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Tuesday, 18 Dec 2018

Written Answers Nos. 645-664

Jobseeker's Payments

Questions (645)

John Brady

Question:

645. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason the commitment made in Pathways to Work 2016-2020 to review and report on the impact of the reduced jobseeker's payment rates for jobseekers aged 18 to 25 years of age has not been met; the stage the work is at to complete the report; the date when it is envisaged it will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53420/18]

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Written answers

In line with other EU and OECD jurisdictions where such measures feature, reduced rates for younger jobseeker’s allowance recipients were first introduced in 2009 and extended to those under 26 in Budget 2014. Lower weekly rates for younger jobseeker’s allowance recipients were introduced to protect young people from welfare dependency by providing them with a strong financial incentive to engage in education or training or to take up employment. Where a young jobseeker participates on an education or training programme they receive a higher weekly payment of €198 which is the maximum personal rate for jobseeker’s allowance.

The Pathways to Work Strategy 2016-2020 commits to a review of the effectiveness of reduced payment rates for jobseekers aged 18 to 25 in encouraging young jobseekers to avail of education, training, and employment opportunities. This review will be finalised shortly.

In a wider effort to encourage and promote research based on my Department’s administrative data, data on all Jobseeker Allowance claims since 2007 for persons aged under 28 years was provided to researchers from the National University of Ireland, Maynooth. The data was utilised to specifically examine the labour market responsiveness of young claimants aged 18 and 19 years old and their subsequent employment experience after exiting from unemployment, following substantial policy reforms which saw a 50% reduction in jobseekers payments for this age cohort. For new claimants, weekly allowance rates were reduced from €204.30 to €100.

It is expected that this report will be made available early in 2019 and the results of the research will feed into the review being conducted by my Department.

I am committed to ensuring my Department operates effective measures to support young people in finding and securing sustainable jobs. The best way to do this is through active engagement processes which encourage young people to avail of educational and training opportunities to enhance their employment prospects.

The Youth Employment Support Scheme (YESS) which I launched in September this year is a new work experience scheme targeted exclusively at young jobseekers. All participants will receive a payment of €29.20 per week. Participants whose underlying entitlement is in excess of that amount will continue to receive their weekly payment with an additional top-up allowance of €22.50 per week.

Government policy to tackle unemployment has been effective in reducing the level of youth unemployment. Latest available monthly figures from the CSO report that the unemployment rate for persons aged 15-24 was 12.3% in November 2018, which is a significant decrease of 4 percentage points, from 16.3% in November 2016.

Domiciliary Care Allowance Data

Questions (646)

Aindrias Moynihan

Question:

646. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the waiting period for applications for domiciliary care allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53476/18]

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Written answers

The Department has a processing target to finalise 90% of domiciliary care allowance (DCA) applications within 10 weeks. Processing times can be affected at particular times of the year by the volume of applications received, the complexity of individual cases, the need for additional information beyond that provided on application, and the availability of resources. While a small number of applications can take longer to process than the norm, the overall average time taken to process DCA applications has remained at just under 10 weeks throughout 2018. This is a significant improvement on 2017 when the average time taken to process an application was over 16 weeks.

The Department constantly monitors, reviews and modifies procedures and the allocation of resources in response to any changes in processing times. This ensures that any divergence from the agreed target is identified and rectified as quickly as possible.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Disability Allowance Applications Waiting Times

Questions (647)

Aindrias Moynihan

Question:

647. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the waiting period for applications for disability allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53477/18]

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Written answers

Disability allowance (DA) is a weekly allowance for people with a disability aged between 16 and 66 with a disability expected to last for at least one year and who satisfy the medical condition, means test and are habitually resident in Ireland.

The target processing time for DA is to process 75% of new claims within 12 weeks. In November 2018, 74% of applications were completed within the expected timeframe. The average time taken to award a DA claim was 12 weeks.

My department is committed to ensuring that claims are processed as expeditiously as possible. The DA scheme area is continually monitored and reviewed to ensure applications are processed and customers are responded to as quickly as possible.

