanied by a statutory requirement for those authorities to harmonise the rates which previously applied in town councils.
244. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if residents of Part V housing are allowed under legislation to purchase their houses under a housing purchase scheme from their local authority; if not, if he will introduce provisions to allow this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11631/16]
View answerProvision was made in the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 for a new Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme for existing local authority houses. Following the necessary preparatory work the new Scheme came into operation on 1 January 2016. The Scheme is open to eligible tenants, including joint tenants, of local authority houses that are available for sale under the Scheme. To be eligible, tenants must meet certain criteria, including having been in receipt of social housing support for a minimum period of one year and having a minimum reckonable income of €15,000 per annum.
The provisions of Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, are designed to enable the development of mixed tenure sustainable communities. Part V units are excluded from the Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme to ensure that units delivered under this mechanism will remain available for people in need of social housing support and that the original policy goals of the legislation are not eroded over time. The continued development of mixed tenure communities remains central to promoting social integration.
The new scheme is in the very early stages of implementation and my Department is monitoring its operation in consultation with housing authorities. I intend to undertake a review of the scheme following the first 12 months of operation and I will bring forward any changes to the terms and conditions of the scheme which are considered necessary based on the evidence gathered at that stage.
245. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the Cabinet will make a decision on the Irish Glass Bottle site in Ringsend in Dublin 2; if the project will proceed under a strategic development zone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11658/16]
View answerLast week I brought a proposal to Government on this very matter on foot of a request by Dublin City Council for the designation of the western part of the Poolbeg peninsula as a Strategic Development Zone. As a result of my request, the Government made an Order designating the Poolbeg West area as Strategic Development Zone and Dublin City Council as the relevant development agency pursuant to the provisions of Section 166 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended).
The lands designated in the Government’s decision comprise of three major land parcels. One of these parcels relate to the Irish Glass Bottle (IGB) Site and Fabrizia Lands, which have areas of 10.1 and 4.6 hectares respectively and the other two parcels are Dublin Port lands.
It is my view, and indeed that of the Government that this designation will ensure the delivery of residential and commercial economic development with supporting infrastructure and facilities in a sustainable co-ordinated manner on a strategic site which is of national economic and social importance to the state.
A planning scheme must be prepared and adopted by Dublin City Council within the next two years setting out the planned development of the designated lands. A decision by a planning authority approving a planning scheme may be appealed to An Bord Pleanála. The requirements are set out in Sections 168 and 169 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).
246. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to reintroduce the financial contribution scheme for older persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11673/16]
View answerI understand the scheme referred to was a local authority scheme to enable older people to downsize from homes that may have become too large for them to more suitable accommodation, thus potentially freeing up homes for larger families. Such schemes were traditionally operated by some housing authorities within their own allocation schemes rather than as part of a national scheme. I met with local authority Chief Executives on 12 May 2016, in order to discuss, amongst other things, the housing situation and in particular boosting supply and the future delivery and implementation of the targets set for the local authorities under the Social Housing Strategy 2020. In that regard, I have asked all local authority Chief Executives for their ideas and proposals to expedite delivery of social housing.
My approach to resolving the challenges facing the housing sector is a collaborative one. That is why, in preparing the ‘Action Plan for Housing’, as set out in the Programme for a Partnership Government, I intend to consult with all key stakeholders, including local authority Chief Executives, and also draw on the important work of the Special Oireachtas Committee on Housing and Homelessness.
Housing for older people, in the context of an ageing and longer living population is an important consideration. The potential of targeted schemes to meet differing housing needs will be further examined in the context of the preparation of the Action Plan, drawing on the feed-back from local authorities and other stakeholders.
247. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the funds provided to Galway City Council and Galway County Council for the construction and purchase of social housing; the funds returned and unused by each council, and the number of social houses built and purchased in each of the years 2011 to 2016 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11692/16]
View answerFrom 2011 to date, my Department has provided €6.8 million to Galway City Council and €13 million to Galway County Council to support them in the delivery of their local authority housing construction and acquisition programmes. As funding provided is based on costs incurred by local authorities, a situation does not arise where funding is returned to my Department unspent.
Arising from the Social Housing Strategy, targets and provisional funding allocation have been notified to each local authority, including Galway City and Galway County Councils. These are available on my Department’s website at the following link: http://www.environ.ie/housing/social-housing/minsters-kelly-coffey-announce-eu15-billion-social-housing-targets-local.
The Galway authorities have a combined target of 1,126 social housing units for the period out to 2017, supported by an allocation of €58.5m, to be invested in a combination of building, buying and leasing schemes.
