Written Answers Nos. 1758-1780
1758. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of dwellings offered by NAMA to Limerick City and County Council and approved housing bodies for use as social housing; the number of these accepted; and the number of these now in use. [1202/18]
View answerThe National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) plays an important role in the delivery of social housing. To the end of December 2017, a total of 2,472 residential properties, which are part of the security for loans that NAMA has acquired, had been secured for use by local authorities or approved housing bodies.
Information on the dwellings identified as potentially suitable for social housing in the Limerick City and County Council area is set out in the table as at end December 2017:
|
Dwellings Identified |
Demand Confirmed |
No longer under consideration |
|
163 |
38 |
125 |
As at end December 2017, 16 dwellings were delivered for social housing in Limerick. (4 apartments/12 houses). The breakdown of this figure by Approved Housing Body is set out below. Information on the tenanting/use of these units is not held in my Department.
|
- |
Breakdown |
|
Brothers of Charity |
7 |
|
Cluid Housing Association |
5 |
|
Focus Ireland |
4 |
|
Total |
16 |
These and other statistics are available on the website of the Housing Agency at http://www.housing.ie/NAMA.
1759. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of social housing units built and purchased by Limerick City and County Council in each of the years 2007 to 2017, in tabular form. [1203/18]
View answerThrough the supports made available from my Department, funding is available to all local authorities to deliver social housing stock through new construction projects and the acquisition of new and previously owned houses/apartments for social housing use, including through working with Approved Housing Bodies.
Details on the number of properties purchased and built and purchased by Limerick City and County Council from 2007 to 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. Information on the final quarter of 2017 is currently being collected and will be published once collated.
1760. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of housing units demolished, refurbished and built under the regeneration programme in Limerick city to date, in tabular form. [1204/18]
View answerThe detailed advancement of the Limerick Regeneration programme is a matter for Limerick City & County Council. Based on information provided by the Council, the numbers of housing units newly built, refurbished, improved under the thermal upgrade programme and those demolished, are as set out in the following table.
The Limerick Regeneration Framework Implementation Plan (LRFIP) published in 2013, saw a move away from demolitions and a prioritisation of both refurbishments and the delivery of targeted, high quality new housing construction, along with a continued focus on community and economic supports. Good progress is being made in implementing the LRFIP across the physical, social and economic pillars of regeneration, as can be seen in a review published in December 2016 which is available at the following link: https://www.limerick.ie/council/services/housing/regeneration/limerick-regeneration-framework-implementation-plan.
|
- |
Number of Housing Units |
|
Constructed |
201 |
|
Refurbished |
370 |
|
Thermal upgrade programme |
591 |
|
Demolitions |
1072 |
1761. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the planned number of social housing units to be built or purchased in County Limerick in 2018. [1205/18]
View answerThrough the supports made available under Rebuilding Ireland, funding is available to all local authorities to deliver additional social housing stock through new construction projects and through the acquisition of new and previously owned houses/apartments for social housing use, including through working with approved housing bodies. Details on the number of properties purchased and built in all local authority areas, are 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. Information on quarter four of 2017 is currently being finalised and will be published thereafter.
In relation to social housing delivery for 2018 and beyond, for Limerick City & County Council as well as other local authorities, this will be in line with their targets under Rebuilding Ireland. I will be discussing these targets with the local authority Chief Executives at a Housing Summit I am holding with them next week, after which the targets will be published.
In relation to social housing construction activity in general, my Department publishes status reports on a quarterly basis, of social housing construction schemes for all local authority areas, showing details such as their locations and a range of information relating to their advancement. The most recent of these reports covers the period up to the end of quarter 3 of 2017. The report can be accessed at the following link: http://rebuildingireland.ie/news/housing-construction-report-q3/.
1762. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the position regarding proposals for a new mortgage to rent scheme; the number of persons that are expected to be approved under this scheme in 2018, 2019 and 2020; his plans to have a pilot scheme several years after the original scheme; when the new scheme will be fully operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1249/18]
View answer1763. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of applications received in respect of the mortgage to rent scheme in each of the years since its inception to the end of 2017; the number approved in each year; the number that were completed in each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1250/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1762 and 1763 together.