Property Registration

Questions (648)

Peter Burke

Question:

648. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if the name on a title deed for a person (details supplied) in County Cork is as stated; if not, when same will be rectified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52759/18]

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Written answers

Under the Registration of Deeds and Title Act 2006, the Property Registration Authority (PRA) was established as and from 4 November 2006. The PRA replaced the Registrar of Deeds and Titles as the registering authority in relation to property registration in Ireland and, subject to the above Act, is independent in the performance of its functions.

A service for Oireachtas members was introduced in 2006 through which information can be obtained on the current status of applications to the PRA, such as the case referred to. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system through which the PRA can address queries of this kind.

The Deputy's query has been forwarded to the PRA for attention and direct reply via the above mentioned service.

Social and Affordable Housing

Questions (649)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

649. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the status of the new affordable housing scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53056/18]

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Written answers

I commenced the relevant provisions of Part 5 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 on 18 June 2018 to provide a statutory basis for the delivery of affordable housing for purchase. Part 5 contains significant detail on the procedures and operation of the new Affordable Purchase Scheme.

The primary legislation will be supported by associated regulations, which are currently being finalised, following extensive consultation between my Department, the Housing Agency and local authorities. The regulations, once finalised, together with guidance, will be issued to local authorities.

In order to support the affordable housing programmes of local authorities, the Government has committed €310 million, over the three years 2019 to 2021, under the Serviced Sites Fund (SSF) announced as part of Budget 2019. The funding is available for key facilitating infrastructure, on public lands, to support the provision of affordable homes to purchase or rent. I envisage a maximum amount of SSF funding of €50,000 per affordable home and on this basis at least 6,200 affordable homes could be facilitated.

I have recently issued approval in principle for ten infrastructure projects across five local authority areas, in Dublin and Cork, under the first call for proposals. The first tranche of funding of €43 million will enable delivery of 1,400 affordable homes on local authority lands. I expect infrastructure works on these projects to begin as soon as possible in 2019 and delivery of affordable homes from early 2020 onwards.

More broadly, all local authorities have carried out economic assessments of the requirement for affordable housing in their areas and the viability to deliver such affordable housing from their sites. My Department hosted a workshop for local authorities last month to discuss these issues. A second call for proposals under the Fund will be made shortly. The scope of that call will be influenced by the information received from local authorities, as part of the aforementioned assessments, which are currently being examined in my Department.

Commercial Rates

Questions (650)

Dara Calleary

Question:

650. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the status of proposals to cut the cost of commercial rates for childcare providers; the type of operator that is required to pay commercial rates; if this policy is applicable in each local authority area; if local discretion applies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53117/18]

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Written answers

Local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by the Commissioner of Valuation under the Valuation Acts 2001 to 2015. The Commissioner of Valuation has responsibility for valuation matters, including determination of relevant property under the Acts for the purposes of rates. As Minister, I have no function in relation to decisions in this regard. The levying and collection of rates are matters for each individual local authority.

The Valuation Act 2001, as amended by the Valuation (Amendment) Act 2015, provides that all buildings used or developed for any purpose, including constructions affixed thereto, are rateable unless expressly exempted under Schedule 4 of the Act. Such exempt buildings would principally include those used for public worship, education and health care provided on a not-for-profit basis, and charitable purposes. Included in the exemptions under Schedule 4 are properties occupied by parties that provide early childhood care and education on a not-for-profit basis, and properties that only provide the Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme. In general, the Acts maintain the long-standing position that all properties of occupiers that operate with the intention of making a profit are rateable, including all private childcare facilities. There are no proposals under consideration for a discount of commercial rates for childcare service providers in this regard.

The Acts are quite specific about the range of exemptions that can be allowed by the Commissioner of Valuation, who has no discretionary latitude to grant exemptions not covered by Schedule 4. As a matter of course, the Valuation Office examines all cases on their individual merits by reference to the relevant statutory provisions governing the operation of the Valuation Acts as they relate to pre-school childcare facilities and all other categories of properties.

