Written Answers Nos. 1325-1344
1325. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when funding will be available for a rural cottage scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36166/18]
View answerLocal authorities have a number of options available to them in meeting social housing needs. These include, if they consider it appropriate, the transfer of a site from a person qualified for social housing to the local authority, and the building of a social house on the site by the local authority, to be tenanted by the person who transferred the site. I understand that the scheme referred to by the Deputy was of this type.
It is of course open to any person who is qualified for social housing support to make any particular proposal to the relevant local authority, for their consideration, in connection with the provision of a site. However, the actual operation of such an approach to social housing provision continues to be a matter for the relevant local authority concerned.
1326. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the timeframe to publish the Bill to ban the use of microplastics; the progress to date on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36295/18]
View answerThe preparation of a General Scheme of a Bill to provide for the prohibition of the manufacture, import, export or sale of certain products containing plastic microbeads is at an advanced stage. A Draft Regulatory Impact Analysis will be uploaded to my Department's website shortly.
The target is to publish the Bill in the 2018 autumn/winter legislative session.
1327. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if a cost analysis has been undertaken to evaluate the potential cost per year to the State to house persons who have had their home repossessed by a bank; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36332/18]
View answerMy focus, and that of the Government, is to ensure that as many households as possible remain in their homes and in this regard a range of measures are currently being implemented across Government Departments and agencies. These actions are focused on encouraging those in mortgage distress to reach a long term debt resolution, avoid repossession and remain in their home if possible.
One of the measures that has been introduced is a national mortgage arrears resolution service, known as Abhaile, which is provided free of charge to the borrower and its aim is to help mortgage holders in arrears to find the best solutions and keep them, wherever possible, in their own homes. The unique element of Abhaile is that it brings together, for the first time, the full range of supports and services required by borrowers in home mortgage arrears. The Money Advice and Budgetary Service (MABS) acts as the gateway for the service and can be contacted by telephoning 076-1072000 or by accessing their website at the following link www.mabs.ie/abhaile.
The Mortgage to Rent (MTR) scheme introduced in 2012 and administered by the Housing Agency on behalf of my Department is targeted at those households in arrears whose mortgage is unsustainable and who are eligible for social housing support. Under the scheme an eligible household with an unsustainable mortgage goes from being a homeowner to becoming a social housing tenant of an Approved Housing Body (AHB). The borrower voluntarily surrenders their property to their lender who in turn sells the property to an AHB. The AHB becomes the landlord and the household can remain in the family home as a social housing tenant. The tenant pays a differential rent to the AHB, based on their income, which is designed to be affordable. The MTR scheme is an established part of the overall suite of social housing options and an important part of the mortgage arrears resolution process.
A Review of the MTR Scheme, published on 8 February 2017, introduced a range of amendments to the eligibility criteria and administration of the scheme in order to improve its operation. The Review, available at the following link: http://rebuildingireland.ie/news/changes-in-mortgage-to-rent-scheme/, explored the avenues and 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. The eligibility requirements of the scheme were widened to include a greater number of borrowers and a larger number of property types. Increasing awareness and understanding of the scheme has been a priority and a new website - www.mortgagetorent.ie - dedicated to guiding and advising borrowers has been developed. In addition, new structures and arrangements have been put in place to encourage a greater number of entities to take part in the scheme.
For those borrowers in danger of losing their home who are ineligible for the MTR scheme but qualify for social housing support, it is recommended that they engage as early as possible with their local authority regarding their housing needs. A household may be determined by their housing authority to be in need of housing if it has a mortgage that is deemed to be unsustainable under the Mortgage Arrears Resolution Process (MARP), even though the household may, at that time, remain the legal owner(s) of the dwelling concerned. Any household assessed as eligible for social housing support is immediately eligible for support through the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme. Once a household has been deemed eligible for social housing support, it is a matter for the local authority to examine the suite of social housing supports available, including the HAP scheme, to determine the most appropriate form of social housing support for that household in the administrative area of that local authority.
My Department does not hold data on the number of households whose homes have been repossessed or the potential cost to the Exchequer of supporting these households. My Department does publish a range of housing statistics on social housing delivery mechanisms. This data is available on my Department's website at the following link: https://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/social-housing/social-and-affordble/overall-social-housing-provision.