The Housing Agency publishes, on a quarterly basis, detailed statistical information on the operation of the MTR scheme, including the number of applications received and completed transactions. This information is available on the Agency's website at the following link:
https://www.housingagency.ie/our-services/housing-supply-services/mortgage-to-rent.aspx .
Following a Review of the Mortgage to Rent (MTR) Scheme, published on 8 February 2017, a range of amendments to the eligibility criteria and administration of the MTR scheme came into effect to enable more properties to qualify and to make the scheme more flexible and accessible to borrowers. The Review, available at the following link: http://rebuildingireland.ie/news/changes-in-mortgage-to-rent-scheme/, explored the impediments to participation in the scheme and recommended a number of actions to make the scheme work better for borrowers.
My Department and the Housing Agency are working with all stakeholders to ensure that the actions set out in the Review are being effectively implemented to benefit a greater number of households. I am providing an additional €5m for the MTR scheme this year, which will support at least 250 additional MTR cases to be completed by AHBs working together with lenders using the existing MTR scheme.
The MTR Review also concluded that the current financial model of the MTR scheme may not, in its current configuration, be capable of delivering the scale of successful cases that could benefit from the scheme over time. In order to test the operability of alternative funding models for the scheme, the Housing Agency has been working with a number of financial entities who have expressed an interest in working with the MTR scheme to progress a number of alternative long-term lease arrangements. In advance of these pilots and to establish the operability of an alternative financing approach, a targeted market testing exercise has been undertaken by the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA), to test the suitability of the proposed enhanced leasing arrangements to ascertain if they would be viable for a MTR cohort, taking account of the necessity to provide a long-term stable solution for eligible households.
The responses to the market testing exercise have been reviewed by the Housing Agency and my Department. A call for Expressions of Interest from bodies interested in pursuing pilot operating models was initiated by the Housing Agency on 26 October 2017. Once the Expressions of Interest process is concluded - the extended deadline for receipt of submissions is 31 January 2018 - the Housing Agency will make recommendations to my Department as to the make-up of the pilot scheme, which can then be initiated.
Following the completion of the pilot scheme and depending on its success and the availability of funding, a wider MTR scheme modelled on the alternatively funded pilot scheme, may be considered.
1764. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if a further circular letter has issued in relation to section 3.2.3 of the Rural Housing Guidelines (details supplied); if not, the reason therefor; the timeframe to issue this circular; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1275/18]
View answer1784. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government further to a document sent by his Department to councils around the country in relation to one off housing, his plans to try to stop it which is the view expressed by different councils of the document that was sent to councils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1420/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1764 and 1784 together.
Following engagement between the European Commission and my Department regarding the 2013 European Court of Justice ruling in the Flemish Decree case, a working group, comprising senior representatives from my Department and planning authorities, was established in May 2017 to review and, where necessary, recommend changes to the 2005 Planning Guidelines on Sustainable Rural Housing, issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, with a view to ensuring that rural housing policies and objectives contained in county development plans comply with the relevant provisions of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
The Working Group concluded its deliberations in September 2017 and my Department is now engaging with the Commission on the matter, with a view to issuing revised Guidelines to planning authorities as soon as practicable after the finalised National Planning Framework is published.
Planning authorities were advised in May 2017, that they should not amend rural housing policies in their development plans until the Guidelines have been revised. The relevant Circular letter is available to view on my Department's website at the following link: http://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/pl_02-2017_sustainable_rural_housing_guidelines_for_planning_authorities_2005_-_local_need.pdf
Pending finalisation of the NPF and new Guidelines, I have no plans to issue further circulars on the issue.
1765. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 1967 of 11 September 2017, when the report of the review of the tenant purchase scheme will be published; the timeframe for decisions to be made on foot of this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1280/18]
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. To be eligible, tenants must meet certain criteria, including having a minimum reckonable income of €15,000 per annum and having been in receipt of social housing support for at least one year.
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 Tenant Purchase 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 a full report setting out findings and recommendations has been prepared. I expect to be in a position to publish the outcome of the review shortly.