Property Registration

Questions (651)

Willie Penrose

Question:

651. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the steps he will take to expedite an application by persons (details supplied) for registration in the Land Registry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53227/18]

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Written answers

The Property Registration Authority (PRA) was established as and from 4 November 2006, under the Registration of Deeds and Title Act 2006. The PRA replaced the Registrar of Deeds and Titles as the registering authority in relation to property registration in Ireland and, subject to the above Act, is independent in the performance of its functions.

A service for Oireachtas members was introduced in 2006 through which information can be obtained on the current status of applications to the PRA, such as the case referred to. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective approach to having queries of this kind addressed.

The Deputy's query has been forwarded to the PRA for attention and direct reply via the above mentioned service.

Non-Principal Private Residence Charge Administration

Questions (652)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

652. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52730/18]

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Written answers

The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009, as amended, provides the legislative basis for the Non-Principal Private Residence (NPPR) charge. The NPPR charge, which has since been discontinued, applied in the years 2009 to 2013 to any residential property in which the owner did not reside as their normal place of residence.

The self-assessed charge is set at €200 per annum and liability for it falls, in the main, on owners of rental, holiday and vacant properties. Section 6 of the 2009 Act, as amended, provides that the owner of a liable property who fails to pay the charge, in addition to being liable for the charge, is liable to pay a €20 late payment fee in respect of each month or part of a month in which the charge, any late payment fee, or any part of such charge or fee, remains unpaid.

Part 12 of the Local Government Reform Act 2014 also deals with the collection of undischarged liabilities relating to the NPPR charge. The Act provided for a period from 2 March 2014 to 31 August 2014 during which time no new late penalties were applied to existing liabilities. If payment was not made in full or if settlement terms were not agreed by the end of that period, an additional late payment fee of €120 per liability date applied on 1 September 2014. As the charge applied in each of the years from 2009 to 2013, there were five liability dates – 31 July 2009 and 31 March for each of the years 2010 to 2013. In addition to this late payment fee to be applied per liability date, the entire NPPR liability is then increased by a factor of 50% and frozen.

Under the Act, it is a function of a local authority to collect NPPR charges and late payment fees due to it, and all charges and late payment fees imposed and payable to a local authority are under the care and management of the local authority concerned. In this regard, application of the legislation in particular circumstances is a matter for the relevant local authority.

In July 2009 my Department issued guidelines to local authorities to assist in implementing the Act. Included in these guidelines was advice on how property where the owner was deceased was to be treated. In effect, if probate on a property had not yet been granted, the property was to be treated as if it had no owner as there would be no person who would satisfy the definition of owner in the Act. If probate had been granted then the charge would be a liability on the estate.

Subsequently section 19(f) of the Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 inserted section 4(7) into the Act to provide that where a person who is the sole owner of a residential property died, the personal representative of the deceased person would not be liable to the NPPR charge which fell due after the date of death of the deceased and before the date of issue of a grant of representation.

Under section 77 of the Local Government Reform Act 2014, my Department issued guidance to local authorities concerning matters relating to arrears of the NPPR charge and late payment fees to ensure that a consistent national approach is adopted. The guidelines, which are available at http://www.housing.gov.ie/en/Publications/LocalGovernment/Administration/FileDownLoad,37899,en.pdf, encourage local authorities to take a proactive approach to ensure that any outstanding NPPR liabilities are discharged in the most equitable, efficient and economically beneficial manner and include guidance in respect of dealing with hardship cases. It is expected, in the majority of cases, that local authorities will collect the full NPPR charge liability from owners. In some cases, this may be by means of arrangement by instalment. Owners with queries may contact their local authority to discuss any matters they wish to clarify and to make any outstanding payments.

Should an initial claim of hardship be rejected by a local authority, the claimant should also be afforded, if requested, a further appeal to a more senior officer in the local authority. Ultimately, should a subsequent appeal be unsuccessful the complainant should be notified as early as is possible. Claimants should also be informed that if they are still not happy with the determination they can appeal to the Office of the Ombudsman.