1328. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if the cap on the amount of nitrates used by farmers will be increased (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36346/18]
View answerThe European Union (Good Agricultural Practice for Protection of Waters) Regulations 2017, as amended, give legal effect in Ireland to the Nitrates Directive and to our Nitrates Action Programme (NAP). Under these Regulations, annual maximum limits are provided for nitrogen and phosphorus for grassland and tillage crops. The rates are designed to meet the crop and soil requirements whilst minimising the risk of losses of nutrients to waters and air. There is no provision under the Regulations for increasing the annual maximum limits for nitrogen.
However, it is acknowledged that the drought this year has impacted significantly on grass growth, causing major difficulties for farmers in the south and east of the country in particular. Accordingly, following consultation with the Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine, I recently announced that farmers will be allowed as an exceptional measure to spread chemical fertiliser and slurry this year for a fortnight longer than the deadline set out in the Regulations. This offers opportunities for the application of fertilisers later than normally allowed for achieving good grass growth levels through the autumn.
This, along with other important fodder-related measures recently introduced by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, will help to mitigate the fodder challenges currently facing farmers.
1329. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of requests for allowances to hire front-line staff in a local authority (details supplied) for 2017 and to date in 2018; and the number granted and refused respectively in tabular form. [36416/18]
View answerUnder section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, it is the Chief Executive of the Council who is responsible for staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority.
I have delegated authority to the Cork City Chief Executive to fill vacancies that arise within the context of agreed workforce planning numbers without recourse to my Department. Outside of these agreed numbers, an application must be made to my Department for sanction approval for additional staff. Since 1 January 2017, my Department has received 42 staff sanction requests from Cork City Council for additional staff and all 42 requests have been approved. Further details on these requests are set out in the attached table.
My Department works closely with Cork City Council and is in regular contact with the relevant staff in the Council to ensure staffing needs are addressed in an efficient manner.
|
2017 |
||
|
Title of Post |
Number |
Status |
|
Senior Engineer |
1 |
Approved |
|
Senior Executive Librarian |
1 |
Approved |
|
Senior Executive Librarian |
1 |
Approved |
|
Staff Officer Library |
1 |
Approved |
|
Senior Executive Engineer |
1 |
Approved |
|
Assistant Civil Defence Officer |
1 |
Approved |
|
Senior Executive Engineer |
1 |
Approved |
|
Senior Engineer |
1 |
Approved |
|
Third Fire Officer |
1 |
Approved |
|
Second Fire Officer |
1 |
Approved |
|
2018 |
||
|
Title of Post |
Number |
Status |
|
Assistant Engineer |
1 |
Approved |
|
Administrative Officer |
1 |
Approved |
|
Executive Architect - Assigned Certifier |
1 |
Approved |
|
Assistant Architect |
2 |
Approved |
|
Executive Architect |
2 |
Approved |
|
Senior Executive Engineer |
1 |
Approved |
|
Directorate Support |
6 |
Approved |
|
Team Leader - Transition Directorate |
2 |
Approved |
|
Administrative Support - Transition Directorate |
1 |
Approved |
|
Team Member - Transition Directorate |
2 |
Approved |
|
SEO Housing Capital & Construction |
1 |
Approved |
|
Clerical Officer Capital & Regeneration |
1 |
Approved |
|
Assistant Engineer Housing Capital & Regeneration |
1 |
Approved |
|
Clerical Officer Rent Arrear, Housing, Community |
4 |
Approved |
|
Housing Officer Grade 5 Housing & Community |
1 |
Approved |
|
SEO Head of Business Services |
1 |
Approved |
|
Head of Human Resources |
1 |
Approved |
|
Project Liaison Officer Grade 6 Housing Capital |
1 |
Approved |
|
Executive Engineer Housing Capital & Regeneration |
2 |
Approved |
1330. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when guidelines as to the suitable locations for the construction of solar panels will issue. [36764/18]
View answerProposals for individual solar farm developments are subject to the statutory requirements of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, in the same manner as other proposed developments, with planning applications made to the relevant local planning authority with a right of appeal to An Bord Pleanála. There are currently no specific planning guidelines in place in respect of solar farms.
Under the Act, each planning authority's development plan must set out an overall strategy for the proper planning and sustainable development of the area concerned. Section 10 of the Act requires a development plan to include, inter alia, objectives for the provision or facilitation of the provision of infrastructure, including energy facilities, and many local authorities have developed renewable energy strategies for their areas in this context.
In making decisions on planning applications, planning authorities and the Board must consider the proper planning and sustainable development of the area, having regard to the provisions of the local development plan, any submissions or observations received and relevant Ministerial or Government policies, including any relevant guidelines issued by my Department. Planning authorities must then make their own decisions based on the specific merits or otherwise of individual planning applications.
