Written Answers Nos. 227-47
227. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the funding provided on a local authority basis for each of the past five years under the improvement works in lieu of a local authority housing scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25521/17]
View answerMy Department provides capital funding to Local Authorities for Improvement Works In Lieu (IWILs) to enable them to repair, improve or extend privately owned houses that are occupied by approved housing applicants as an alternative to the provision of Local Authority housing.
IWILs are administered under the Disabled Person’s Grants (DPG) scheme. It is a matter for the Local Authorities to prioritise their need under the Scheme and in recent years Local Authorities have generally favoured targeting the available funding towards the DPG scheme, in order to address disability-related housing needs directly within their own social housing stock.
From 2012 to 2016, my Department has provided funding of €28,196,875 in respect of DPGs and IWILs combined. Details of the funding with regard to IWILs only is provided in the following table:
|
LA |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|
Carlow |
€119,930 |
€49,500 |
|||
|
Cavan |
€29,511 |
||||
|
Cork County |
€63,904 |
||||
|
Donegal |
€19,564 |
||||
|
Kerry |
€5,675 |
€17,264 |
€989 |
||
|
Laois |
€9,674 |
||||
|
Mayo |
€67,500 |
€112,500 |
€43,011 |
||
|
North Tipperary |
€51,393 |
€9,483 |
|||
|
Sligo |
€15,823 |
||||
|
Waterford |
€65,089 |
||||
|
Westmeath |
€900 |
€74,506 |
|||
|
Wexford |
€16,219 |
228. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the position regarding the review of the new tenant purchase scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25522/17]
View answerThe Tenant (Incremental) Purchase 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.
In line with the commitment given in the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness, a review of the first 12 months of the scheme’s operation has been undertaken. The review has incorporated analysis of comprehensive data received from local authorities regarding the operation of the scheme during 2016 and a wide-ranging public consultation process which saw submissions received from individuals, elected representatives and organisations.
The review is now complete and, following consultation with relevant Departments, I expect that definitive proposals will be submitted to me in June 2017.
229. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the reason an applicant for a local authority mortgage cannot use social welfare income as reckonable income for mortgage assessment, even in situations in which the payment may be a long-term one, such as in the case of a daughter or son caring for a parent or a parent caring for a child with additional needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25550/17]
View answerThe terms and conditions governing the operation of the House Purchase Loan provided by local authorities to first-time buyers are set out in the Housing (Local Authority Loans) Regulations 2012. To support local authorities in operating their housing loan scheme in a consistent and efficient manner, the Housing Agency provides a central underwriting service to local authorities. The final decision on loan approval is a matter for the relevant local authority and its credit committee on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with the relevant statutory Credit Policy that underpins the scheme. Decisions on all housing loan applications must be made in accordance with this statutory Credit Policy in order to ensure prudence and consistency in approaches in the best interests of both borrowers and local authorities as lenders alike.
The House Purchase Loan is not, as a general rule, available to those whose sole income relies on social welfare benefits. However, where there is a primary income of a permanent waged or salaried nature and where the secondary income is from the Department of Social Protection, then long-term social welfare payments can be considered provided the long-term nature of the payment is confirmed by the Department of Social Protection or other relevant Government Department.
230. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if the building regulations contain specific requirements for the gradient on footpaths and kerb height, in particular at points of entry to driveways; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25553/17]
View answerThe aim of the building regulations is to provide for the safety and welfare of people in and about buildings. The building regulations apply to the design and construction of a new building (including a dwelling) or an extension to an existing building. The minimum performance requirements that a building must achieve are set out in the second schedule to the building regulations. These requirements are set out in 12 parts classified as Parts A to M.
The requirements of Part M, Access and Use, provide that adequate provision shall be made for people to access and use a building, its facilities and environs. The accompanying Technical Guidance Document M (TGD M) provides detailed guidance on how this may be achieved in practice.
TGD M Section 1.1 provides detailed guidance on approach to buildings other than dwellings from the adjacent road or the entrance point at the boundary of the site, and from any designated car-parking spaces for people with disabilities and/or setting down areas. TGD M Section 3.1 provides detailed guidance on approach to dwellings from the entrance at the boundary of a dwelling plot or the point at which a person visiting a dwelling would normally alight from a vehicle within the dwelling plot.