Closed-Circuit Television Systems Provision

Questions (653)

Seán Fleming

Question:

653. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the annual amount of funding provided to each local authority to carry out responsibilities as data controllers for community closed-circuit television, CCTV, schemes; the expected amount of funding that will be provided to local authorities to carry out this work in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52736/18]

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Written answers

My Department has no policy responsibility in relation to community CCTV matters and, accordingly, does not provide specific funding to local authorities in respect of their responsibilities as data controllers for community CCTV schemes.

NAMA Property Sales

Questions (654, 655)

Bríd Smith

Question:

654. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the removal of height restrictions has a major upward impact on the site value of the lands and that the price obtained for land disposed of by NAMA recently is considerably less than what could have been obtained; and if his Department discussed the likely impacts with NAMA officials before they disposed of lands. [52805/18]

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Bríd Smith

Question:

655. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if NAMA had been informed of the forthcoming change to height regulations but continued to completion with such sales; if so, the reason NAMA was permitted to dispose of such sites at considerable discount to their subsequent revaluation; and if he was advised of these sales and-or disposals prior to the announcement on height restrictions. [52806/18]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 654 and 655 together.

I recently issued planning guidelines titled ’Urban Development and Building Height’ to planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála, under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended.

The guidelines were issued following a period of public consultation, which took place over August and September of this year, and after consideration of submissions received.

The guidelines set out national planning policy on building heights in relation to urban areas, as defined by the census, and arise from the strategic policy framework set out in Project Ireland 2040 and the National Planning Framework (NPF).

The guidelines:

- develop urban planning policy outlined in the National Planning Framework, in particular National Policy Objective 13;

- outline wider and strategic policy considerations and performance criteria that planning authorities should apply, alongside their statutory development plans, in assessing proposals for taller buildings; and

- support the accommodation of anticipated population growth and development needs, whether for housing, employment or other purposes, by building up and consolidating the development of our existing urban areas.

The ownership, sale of lands or financial aspects of same were not a consideration in the preparation or intent of these guidelines for planning authorities in the discharge of their statutory functions. In addition, as recent analysis of construction costs published by my Department shows, taller buildings can introduce more complex construction requirements so a direct link between supporting planning policy for taller buildings and increasing land values may not always arise.

Public consultation on guidelines of this kind operates as a general process which is advertised on a wide basis, rather than being notified to any specific individual parties, and it is open to all interested parties to make a submission.

The finalised guidelines are necessary and appropriate to give clear context and direction to the Government's policies in relation to urban planning and promoting increased densities and building height in appropriate locations within our urban centres.

Wind Energy Generation

Questions (656)

Mick Barry

Question:

656. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of new offshore wind farms planned to be built; the locations of the planned wind farms; and when they are due for completion. [52916/18]

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Written answers

My Department has responsibility for the foreshore consent process, which is governed by the provisions of the Foreshore Acts 1933, as amended.

In terms of developing an offshore wind farm, I should point out that a Foreshore Lease is only one of a number of consents that are necessary for its development. Other consents that are required include terrestrial planning permission, an ability to output to the national grid, and a licence to generate electricity. In addition to the development and planning consents that are required, offshore wind farms also require subsidy support, which is being made available through the Renewable Energy Support Scheme (RESS). This programme has been developed by my colleague, the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment.

Two Foreshore Leases have been granted in respect of offshore wind farms, the Arklow Bank Wind Farm and Codling I Bank Wind Park Farm, off the Wicklow coast, in 2002 and 2005. These leases were issued by the then Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources who had responsibility for foreshore functions at that time.

My Department has the following five Offshore Renewable Energy Applications on hands:

- Codling II Bank Wind Park Farm (same company as for Codling I),

- Oriel Wind Farm,

- Dublin Array Wind Farm (Kish and Bray Bank are two separate applications), and

- Sceirde Wind Farm (Fuinneamh Sceirde Teo)(FST).