While I am satisfied that the planning code is sufficiently robust to facilitate the assessment of individual planning permission applications for solar farm developments, I am keeping the matter under review, in consultation with my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, who leads on renewable energy policy. In this regard, our two Departments are exploring the potential for enhancing national planning guidance on solar energy, taking account of solar energy projects being assessed by planning authorities and the scope for future development of the sector in the context of the ongoing development of renewable energy policy.
On foot of this ongoing engagement between the two Departments, where the need for specific planning guidance for solar farms is identified, my Department will develop such guidance as deemed appropriate.
1331. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the status of the Seventh Amendment of the Constitution (Election of Members of Seanad Éireann by Institutions of Higher Education) Act 1979; the reason the Act has never been commenced; if the possibility of doing so prior to the next election to Seanad Éireann will be investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36770/18]
View answerA Programme for a Partnership Government includes a goal for this Government to pursue the implementation of the Manning Report, formally known as the Report of the Working Group on Seanad Reform. That report makes recommendations to restructure and reform the Seanad, including implementation of the 1979 amendment of the constitution to extend the university franchise at Seanad elections to graduates of other institutions of higher education in the State.
In April 2018, the Taoiseach established an Implementation Group on Seanad Reform to consider the Manning report and to develop specific proposals to legislate for Seanad Reform. The Implementation Group comprises Members of the Oireachtas with the assistance of outside experts, as appropriate. The Group held its first meeting on 9 May 2018 and is to report back by end October 2018, with the text of a Bill.
The implementation of the 1979 amendment is to be further considered in the context of the work of the Implementation Group. I await the outcome of that group's deliberations as regards the extension of the university franchise.
1332. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the business rates legislative proposals published since the Government took office; and the proposals that have been enacted to date. [36919/18]
View answerThe Local Government (Rates) Bill 2018 was published by the Government on 9 August 2018. Given that the current legislative basis for the levying and collection of rates is spread over a number of enactments, some dating back to the 19th century, the Bill contains proposals for some modernisation and consolidation of the legislation governing commercial rates. Included in the provisions are:
- the removal of the requirement for ratepayers to pay their annual bill in two instalments (moieties) and allow ratepayers to pay rates by instalments or a payment plan agreed with the local authority;
- schemes for the abatement of rates on vacant properties;
- power for local authorities to introduce rates waiver schemes to support local and national policy objectives;
- the levying of interest on unpaid and overdue rates; and
- unpaid rates to be a charge on relevant property.
I intend to seek time in the forthcoming Oireachtas session to have the Bill proceed through the Oireachtas as efficiently as possible.
1333. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the allocation to each local authority for estate management functions in 2017 and 2018. [35416/18]
View answerMy Department does not allocate specific funding for estate management purposes as this is a matter for each individual local authority.
Local authorities receive income from a variety of sources, including grants from Central Government, Local Property Tax, commercial rates and other locally-raised charges. Each authority is mandated to determine its own spending priorities, while having regard to locally identified needs and available resources.
1334. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the amount allocated to each local authority for rental property inspections in 2017 and 2018; and the projected increase in funding for this purpose for 2019, 2020 and 2021. [35418/18]
View answerThe Strategy for the Rental Sector, published in December 2016, set out a series of measures to be introduced to ensure the quality of private rental accommodation by strengthening the applicable standards and improving the inspection and enforcement systems.
On 1 July 2017, updated regulatory standards, the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2017, came into effect. These Regulations focus on tenant safety and include new measures covering heating appliances, carbon monoxide and window safety. In August, my Department published a guidance document to assist and support local authorities in implementing the new Regulations.
All landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties comply with these regulations and responsibility for the enforcement of the Regulations rests with the relevant local authority, previously supported by a dedicated stream of funding provided from a portion of the proceeds of tenancy registration fees, collected by the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB).
Since establishment of the RTB, over €36 million has been paid to local authorities to assist them in the performance of their functions under the Housing Acts, including the inspection of rented accommodation. Over 207,000 inspections were carried out during this period.
The Rental Strategy recognises the need for additional resources to be provided to local authorities to aid increased inspections of properties and ensure greater compliance with the Regulations. Provision has been made for an additional €2.5 million funding in 2018, with the intention of providing further increases each year in the period to 2021 to facilitate a targeted inspection coverage of 25% of rental properties annually.
The Department offers a subvention to local authorities to carry out inspection of properties under the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations with funding dispersed on the basis of €100 per inspection carried out and €50 per follow-up inspection that achieves compliance. Funding is currently provided to Local Authorities annually in arrears, so no payments have been made in respect of inspections conducted in 2018.