The Design Manual for Urban Roads and Streets jointly issued by my Department and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in March 2013 provides guidance for kerb heights and footways in the public realm. However, the required design and construction standards for public roads are a matter for my colleague the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport.
231. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the steps he has taken since coming to office to resolve the issue of Irish Water refusing to access and resolve issues with public water and wastewater infrastructure that is located private side; his views on whether this is an issue across the State; the timeframe for resolution of this anomaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25564/17]
View answerWith effect from 1 January 2014, Irish Water is responsible for delivering public water services. Irish Water is also responsible for water services infrastructure including water supply pipes or drainage pipes extending from a waterworks or wastewater works to the curtilage of a private property.
Under sections 43 and 54 of the Water Services Act 2007, responsibility for maintenance and replacement of any water or wastewater pipes, connections or distribution systems that are located within the boundary of a private property rests with the owner. This was the position that pertained prior to the establishment of Irish Water, when individual local authorities held responsibility for public water services and infrastructure.
While the legal position is set out in the 2007 Act, my Department is engaging with Irish Water to set out clearly the responsibilities of both Irish Water and property owners in relation to water supply and wastewater infrastructure.
232. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the number of properties remediated under the pyrite remediation scheme; the numbers refused; the numbers approved and awaiting remediation; and the number with a damage condition rating, DCR, of 2, 1 with progression and 1 in each of the categories. [25565/17]
View answerThe Pyrite Resolution Act 2013 provides for the making of a pyrite remediation scheme by the Pyrite Resolution Board for certain dwellings affected by significant pyrite damage. The pyrite remediation scheme is a scheme of “last resort” and is limited in its application and scope. The full conditions for eligibility under the scheme are set out in the scheme, which is available on the Board’s website (www.pyriteboard.ie).
The scheme is applicable to dwellings which are subject to significant damage attributable to pyritic heave established in accordance with I.S. 398-1:2013 - Reactive pyrite in sub-floor hardcore material – Part 1: Testing and categorisation protocol. It is a condition of eligibility under the scheme that an application to the Board must be accompanied by a Building Condition Assessment with a Damage Condition Rating of 2. I have no proposals to amend this eligibility criterion.
Given that the scheme does not apply to dwellings which have a Damage Condition Rating of 1, the Board does not maintain records on the number of properties that fall into this category. Nevertheless, the Board is aware that 11 dwellings, which had a Damage Condition Rating of 1 when their building condition assessments were first completed, and which were refused under the scheme, have now progressed to a Damage Condition Rating of 2; these dwellings have now been included in the pyrite remediation scheme following the submission of new applications.
The latest figures available indicate that a total of 1,722 applications have been received under the pyrite remediation scheme. Of the 1,722 applications received so far, 1,264 dwellings have been included in the pyrite remediation scheme and the applicants notified accordingly.
A further 184 applications have been validated and referred to the Housing Agency for the Assessment and Verification Process, while another 185 applications are at the initial Application and Validation Process. 89 applications under the scheme were not successful.
Of the 1,264 dwellings that have been included in the pyrite remediation scheme:
- 294 are at remedial works planning stage,
- 1 is at tender / tender analysis,
- 67 are at tender decision,
- 201 are under remediation, and
- 701 are complete.
233. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if extra funding will be made available to local authorities such as Carlow and Kilkenny that have been chosen to provide accommodation to Syrian refugees; and if they will be asked to extract the funding from their housing budget. [25579/17]
View answerUnder the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness, an operational sub-group under the auspices of the Irish Refugee Protection Programme (IRPP) Taskforce, composed of all relevant Departments of State and other bodies such as representatives of local authorities and the Irish Red Cross, was established to support the process of housing the families referred to by the Deputy. This sub-group is co-chaired by my Department and the Department of Justice and Equality.
Arrangements are being put in place at local authority level across the country to support the housing of these refugees, including through the Housing Assistance Payment Scheme (HAP). Such housing solutions are being funded from the €5.35billion approved by Government under Rebuilding Ireland. It should be noted that a range of other supports are also being made available at local level to support the integration of the families concerned into their new communities.
234. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the capital and current expenditure on housing in 2016; and the allocated capital and current expenditure on housing in 2017, in tabular form. [25663/17]
View answerThe details requested by the Deputy on housing expenditure in 2016 and the allocation for housing programmes in 2017 are provided in the following table:
|
2016 Expenditure €million[1] |
2017 allocation €million[2] |
|
|
Capital Programmes |
534 |
732 |
|
Current Programmes |
401 |
566 |
|
Total |
935 |
1,298 |
[1] Includes expenditure by local authorities from surplus LPT receipts.
[2] Includes surplus LPT allocation.
235. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the status of the fire services capital plan. [25686/17]
View answerThe provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of fire station premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Service Act, 1981. My Department supports the fire authorities through setting general policy, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding for priority infrastructural projects.
In February 2016, my Department announced a five-year Fire Services Capital Programme with an allocation of €40 million, based on the current annual €8 million allocation, to be used for the purchase of fire appliances and specialist equipment, building or upgrading of prioritised Fire Stations, an upgrade of the Communications and Mobilisation system and improvements to Training Centres.
New fire station projects specified in the Capital Programme have been approved to tender stage by my Department in line with anticipated timeframes. These include Templemore, Graiguenamanagh, Ferbane, Tuam and Virginia. New fire stations are also proposed over the lifetime of the Programme for Macroom, Cashel, Loughrea, Clonakilty, New Ross, Ballyjamesduff, Manorhamilton, Kilmacthomas, Castleblayney, Urlingford, Nobber, Crossmolina and Dunleer.
Approval to proceed to tender stage has been given for an extension to Killarney fire station. Other fire stations proposed under the Programme for remedial/upgrade works include Ballinasloe, Dunshaughlin, Muine Bheag, Mountmellick, Mountrath, Ballinamore, Drumshanbo, Oldcastle and Kilkee.
The fire appliance joint procurement programme, which will see the delivery of 20 new appliances to local authorities around the country, is progressing according to schedule. The time-frame for construction of these vehicles is approximately 18 months, and a number of these appliances are already in service, with the remainder expected to be delivered by end Q4 2017/Q1 2018.
My Department is working closely with individual local authorities to progress the Capital Programme projects as a matter of priority. The projects are reassessed on an annual basis, and priority may be adjusted to bring forward projects offering best value-for-money and to take account of the state of readiness of the projects.
236. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the status of the library capital plan. [25687/17]
View answerIn January 2016, my Department launched the Libraries Capital Investment Programme 2016-2021.
Over the lifetime of the programme, the Department will invest approximately €23m in 17 capital projects and the roll out of the My Open Library service. This will be matched by some €35m of local authority own funds.
All funding has been allocated under the programme since January 2016 and will be drawn down by the relevant local authorities as projects progress over the period of the programme. Details in relation to the amounts allocated and the expenditure to date on each project is set out in the accompanying table.
|
Local Authority |
Library Project |
DoHPCLG Allocation |
DoHPCLG Spend to date |
|
Dublin City |
Kevin Street |
€1m |
€0 |
|
Kildare |
Athy |
€1.65m |
€0.773m |
|
Laois |
Portlaoise |
€1.65m |
€0 |
|
Wicklow |
Wicklow Town |
€1m |
€0.511m |
|
Sth Co. Dublin |
North Clondalkin |
€1m |
€0 |
|
Tipperary |
Carrick-on-Suir |
€0.15m |
€0 |
|
Clare |
Ennis |
€3m |
€0.84m |
|
Offaly |
Edenderry |
€1.7m |
€0 |
|
Cavan |
Virginia |
€0.85m |
€0 |
|
Kilkenny |
Kilkenny City |
€2.45m |
€0 |
|
Monaghan |
Monaghan Town |
€1m |
€0 |
|
Mayo |
Westport |
€1.1m |
€0 |
|
Limerick |
Limerick City |
€2m |
€0 |
|
Longford |
Edgeworthstown |
€1.25m |
€0 |
|
Tipperary |
Schools Mobile Library |
€0.1m |
€0.094m |
|
Wexford |
Mobile Library |
€0.25m |
€0 |
|
Kerry |
Mobile Library |
€0.25m |
€0m |
|
Various |
My Open Library Initiative |
€2.3m |
€1.13m |
237. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will provide a progress report on the way in which Irish Water will reduce its energy consumption by 33% by 2020. [25688/17]
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. Energy consumption 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 at oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on a dedicated number, 1890 578 578.
238. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the position regarding the review of guidelines regarding dog breeding establishments in view of Ireland's reputation as the puppy farm capital of Europe. [25747/17]
View answerI refer to the reply to Question Number 10 of 25 May 2017 which sets out the position in relation to this matter.
239. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government when the five units of accommodation being provided by an organisation (details supplied) at Station Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 will be ready for occupation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25777/17]
View answerThe units referred to have been part-funded by my Department through the Capital Advance Leasing Facility (CALF) which is available as a low interest loan provided by local authorities (and recouped by my Department) to Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs). This funding allows AHBs access to early working capital (up to 30% of the relevant costs) for the purchase, construction or refurbishment of units which will then be made available for social housing purposes under the Social Housing Current Expenditure Programme (SHCEP). Low interest rate borrowings are available to AHBs from the Housing Finance Agency and other private finance streams to support the financing of the balance. The AHB effectively uses the CALF approval for the capital injection of up to 30% and the ongoing commitment of lease income under the Payment and Availability Agreement to leverage the balance finance required.
Once an AHB has secured the property and signed the Payment and Availability Agreement with the local authority, they use the lease income to service the borrowings.
Properties made available under the CALF scheme are used to accommodate households from the local authority waiting list. Leased properties are allocated to tenants, in accordance with the relevant local authority's allocation scheme.
The relevant AHB has confirmed that the contracts for the acquisition of these new build units have recently been signed and the transaction is due to close in the next few weeks. However, ahead of that, the AHB has already been engaging bilaterally with South Dublin County Council and commenced the appropriate procedure to facilitate the most expeditious allocation of the dwellings, once the sale has closed.
Details in respect of the substantial pipeline of new social housing construction projects that is now in place are set out in the Status Report on Social Housing Construction Projects, the latest update of which I published recently and which is available at the following link: http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/rebuilding-ireland/coveney-publishes-details-further-progress-social-housing-schemes. Details of all the social housing construction projects being implemented across the 31 local authority areas are set out in the Report, including the number of new social homes covered by each separate project.
The Report covers over 600 projects, delivering over 10,000 new social homes, including some projects completed in 2016 and in the 1st quarter of this year, and others that are on site or at various stages of advancement through planning and design.
240. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will include a further column which would indicate the anticipated completion date for each scheme with regard to the social housing construction projects quarterly status reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25778/17]
View answerAll projects that are listed in the recently updated Social Housing Construction Status Report are being advanced through initial design, planning approval - with potential planning conditions - detailed design, tendering in line with public procurement requirements, placing of the contract and construction.
In that context, the advancement of each of these projects is a matter for the individual local authorities and the approved housing bodies and is subject to a wide range of exigencies, which can make it difficult to provide precise timings. I have undertaken to update the Status Report on a quarterly basis and this will show where progress is being made across all the projects and where new projects are being added to the pipeline. I am keen that all local authorities and approved housing bodies advance their social housing projects as speedily as possible and importantly I have assured them that funding is in place to support their activity in this regard.
In relation to the Deputy's specific query, my Department will, of course, consider the scope to add further information on projects, where possible, in future updates to the Status Report.
241. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will review the level of rents being paid under the rent supplement and housing assistance payment, HAP, schemes; if he has satisfied himself that the current rents payable under these schemes is sufficient to ensure that persons dependent on these payments can access housing at current rent levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25779/17]
View answer242. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the number of persons in receipt of HAP and rent supplement that are currently receiving an uplift in their payments by local authority, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25780/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 241 and 242 together.
Under the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme, a tenant sources their own accommodation, the tenancy agreement is between the tenant and the landlord and is governed by the Residential Tenancy Act 2004 (as amended). The Government increased the maximum rent limits available under the HAP and Rent Supplement schemes across the country with effect from 1 July 2016. Furthermore, additional flexibility above the existing HAP rent limits was made available to all HAP local authorities from the same date.