Following the notification of targets, approvals for a substantial number of new social housing projects were announced in May 2015, July 2015 and January 2016. Between these three announcements, almost €680 million has been allocated for over 3,900 social housing new builds, turnkey developments and acquisitions. This included over 270 units, supported by investment of some €45 million in respect of the Galway authorities. I am keen that all local authorities advance these projects as soon as possible and I have assured them that funding is available to fully support their efforts in this regard. Details of these project approvals 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.
http://www.environ.ie/housing/social-housing/ministers-kelly-coffey-announce-further-1000-social-housing-units.
Information on social housing units constructed and acquired in respect of all local authorities and approved housing bodies and funded by direct capital investment by my Department, is published on my Department’s website at the following link:http://www.environ.ie/housing/social-housing/social-and-affordble/overall-social-housing-provision.
As well as construction projects, local authorities have also been advised by my Department to be ambitious in the acquisition of social housing this year and have been assured that funding is available to meet that ambition.
248. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason a person's (details supplied) rent contribution has been increased by almost half when the person's means has not increased and the differential rent scheme on which the rent contribution calculation is based has not changed since the policy was implemented in 1998; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11708/16]
View answerThe management and administration of the Rental Accommodation Scheme is the responsibility of each local authority. Section 63(3) of the Local Government Act 2001 provides that, subject to law, a local authority is independent in the performance of its functions. Section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 specifically provides that the Minister’s power to issue policy directions and guidelines to housing authorities in relation to their housing functions shall not be construed as enabling the Minister to exercise any power or control in relation to any individual case with which a housing authority is or may be concerned.
I am therefore, precluded by current housing legislation from exercising any power or control or intervening in relation to any individual case being dealt with by a housing authority. This is entirely a matter for the local authority, having regards to their own policies.
249. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the details of the reduction in revenue from commercial rates for Limerick City and County Council, Waterford City and County Council, Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council, South Dublin County Council and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council as a result of the Valuation Office's global revaluation, if the commercial rates charged by each local authority in 2015 were to remain the same in 2017, and no other source of revenue was found to substitute the lost revenue, in tabular form. [11723/16]
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 Commissioner for Valuation has sole responsibility for all valuation matters except appeals of valuation procedures set out under the Valuation Act 2001, as amended, which comes under the remit of an independent Valuation Tribunal. The Valuation Act 2001 comes under the aegis of my colleague, the Minister for Justice and Equality.
Under Part 5 of the Valuation Act 2001, as amended, the Commissioner of Valuation is conducting a revaluation of all commercial and industrial properties throughout the State and re valuations have been completed in South Dublin County Council, Fingal County Council, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Dublin City Council, Waterford City and County Council and Limerick City and County Council.
The essential purpose of a revaluation is to redistribute the burden of rates more equitably, in line with relative changes in valuations across different classes of properties, or individual properties within particular classes or uses. It is not the purpose of a revaluation to increase or decrease the total amount of commercial rates collected by local authorities. Revaluation results in more consistent and up-to-date valuations for rating purposes and provides a more equitable distribution of valuations across those liable to pay rates.
Section 8 of the Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Act 2006 provides that I, as Minister, can make an order directing a rating authority to limit the overall amount of income it could raise through rates in the year following a revaluation to the total amount of rates liable to be paid to it in the previous year, adjusted for inflation. Rate limitation orders have been made in each of the local authorities that have undergone a revaluation to date. However, the levying and collection of rates are matters for each individual local authority. Accordingly, the information requested in the question is not available in my Department.
250. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he will make a decision on a submission for funding for an extension for local authority housing by Galway City Council; the number of submissions the council made in this respect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11724/16]
View answer251. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he will make a decision on submissions for funding for an extension for local authority housing by Galway County Council; the number of submissions the council made in this respect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11728/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 250 and 251 together.
Funding has been made available to all local authorities, including Galway City and County Councils, towards the programme 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. The detailed administration of the programme, including the advancement of priority cases, is the responsibility of the relevant local authorities. Funding provided by my Department meets 90% of the cost of the works, with each local authority providing the remaining 10%. Both Galway City and County Councils have been assured of the availability of funding from my Department under this programme.
252. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is aware that a tenant (details supplied) of Sligo County Council on the recommendation of the occupational therapy service in the Health Service Executive applied for the provision of a walk-in shower in January 2014 and that the council made a submission for funding for the works to his Department in February 2015 and a further submission in February 2016; if it normally takes over 12 months to process and approve funding for such works; when he will make a decision on this submission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11739/16]
View answerMy Department provides funding to local authorities for various social housing supports, including for adaptations and extensions to the social housing stock to meet needs of local authority tenants with a disability or to address serious overcrowding. Funding provided by my Department meets 90% of the cost of such works, with each local authority providing the remaining 10%.
The administration of the grants is a matter for individual local authorities and my Department is not involved with the assessment or prioritisation of individual applications. I understand that the application in question is on Sligo County Council’s priority list for the required works and it remains a matter for the Council to address.
253. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the status of the takeover of group water schemes by Irish Water, given that his Department has apparently been discussing this for more than two years but no scheme has been taken over, even though hundreds of schemes have applied to be taken over during this time. [11803/16]
View answerThe Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provides for the transfer of water services functions from the 34 water services authorities to Irish Water. Under the legislation, Irish Water now has the powers previously held by local authorities in relation to the takeover of Group Water Schemes. This means that Irish Water may acquire by agreement a waterworks or waste water works, subject generally to not fewer than two thirds of those entitled to dispose of it (typically the members of a group water scheme), giving their consent. It is open, therefore, to group water schemes to contact Irish Water if they wish to have their schemes considered for take over.
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. A number of pilot projects relating to the takeover of group water schemes have been undertaken as pathfinders to identify and standardise the processes and documentation required at each step of the taking in charge process. The information and experience gained has fed into an overall governance framework which is to be utilised by Irish Water and relevant local authorities on all future schemes to be taken in charge.
In January 2016, my Department wrote to local authorities advising them of a new multi-annual approach to the funding of group water 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.
254. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if approved housing bodies have an obligation to register their tenancies with the Private Residential Tenancies Board; when this obligation came into effect; and the implications of this obligation on the security of tenants with respect to the four-year tenancy rule. [11811/16]
View answerThe Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2015 amended section 3 of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 so that dwellings let by approved housing bodies (AHBs) to social housing tenants now come within the remit of the Act. The position of these tenants is significantly improved by the change, which commenced on 7 April 2016, as they now benefit from the following:
- Increased security of tenure;
- Access to Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) dispute resolution procedures, including free mediation;
- Binding obligations on AHBs as landlords to, inter alia, register all tenancies, keep dwellings in good repair and allow peaceful occupation.
AHB tenants will automatically gain these rights under Part IV of the Act 6 months after registration of their tenancy with the RTB.
255. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will ensure that rural dwellers have a reasonable opportunity of providing a home in their own environment through the planning process, while maintaining good planning practices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11858/16]
View answerMy Department published Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Rural Housing in April 2005 as a broad national level policy framework for local planning authorities in drawing up their statutory development plans and addressing the issue of housing in rural areas, taking into account the particular circumstances of the relevant local authority and the type of rural areas it may contain, including areas adjacent to large cities and towns that require careful management of development pressures as opposed to areas experiencing population decline.
The guidelines require planning authorities to frame their local planning policies in a balanced and measured way that ensures that the housing requirements arising from rural communities are met on the one hand while avoiding excessive urban generated housing and ribbon development on the other hand , while also ensuring that sites developed for rural housing purposes are suitable with regard to access, wastewater disposal and design perspectives.
The Guidelines further elaborate on the physical development policies for rural areas as set out in the National Spatial Strategy (2002) which, inter alia, promotes sustainable rural settlement as a key component of delivering more balanced regional development.
It is a matter for individual planning authorities, including An Bord Pleanála on appeal, to implement the provisions of the Guidelines in individual cases.
The latest housing construction statistics show that approximately half of all national housing output is accounted for by single dwellings, mainly in rural areas, which suggests that there are significant levels of both planning approvals and commencements of new houses in rural areas as compared to urban areas where there is presently quite significant under supply.
256. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his progress in completing unfinished housing estates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11859/16]
View answer258. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he can identify suitable finished or unfinished housing units in the local authority areas most seriously affected by inordinately long waiting lists and potential homelessness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11861/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 256 and 258 together.
Since 2010, an annual national housing survey of unfinished housing developments has been conducted during the summer months to monitor progress. In that period, the number of unfinished housing developments has decreased by approximately three-quarters, from nearly 3,000 in 2010 to 668 in 2015.
The detailed findings of the annual surveys providing a breakdown of unfinished housing developments across local authority areas, annual progress reports and other useful publications and information in relation to Unfinished Housing Developments are available on the Housing Agency’s website at: http://www.housing.ie/Our-Services/Unfinished-Housing-Developments.aspx.
A summary of the 2013 Social Housing Assessment, which provides a breakdown of social housing need across local authority areas, is available on my Department’s website at: http://www.environ.ie/sites/default/files/migrated-files/en/Publications/DevelopmentandHousing/Housing/FileDownLoad,34857,en.pdf.
Arrangements to carry out the 2016 summary, which will provide updated figures of national housing need later this year, are well advanced. Further summaries will be carried out on an annual basis, thereafter.
The 2015 National Housing Development Survey and the Annual Progress Report illustrate that good progress is continuing to be made in resolving unfinished developments and that the reactivation of sites is now evident throughout the country.
The Government has committed, as set out in the Programme, to seek additional funding from 2017 to fund the completion of the remaining unfinished housing developments. This recognises that finishing out housing developments will alleviate housing supply pressures and deliver social housing units under the social housing obligations contained in Part V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2015.