As indicated, my Department's forward visibility in relation to projects of this kind is limited to the extent to which such projects have become the subject of engagement under the foreshore consent process. Other projects outside this, and the timing of the actual carrying out and completion of developments, are a matter for the relevant project promoters in the first instance.

NAMA Social Housing Provision

Questions (657)

Maurice Quinlivan

Question:

657. 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 in County Limerick in 2017 and to date in 2018; the number of these accepted; and the number now in use. [52931/18]

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Written answers

Following proactive engagement between NAMA, the Housing Agency and my Department, a process was established to ascertain whether residential properties controlled by NAMA borrowers and receivers are suitable for social housing.

The properties considered were part of the security for loans that NAMA has acquired. In the majority of cases, properties remain in the ownership of the original borrowers. The remaining properties are controlled by receivers appointed by NAMA. Once a demand has been identified, NAMA makes contact with the relevant property owner/receiver to determine if the properties are still available and to discuss how these properties can be best utilised.

Properties that are deemed suitable may be leased or purchased by local authorities or Approved Housing Bodies (housing associations and co-operatives) through engagement with the property owners or, on their behalf, appointed insolvency practitioners, facilitated by NAMA. This is a continuous process and additional properties have been added and offered as they become available over the last number of years.

To date, a total of 2,475 residential properties nationally have been delivered for social housing providers through this process, comprising of 2,420 completed properties with a further 55 that have been contracted where completion work is on-going.

In the case of Limerick City & Council, 163 properties were offered initially, demand was confirmed for 35 and 17 have been delivered.

As data is not tracked on a yearly basis, these numbers are cumulative and not broken down by year.

Data in relation to the NAMA Social Housing process is published through regular updates to the websites of the Housing Agency and NAMA. The following link provides detailed data in this regard, broken down by local authority across a range of categories: https://www.housingagency.ie/Our-Services/Housing-Supply-Services/NAMA.aspx.

Local Authority Housing Data

Questions (658)

Maurice Quinlivan

Question:

658. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of social housing units built or purchased by Limerick City and County Council in each of the years from 2009 to 2017 and to date in 2018. [52932/18]

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Written answers

Data in relation to Social Housing Delivery, broken down by Local Authority, for the period 2009 to end Quarter 3 2018 is published on my Department's website at the following link:

https://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/social-housing/social-and-affordble/overall-social-housing-provision.

The information provided at this link, includes data on social housing build and acquisition in Limerick City and County Council's area.

Local Authority Housing Funding

Questions (659)

Maurice Quinlivan

Question:

659. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the amount Limerick City and County Council has requested from his Department in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018 for the provision of social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52933/18]

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Written answers

The Government’s Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness is firmly focused on increasing supply to meet social housing needs under a range of programmes in all counties, including Limerick, with 50,000 social homes to be delivered through build, acquisition and leasing in the period to 2021, as well as meeting the housing needs of an additional 87,000 households through the Housing Assistance Payment scheme and the Rental Accommodation Scheme. The Action Plan is supported by €6 billion in funding, which means that local authorities have the financial support available to them to deliver on their local targets.

Limerick City and County Council received €29.69 million from my Department in 2016 and €57.92 million in 2017 for the provision and upgrading of social housing. These levels of funding were based on the levels of housing activity undertaken by Limerick City & County Council and the funding requested by the Council to meet the costs of this activity.

The final position regarding the funding provided to Limerick City & County Council for 2018, will not be known until after the end of the year, when all project activity is completed and validated.

Repair and Leasing Scheme

Questions (660)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

660. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if funding is available to fund or part fund the renovation of buildings that would make six apartments available for social housing leasing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52941/18]

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Written answers

The Repair and Leasing Scheme (RLS) has been developed to assist private property owners and local authorities or Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to harness the accommodation potential that exists in certain vacant properties across Ireland. The scheme is targeted at owners of vacant properties who cannot afford or access the funding needed to bring their properties up to the required standard for rental property. Subject to the suitability of the property for social housing, and the agreement of the property owner, the cost of the necessary repairs will be met upfront by the local authority or an Approved Housing Body (AHB). This allows for the property owner to sign-up to a lease arrangement for a length that is linked to the value of the repairs, subject to a minimum of 5 years. The value of the repairs will then be offset incrementally against the agreed rental payment over a defined period within the lease.