1766. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if a redress scheme for homeowners affected by mica will be established within the first quarter of 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1298/18]
View answer1769. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the progress which has been made to establish a suitable redress scheme for homeowners affected by the issue of defective block work in counties Donegal and Mayo; when such a scheme will be accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1367/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1766 and 1769 together.
The Expert Panel on concrete blocks was established by my Department in 2016, to investigate problems that have emerged in the concrete blockwork of certain dwellings in Counties Donegal and Mayo.
The panel had the following terms of reference:
1. To identify, insofar as it is possible, the numbers of private dwellings which appear to be affected by defects in the blockwork in the Counties of Donegal and Mayo;
2. To carry out a desktop study, which would include a consultation process with affected homeowners, public representatives, local authorities, product manufacturers, building professionals, testing laboratories, industry stakeholders and other relevant parties, to establish the nature of the problem in the affected dwellings;
3. To outline a range of technical options for remediation and the means by which those technical options could be applied; and
4. To submit a report within six months.
On 13 June 2017, the report of the Expert Panel was published and included eight recommendations which my Department are actively progressing with the relevant stakeholders.
My Department is prioritising the implementation of recommendations 1 and 2.
With regard to Recommendation 1, the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) Technical Committee, established to scope and fast track the development of a standardised protocol, held its inaugural meeting on 11 September 2017 and has held several further meetings since. The standardised protocol will inform the course of action in relation to remedial works for all affected householders. My Department understands from the NSAI that the Technical Committee is in the process of finalising the standardised protocol, which will be available for public consultation shortly.
With regard to Recommendation 2, my Department has been in contact with Engineers Ireland in relation to the establishment of a register of competent engineers for homeowners/affected parties’ reference. Engineers Ireland have provided assurance that they will collaborate with the Department, the NSAI and others on measures to establish such a register.
In July 2017, I visited Donegal and Mayo and met with key stakeholders, including affected homeowners, elected members and officials of the local authorities and other interested parties.
On 18 December 2017, I again visited Donegal and met with key stakeholders to provide an update on the progress to date.
In addition, and in light of the information contained in the report, I am currently considering what further actions may be required to assist the parties directly involved in reaching a satisfactory resolution to the problems that have emerged in the two counties.
1767. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will make available an unredacted copy of the report submitted by Galway City Council relative to the case of a person (details supplied); if the protected disclosure submitted by the person is being examined by an independent person outside of and unconnected to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1328/18]
View answerThe submission referred to in the Question was made under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 and is being examined by my Department in accordance with the provisions of that Act and guidance issued under section 21(1) of the Act for the purpose of assisting public bodies in the performance of their functions under that Act.
In its consideration of this submission, my Department is obliged, under Section 16 of the Act, to protect the identity of a person making a disclosure where possible.
My Department is also cognisant of the right of action in tort conferred by Section 13 of the Act on any party, including any individual named in the protected disclosure, who suffers detriment as a consequence of the disclosure. As the protected disclosure submission and the report prepared in response by Galway City Council refer to serious allegations against named individuals, it is important to ensure that they are afforded appropriate protection that complies with the general principles of natural justice and fair procedures.
My Department is aware of the request by the individual who made the protected disclosure submission to receive a full copy of the report prepared by Galway City Council in response to the allegations made in the submission. My Department is considering this request as part of its active examination of the protected disclosure, including in the context of its obligations under Sections 16 and 13 of the Act.
My Department will be in contact with the individual named again in the coming weeks with a more detailed response.
1768. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to address concerns with regard to objectors to planning applications (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1353/18]
View answerAs indicated in my reply to Question No. 228 of 4 October 2017, in making a decision on a planning application or appeal, a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála must consider the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, having regard to the provisions of the relevant development plan, relevant Ministerial or Government policies and guidelines, as well as the views of members of the public. Public participation is, therefore, a crucial element of all substantive decision-making processes under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended and is also a requirement under the Aarhus Convention and Environmental Impact Assessment Directives in relation to specific types of developments.
It is open to any member of the public to make an observation or submission on a planning application and the planning authority is statutorily obliged to consider such submissions before making a decision on the application. Persons who make submissions are also entitled to be notified of any significant further information provided to the planning authority by the applicant and to be notified of the authority’s decision on the application. Furthermore, any person who made a submission on a planning application may appeal the planning authority’s decision on the application to An Bord Pleanála or may make a submission to the Board in relation to an appeal of that decision.