Each local authority has statutory discretion to agree to a HAP payment up to 20% above the prescribed maximum rent limit in circumstances where it is necessary, because of local rental market conditions, to secure appropriate accommodation for a household that requires it. It is a matter for the local authority to determine if the application of the flexibility is warranted on a case by case basis.
From data that is available, at the end of Q1 2017, 14.4% of the total number of households being supported by HAP were benefitting from the additional flexibility that was provided to local authorities to exceed the maximum rent limits. A table identifying the number of households being supported by HAP where additional flexibility was utilised by local authority area is provided in the table.
|
Local Authority Area |
Number of HAP supported households at end of Q1 2017 |
Number of HAP supported households where additional flexibility was utilised by LA |
% |
|
Carlow County Council |
479 |
25 |
5.20% |
|
Cavan County Council |
28 |
- |
0.00% |
|
Clare County Council |
1,046 |
23 |
2.20% |
|
Cork City Council |
1,119 |
319 |
28.50% |
|
Cork County Council |
1,935 |
127 |
6.60% |
|
Donegal County Council |
1,408 |
2 |
0.10% |
|
Dublin City Council* |
967 |
853 |
88.20% |
|
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council |
11 |
7 |
63.60% |
|
Fingal County Council |
73 |
53 |
72.60% |
|
Galway City Council |
499 |
227 |
45.50% |
|
Galway County Council |
480 |
31 |
6.50% |
|
Kerry County Council |
88 |
9 |
10.20% |
|
Kildare County Council |
969 |
341 |
35.20% |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
753 |
6 |
0.80% |
|
Laois County Council |
27 |
- |
0.00% |
|
Leitrim County Council |
16 |
- |
0.00% |
|
Limerick City & County Council |
1,638 |
16 |
1.00% |
|
Longford County Council |
24 |
- |
0.00% |
|
Louth County Council |
1,385 |
12 |
0.90% |
|
Mayo County Council |
492 |
298 |
60.60% |
|
Meath County Council |
650 |
213 |
32.80% |
|
Monaghan County Council |
333 |
8 |
2.40% |
|
Offaly County Council |
359 |
2 |
0.60% |
|
Roscommon County Council |
24 |
- |
0.00% |
|
Sligo County Council |
246 |
- |
0.00% |
|
South Dublin County Council |
1,636 |
52 |
3.20% |
|
Tipperary County Council |
1,220 |
102 |
8.40% |
|
Waterford City & County Council |
1,191 |
43 |
3.60% |
|
Westmeath County Council |
48 |
5 |
10.40% |
|
Wexford County Council |
69 |
2 |
2.90% |
|
Wicklow County Council |
77 |
3 |
3.90% |
|
Grand Total |
19,290 |
2,779 |
14.40% |
*Dublin City Council figures include homeless households assisted under the Homeless HAP scheme, under which additional discretion is available in recognition of the difficulty that can exist in housing homeless households.
More than 22,000 households are currently in receipt of HAP support. A breakdown by the number of households supported by HAP, including the number of Rent Supplement transfers in each local authority area for 2016 and for Q1 2017, is available on my Department's website at the following link: http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/social-housing/social-and-affordble/overall-social-housing-provision.
My Department continues to keep the operation of the HAP scheme under review. I am satisfied with how the HAP scheme is operating and I consider it to be a key vehicle for meeting housing need and fulfilling the ambitious programme under Rebuilding Ireland.
Rent Supplement is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection.
243. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the progress being made in developing a cost rental model for the housing rental sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25781/17]
View answerUnder the Strategy for the Rental Sector, a range of measures to improve the supply of rental accommodation that meets the needs of ordinary households are being progressed including:
- build to rent models;
- use of State-owned lands to deliver affordable rental in areas of high demand;
- measures to increase the supply of dedicated student accommodation to free-up units in the general rental market;
- supports to bring vacant stock into use;
- consideration of tax and fiscal incentives to encourage additional supply.
In addition to these measures, the Strategy for the Rental Sector noted that the Programme for a Partnership Government contains a commitment to develop a "cost rental" option, taking account of work already completed in this area, including by NESC and others.