A breakdown of the number of inspections carried out and payments made to each Local Authority in 2017 is provided below:
|
COUNTY COUNCILS |
Inspections Carried Out 2017 |
Total Payment 2017 |
|
Carlow |
346 |
€ 33,700 |
|
Cavan |
522 |
€ 51,400 |
|
Clare |
553 |
€ 52,450 |
|
Cork County |
1213 |
€ 116,800 |
|
Donegal |
918 |
€ 90,650 |
|
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown |
554 |
€ 50,700 |
|
Fingal |
811 |
€ 75,750 |
|
Galway |
1120 |
€ 105,200 |
|
Kerry |
758 |
€ 71,650 |
|
Kildare |
446 |
€ 43,050 |
|
Kilkenny |
901 |
€ 86,200 |
|
Laois |
166 |
€ 15,950 |
|
Leitrim |
112 |
€ 10,800 |
|
Limerick |
1052 |
€ 103,800 |
|
Longford |
72 |
€ 7,200 |
|
Louth |
281 |
€27,450 |
|
Mayo |
195 |
€ 16,000 |
|
Meath |
361 |
€ 33,700 |
|
Monaghan |
330 |
€ 33,000 |
|
Offaly |
125 |
€ 12,200 |
|
Roscommon |
299 |
€ 26,500 |
|
Sligo |
317 |
€ 29,650 |
|
South Dublin |
1553 |
€ 140,850 |
|
Tipperary |
685 |
€64,450 |
|
Waterford |
989 |
€91,250 |
|
Westmeath |
874 |
€81,850 |
|
Wexford |
400 |
€38,050 |
|
Wicklow |
502 |
€50,200 |
|
CITY COUNCILS |
Inspections Carried Out 2017 |
Total Payment 2017 |
|
Cork |
833 |
€ 80,250 |
|
Dublin |
2137 |
€187,050 |
|
Galway |
220 |
€ 21,550 |
|
TOTALS |
19,645 |
€ 1,849,300 |
1335. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the protections in place to ensure that accommodation designed and built for students remains as student accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35466/18]
View answerResearch undertaken by the Higher Education Authority into student accommodation provision estimates that there is significant unmet demand nationally and, with the student population forecast to increase to nearly 193,000 by 2024, significant investment is needed in provision of accommodation nationally. The Department of Education and Skills, with the support of my Department, has sought to increase the provision of new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) as a key priority in addressing the housing crisis.
In July 2016, my Department provided advice to planning authorities, by way of Circular Letter PL8/2016, regarding matters to consider in relation to proposals for student accommodation. It was made clear that housing for students is a specific and important segment of the overall housing sector with distinct characteristics and requirements. The deficit in student accommodation was highlighted as having a significant related impact on the private rental sector. The increase in the provision of student accommodation was identified as an objective in the Circular and local authorities were encouraged to adopt a positive approach to new PBSA proposals.
In the consideration of PBSA proposals, local authorities were reminded of the need to establish a steady rental income for such student accommodation developments throughout the year in order to ensure the deliverability of development projects from a funding point of view and to recognise that student accommodation complexes can play an important role in providing affordable accommodation for tourists and visitors in major urban areas during peak summer demand periods.
At the same time, safeguards are required to ensure that student accommodation is not used as permanent residential accommodation and is restricted to students during the academic year. Planning authorities were therefore directed to attach planning conditions to new permissions related to use/occupation of student accommodation which generally facilitated the use of student accommodation complexes as alternative summer or holiday accommodation but reserved as student housing during the academic year.
Such legally binding planning conditions are now generally attached by the local authorities and An Bord Pleanála to new planning permissions for student accommodation. This clarification has assisted in increasing the financial viability of student accommodation through ensuring occupancy of facilities over the entire calendar year. Any breach of the use condition can be investigated by the planning authority under Part VIII of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).
Any subsequent proposed change or deviation to another use would require a new and separate planning permission, and would be assessed by the planning authority in the normal fashion, having regard to the overall development plan policy and other considerations pertaining as to the acceptability of alternative use for the development.
1336. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if the terms of the caravan loan scheme will be reviewed with a view to updating the legislation to make the scheme more accessible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35479/18]
View answerIn 2016, my Department commissioned the Housing Agency to conduct a comprehensive review of the scheme of loans and grants for caravans that had been in operation since 2000. The Housing Agency surveyed all local authorities and engaged in broad consultation with all key stakeholders. A report on the review was submitted to my Department in 2017.