The fees payable by members of the public to participate in the planning decision-making process are set at a level that, as well as contributing towards the cost of processing applications and appeals, discourages frivolous or vexatious submissions without hindering genuine public participation. In addition, the Board has discretion to dismiss an appeal where it is satisfied that the appeal is vexatious, frivolous or without substance or foundation, or where the appeal is made with the sole intention of delaying development or of securing the payment of money, gifts, considerations or other inducement by any person.
I am satisfied that the current arrangements in relation to public participation in decision-making contribute significantly to the openness and transparency of the planning process and I have no proposals to amend the legislation in this regard.
1770. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the person or body that provides the occupational therapist's report for elderly and disabled persons in cases in which they require them for housing grants. [1390/18]
View answerI understand that both HSE and private occupational therapists are routinely engaged by local authorities to assess the needs of applicants for grants under the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability scheme. Also, an applicant may engage a private occupational therapist and have the cost refunded to them as part of the total grant paid, subject to a limit of €200 per assessment.
It is in the interests of the applicant and the local authority alike to ensure that proposed adaptation works under the Housing Adaptation Grant for Older People and People with a Disability schemes represent the most appropriate and cost-effective way of meeting the long-term needs of individual applicants.
1771. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of new builds completed by councils only not including houses bought from private or other sources in 2017 for social housing purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1407/18]
View answer1772. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of new builds finished in 2017 for social housing purposes by each county council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1408/18]
View answer1797. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of houses that are owned by councils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1435/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1771, 1772 and 1797 together.
Through the supports made available from my Department, funding is available to all local authorities to deliver additional social housing stock through new construction projects and through the acquisition of new and previously owned houses/apartments for social housing use, including through working with approved housing bodies.
Details on the number of properties purchased and built in all local authority areas, for letting to those on the social housing waiting lists, are available on my Department’s website at the following link: http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/social-housing/social-and-affordable/overall-social-housing-provision. For ease of reference, the completions are separated to show the various delivery streams such as new builds and acquisitions by local authorities and by approved housing bodies. Information on quarter four of 2017 is currently being collected and will be published once collated.
Provisional 2017 output figures for social housing delivery at a national level are available at the following link:
http://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/attachments/rebuilding_ireland_progress_against_targets_14.01.2018.xlsx.
Regarding the number of houses that are owned by local authorities, this information is published by the National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC), in their annual reports on Performance Indicators in Local Authorities. These reports provide a range of information in relation to social housing stock, including the total number of dwellings in each local authority area. The most recent NOAC report covers the 2015 period and is available at the following link: http://noac.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/2015-PI-Report.pdf.
1773. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of persons seeking housing in cities that are willing to move to rural areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1409/18]
View answer1774. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to introduce an upfront payment to vacant rural houses that councils could put in place a five year agreement if persons are willing to move to those areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1410/18]
View answer1821. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans for a rural resettlement scheme in 2018; the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1701/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1773, 1774 and 1821 together.
The Government's Action Plan for Rural Development: Realising our Potential has a clear objective of working across Government Departments to deliver a co-ordinated group of strategies to ensure the success of vibrant rural communities across Ireland.
My Department works closely with the Department of Rural and Community Development on rural housing issues. In relation to social housing, it is possible already for people to move between local authorities under the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Scheme. My Department is also currently examining additional ways to facilitate households, who are qualified for social housing, and who may wish to relocate to rural areas.
1775. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will be making a decision on the boundary between counties Roscommon and Westmeath; if so, when (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1411/18]
View answerPursuant to the Programme for a Partnership Government (PPG) a report will be submitted shortly to Government and the Oireachtas on potential measures to boost local government leadership and accountability, and to ensure that local government structures and responsibilities strengthen local democracy.
The issue in relation to the boundary between counties Roscommon and Westmeath at Athlone will be addressed in this context, along with those at other urban centres crossing county boundaries (Drogheda, Carlow and Waterford) that were the subject of independent reviews. It is anticipated that the report will be submitted to Government in the coming weeks.