In line with this commitment, Action 12 of the Strategy for the Rental Sector provides that my Department will lead an expert group to develop a cost rental model for the Irish rental sector, addressing issues such as funding mechanisms, the need to grow the necessary institutional capacity, particularly within the AHB and not for profit sector (whether through mergers, new entrants or strategic partnerships), the households to be targeted and the appropriate regulation mechanisms. The expert group will assess the benefits that a larger and more developed not-for-profit segment would bring to the rental sector and the housing system, and examine the feasibility and effectiveness of different approaches to achieve the desired change. A proposal to establish the Expert Group - including membership and terms of reference - is currently under consideration in my Department.
244. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the number of homeless families that are expected to be accommodated at the proposed family hub at a site (details supplied) in Coolock, Dublin 17; the date the family hub is expected to be ready. [25786/17]
View answer245. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the cost to lease the proposed family hub to accommodate homeless families at a site (details supplied) in Coolock, Dublin 17; the estimated costs to refurbish the site. [25787/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 244 and 245 together.
It is recognised that hotel accommodation is inappropriate for accommodating homeless families for anything other than a short period of time. Accordingly Rebuilding Ireland: Action Plan on Housing and Homelessness, includes the objective that, by mid-2017, hotels will only be used in limited circumstances as emergency accommodation for families.
To meet this objective, in addition to providing for long-term housing needs, housing authorities are pursuing the delivery of a range of additional and enhanced family-focused facilities which offer a greater level of stability than is possible in hotels, while move-on options to long-term independent living are identified and secured. Such arrangements will facilitate more coordinated needs assessment and support, including on-site access to required services, such as welfare, health, housing services and appropriate family supports.
Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of homeless accommodation and related services rests with individual housing authorities. Accordingly, specific information in relation to the number of families accommodated in individual facilities in Dublin is a matter for the Dublin Region Homeless Executive.
Negotiations in relation to the leasing and refurbishment costs of family hub projects across Dublin are on-going and the details are therefore commercially sensitive. The Dublin Region Homeless Executive has indicated that it is not in a position to release this information as to do so would compromise their negotiating position during this process.
246. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will reinstate funding for local authorities to help clean up graffiti (details supplied). [25797/17]
View answerMy Department does not provide specific funding allocations for the removal of graffiti. Local authorities receive income from a variety of sources including grants from Central Government, Local Property Tax proceeds, commercial rates and other locally-raised charges. It is a matter for each local authority to determine its own spending priorities, having regard to both locally identified needs and available resources. I understand that graffiti cleanup costs may previously have been supported by funding made available through the Environment Fund; that Fund falls under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment.
Defacement of any structure, unless authorised in writing, in advance, by the owner, occupier or person in charge thereof is an offence under the Litter Pollution Acts and also constitutes criminal damage under the provisions of the Criminal Damage Act 1991, which fall under the remit of my colleagues, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment and the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, respectively.
247. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the reason for his apparent intention not to provide for public participation in his plan to exempt large-scale peat extraction from the requirement to obtain planning permission; and the way in which this decision not to consult the public is consistent with Ireland's obligations under Article 8 of the Aarhus Convention. [25798/17]
View answerAs I indicated to the Deputy in my reply to Question No. 145 of 18 May 2017, draft Regulations under the European Communities Act 1972 are currently being progressed relating to the establishment of a new consent system for large-scale peat extraction. These draft Regulations have been the subject of detailed and focused stakeholder input from relevant Government Departments, State bodies, industry representatives and environmental groups. A detailed review of the proposals is on-going in light of this broad stakeholder input, with a view to finalising the Regulations by the end of June.
Consultation with the public was not considered necessary as the proposals in the draft Regulations involve a reconfiguration of responsibilities between two existing consent systems rather than the introduction of a completely new regulatory system for large-scale peat extraction that might have a significant effect on the environment, as referenced in Article 8 of the Aarhus Convention.
Under the proposed new regime, the Environmental Protection Agency will be required to carry out an environmental impact assessment as part of its examination of licence applications for continuing or commencing peat extraction of 30 hectares or more and that activity will be exempted from the requirement to obtain planning permission.