On foot of the review, I requested that my Department consult with the National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee and other relevant stakeholders to develop a revised scheme having regard to the recommendations contained in the review. This consultation is ongoing and the outcome will support the development of a revised scheme.
1337. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of indoor and outdoor staff employed by each local authority in County Tipperary prior to the local authority amalgamation; the number of such staff as of 1 January 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35548/18]
View answerMy Department oversees workforce planning for the local government sector, including the monitoring of local government sector employment levels. To this end, my Department gathers quarterly data on staff numbers in local authorities; however, the data gathered does not provide details in terms of the number of indoor and outdoor staff employed by each local authority. Accordingly, the information requested is not available in my Department, but may be obtained directly from Tipperary County Council.
High-level staffing numbers for the local authority sector are available on the Public Service Numbers Databank which is hosted and maintained by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and is available at the following link: http://databank.per.gov.ie/, providing access to information from 1980 onwards.
1338. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if new guidelines regarding development contributions will be issued to all local authorities outlining that purpose-built housing or alterations to housing to cater for persons with disabilities should be exempt from development contributions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35560/18]
View answerDevelopment contributions are levied by local authorities on the basis of a development contribution scheme that is adopted by the elected members of the relevant local authority. The level of contribution and the types of development to which development contributions will apply, including any waivers or reductions from charging in specific circumstances, are therefore determined at local authority level and in accordance with the powers vested in elected members in this regard.
My role as Minister is to provide the necessary statutory and policy framework within which individual development contribution schemes are adopted by each local authority. Existing guidance to local authorities in this regard, originally outlined in Circular PD5-2007 of 9 May 2007, recommends that local authorities provide for a reduced, or waived, fee in respect of development qualifying for a disabled persons grant. The guidance further encourages local authorities to apply exemptions in respect of voluntary housing schemes and other community infrastructural projects delivered via voluntary or not-for-profit non-statutory groups, which may include the development of housing and other facilities for disabled persons. These recommendations are being applied by authorities in their development contribution schemes through a range of exemptions and reduced fees.
In light of the above, I do not propose to issue any further guidelines on this matter.
1339. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will issue a circular to all local authorities instructing them to provide free access to council sports and leisure services for persons placed in emergency accommodation in their administrative areas. [35633/18]
View answerMy Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation and associated services for homeless persons rests with individual housing authorities.
Rebuilding Ireland includes the objective that hotels will only be used in limited circumstances as emergency accommodation for families. It is recognised that hotel accommodation is inappropriate for accommodating homeless families for anything other than a short period of time. To meet this objective, in addition to providing for long-term housing needs, housing authorities have been pursuing the delivery of a range of additional and enhanced family-focused facilities, or family hubs, which offer a greater degree of stability than is possible in hotels and B&B accommodation, while move-on options to long-term independent living are identified and secured.
My Department is working closely with the local authorities on the development of further family hubs and the provision of appropriate supports to families experiencing homelessness. Access to sports and leisure services is a matter that can be most appropriately considered at local level.
1340. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of pensioners in HAP and-or RAS tenancies in each of the years 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018; the type of tenancy involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35634/18]
View answerMy Department does not hold the data requested in relation to the number of pensioners in Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) tenancies or Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) tenancies.
The number of tenancies supported under RAS for the period 2016 to end Q1 2018, broken down by local authority area, is available on my Department’s website at the following link under the Rental Accommodation Scheme heading - https://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/social-housing/social-and-affordble/overall-social-housing-provision.
The number of tenancies supported under HAP for the period 2014 to 2017, broken down by local authority area, is available on my Department’s website at the following link under the Housing Assistance Payment heading - https://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/social-housing/social-and-affordble/overall-social-housing-provision.
1341. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if the case of persons (details supplied) will be reviewed; if a decision will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35700/18]
View answerThe Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) was established as an independent statutory body under the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 to operate a national tenancy registration system and to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants.
Due to the quasi-judicial role of the RTB, it would be inappropriate for me as Minister or my Department to comment on, or to interfere in, the specifics of any case.
Complaints directly relating to the quality of the service provided by the RTB should be made in writing (email, fax or letter) to the Quality Customer Service Officer. Full details of the RTB’s complaints procedure is outlined in their Customer Charter and is available to download from their website at: https://onestopshop.rtb.ie/images/uploads/general/RTB_Customer_Charter_2017.pdf.