1776. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when proposals will be brought forward that apartment blocks or commercial buildings can be built higher; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1412/18]
View answer1777. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of stories high he plans to allow new builds in cities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1413/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1776 and 1777 together.
My Department intends to publish updated Development Plans: Guidelines for Planning Authorities shortly for planning authorities in relation to their role in making Development Plans. The updated guidelines will consider the role of building height as part of a broad strategy to increase housing delivery and choice, through the use of more compact and diverse urban form, to assist in counteracting sprawl and promoting enhanced sustainability in meeting our strategic development needs, as highlighted in the draft National Planning Framework.
The updated guidelines will clarify suitable development contexts where higher density development (and in certain cases increased building height) is desirable, rather than proposing a blanket 'one size fits all' approach to building height. There is therefore no prescribed number of storeys likely to be recommended for new build developments in cities. This will instead be determined by planning authorities through Development Plans and Local Area Plans, in line with the criteria identified in the updated guidance.
I envisage that the Guidelines will be published in Q1 2018.
1779. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when he plans to bring forward new wind turbine guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1415/18]
View answerMy Department is currently undertaking a focussed review of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines. As part of the overall review, a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is being undertaken on the revised Guidelines before they come into effect. This is in accordance with the requirements of EU Directive 2001/24/EC on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment, the SEA Directive.
SEA is a process by which environmental considerations are required to be fully integrated into the preparation of plans and programmes which act as frameworks for development consent, prior to their final adoption, with public consultation as part of that process. Following a tendering process, my Department appointed SEA consultants in December 2017 to assist in this regard. It is expected that a public consultation on the revised draft Guidelines, together with the comprehensive environmental report, will be undertaken during the first quarter of this year, with the aim of issuing the finalised Guidelines, following detailed analysis and consideration of all of the submissions and views received during the consultation phase, during Q3 2018. In the meantime, the current Guidelines remain in force.
When finalised, the revised Guidelines will be issued under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. Planning authorities, and, where applicable, An Bord Pleanála must have regard to guidelines issued under Section 28 in the performance of their functions generally under the Planning Acts.
1780. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when he will have extra subvention money allocated to group water schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1416/18]
View answer1781. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that group water schemes need a minimum of €230 per house subvention per year to survive into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1417/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1780 and 1781 together.
In late 2017, my Department conducted a review of group water schemes' subsidies. The review involved discussions with the National Federation of Group Water Schemes, the representative body of the group water sector. The discussions, which included an examination of expenditure data on schemes, concluded in December when I approved the revised subsidy levels. The new subsidy arrangements, endorsed by a special delegate conference of the Federation on 13 December 2017, came into effect on 1 January 2018.
The changes implement the recommendation contained in the report of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Future Funding of Domestic Water Services, endorsed by both Houses of the Oireachtas in April 2017, that there be equity of treatment and equivalent financial support between households using public water services and those availing of private water services.
The revised subsidy levels are as follows:
1. For the annual subsidy towards the operation and maintenance costs of group water schemes providing a supply of water for domestic purposes (knows as ‘Subsidy A’):
The maximum subsidy per house in private group water schemes has increased from €140 per household to €231. An increased maximum subsidy of €281 per household is available for small schemes of less than 100 houses that are willing, in the interests of providing in the long-term a more sustainable water supply to their members, to progress towards rationalisation or amalgamation with other schemes.
The maximum subsidy per house for public group water schemes has increased from €70 per household to €115. These are schemes that supply their members with water that is provided by Irish Water.
The portion of costs than can be recouped by group water schemes has also increased. Typically up to 60% of costs have been covered by the subsidy payments. This has increased to 85%. There are also changes and simplifications to how these costs are assessed.
2. For the additional subsidy that is paid towards the costs of group water schemes that have long-term Operation and Maintenance Contracts (for example, as part of a Design Build Operate project) for the delivery of water (known as ‘Subsidy B)’:
There has been an increase in the level of volumetric costs incurred by group water schemes operating under these contracts that is recoupable, from 60% to 85%. This will allow for a greater portion of costs to be included within the subsidy payment.