1342. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of children in emergency housing accommodation by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35726/18]
View answerMy Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation and related services for homeless persons rests with individual housing authorities.
Monthly homelessness data reports are produced by housing authorities using the Pathway Accommodation & Support System (PASS), the single integrated national data information system on State-funded emergency accommodation arrangements overseen by housing authorities. My Department collates this information into monthly national homeless reports, which are available on my Department’s website at the following link: http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/homelessness/other/homelessness-data.
While these monthly reports include a breakdown of adults based on accommodation type at county level, details in relation to dependents (typically children but may include dependent adults) are not available on a county level in my Department and are a matter for the relevant housing authorities. The number of dependents in emergency accommodation in each region in July is provided below:
|
Area |
Number |
|
Dublin |
2894 |
|
Mid-East (Kildare, Meath, Wicklow) |
129 |
|
Midlands (Laois, Longford, Offaly, Westmeath) |
83 |
|
Mid-West (Clare, Limerick) |
176 |
|
North-East (Louth, Monaghan, Cavan) |
43 |
|
North-West (Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo) |
7 |
|
South-East (Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford) |
71 |
|
South-West (Cork, Kerry) |
255 |
|
West (Galway, Mayo, Roscommon) |
208 |
|
Total |
3867 |
1343. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the reason for the delay in announcing funding for phase 2 of a project (details supplied) in view of the fact that phase 1 will be near completion in September 2018. [35732/18]
View answerPhase 1 of Dolphin House Regeneration is approaching completion, with the provision of 100 new units. This phase consists of a mix of new build units and units located within retrofitted existing blocks.
I understand that Phase 2 of Dolphin House Regeneration is currently under review by Dublin City Council and it is envisaged that a decision on the Phase 2 strategy will be finalised shortly. When this is completed and indicative costs are known, the City Council will make a formal application to my Department for Stage 1 approval in principle.
1344. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his views on the recommendation by an organisation (details supplied) that wheelchair accessible housing be made more available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35765/18]
View answerMy Department is in regular contact with disability advocates in relation to the housing issues of people with disabilities. I met with the organisation referred to last year on the issue of wheelchair accessible housing and further meetings with my Department have taken place since then.
One of the key measures achieved in 2016 under the National Housing Strategy for People with a Disability (NHSPWD), which has been extended to 2020, was the establishment of Housing and Disability Steering Groups (HDSGs) in all housing authority areas, to achieve a coordinated and integrated approach to meeting the housing needs of people with a disability at local level. These are chaired by Directors of Housing in each authority and include HSE and disability representative organisations. Each HDSG has prepared a local Strategic Plan for its own City/County area, to develop specific local strategies to meet identified and emerging need over the next five years. These Plans, along with the annual Summary of Social Housing Assessments, allow local authorities to plan more strategically for the housing needs of people with a disability and support the delivery of accommodation using all appropriate housing supply mechanisms. This is a more targeted and responsive way to meet actual need identified rather than designating a specific percentage or number of new social housing builds that are fully wheelchair accessible although some authorities may choose to allocate a percentage if they choose.
New buildings and extensions or material alterations to existing buildings must comply with the legal minimum performance standards set out in the Building Regulations 1997 - 2017. In this context, the Building Regulations (Part M Amendment) Regulations 2010, and the accompanying Technical Guidance Document M – Access and Use (2010), which came into effect on 1 January 2012, set out the minimum statutory requirements that a building must achieve in respect of access. The TGDs are available on my Department’s website at http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/building-standards/tgd-part-d-materials-and-workmanship/technical-guidance-documents.
The requirements of Part M aim to ensure that regardless of age, size or disability:
- new buildings other than dwellings are accessible and usable;
- extensions to existing buildings other than dwellings are, where practicable, accessible and useable;
- material alterations to existing buildings other than dwellings increase the accessibility and usability of existing buildings, where practicable;
- certain changes of use to existing buildings other than dwellings increase the accessibility and usability of existing buildings where practicable; and
- new dwellings are visitable.
Part M of the Building Regulations aims to foster an inclusive approach to the design and construction of the built environment. While the Part M requirements may be regarded as a statutory minimum level of provision, the accompanying technical guidance encourages building owners and designers to have regard to the design philosophy of universal design and to consider making additional provisions, where practicable and appropriate.
Guidance on how to design, build and manage buildings and spaces so that they can be readily accessed and used by everyone, regardless of age, size, ability or disability, is available in 'Building for Everyone, A Universal Design Approach', a National Disability Authority(NDA) publication, which may be accessed at www.nda.ie.