A property owner can either choose to arrange for a contractor to carry out the repairs themselves, or the local authority or AHB can arrange this instead. Property owners will not be required to take on landlord responsibilities and the local authority or AHB will have on-going management and maintenance responsibilities in respect of the properties.

The local authority will determine the eligibility for the scheme, having regard to the location and the suitability of the property for social housing and also taking into consideration the extent of the repairs that may be required. The maximum costs of repairs allowable under this initiative is €40,000 (€50,000 for former bedsits) and the property must be vacant for a period of not less than 12 months.

RLS provides significant benefits to the property owner, including guaranteed rent on a property that hasn't been generating income; no loss of rent during vacant periods and no need to collect rent or find new tenants. Property owners who wish to find out more about the Repair and Leasing Scheme should contact their local authority or go to http://rebuildingireland.ie/repair-and-leasing-scheme/.

Foreshore Licence Applications

Questions (661)

Darragh O'Brien

Question:

661. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the status of processing the foreshore licence application by Galway City Council so that it can commence critical coastal protection works from Sáilín to Silverstrand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53015/18]

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Written answers

My Department has received a foreshore licence application from Galway City Council to develop coastal protection works in an area west of Salthill from Sallins to Silverstrand. It includes the protection of sand cliffs and the extension of a walkway and cycle path from Salthill out to Silverstrand. The proposed development is within a designated SAC. This matter has not yet undergone a technical assessment by the Marine Licence Vetting Committee and as such is yet to come before me for determination.

While the matter has not yet come before me for determination, I understand that in response to a request from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (through the prescribed body consultation process) the applicant submitted a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) to allow for the Minister to carry out an Appropriate Assessment of the proposed development. As part of this process, the NIS was referred to the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (DCHG) who provided comprehensive environmental related observations and recommendations.

There was ongoing correspondence as well as a meeting between my Department and Galway City Council on this matter over 2017 and early 2018. Through this process, the local authority indicated that they were fully aware of and understand the environmental concerns.

In addition to the environmental concerns as to the effect of the proposed development on the conservation objectives of the SAC, concerns were also raised as to the validity of the existing planning permission given that a letter from the local authority to my Department dated 10 April 2018 includes details of material alterations and deviations from the earlier planning consent granted by An Bord Pleanála. The local authority was contacted in mid 2018 and requested that they now verify the validity of their existing planning consent in the context of the stated deviations and material changes. A response to this request is awaited; once received, the matter will be considered further.

Urban Regeneration and Development Fund

Questions (662)

Brendan Ryan

Question:

662. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the funding allocated to Kildare County Council under the urban regeneration and development fund for the Celbridge southern relief road and second Liffey crossing in 2019; the items the funding will cover in terms of route selection or other reports required to progress the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53018/18]

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Written answers

The Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) was launched as part of Project Ireland 2040, to support the compact growth and sustainable development of Ireland’s five cities, regional drivers and other large urban centres. I initiated the first call for proposals under the Fund in July 2018 and the deadline for submission of applications was 28 September. A total of 189 applications were submitted to my Department and on 26 November I announced the successful applicants for funding, details of which are available on my Department's website at the following link:

https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/urdf_-_2019_funding_allocations_0.pdf.

There were two categories of submission; Category A for projects that were 'ready to go' and Category B to support the initial development of projects (Master-planning/Feasibility) to ensure a pipeline of projects into the future as the URDF is a rolling fund, with €2 billion available to 2027. The initial call was oversubscribed in both categories (A & B).

The URDF grant in respect of the successful proposal in question, as with all other successful bid proposals, has been approved in principle subject to agreement of subsequent technical details with my Department and may be regarded as an initial investment of support for the project. Given that this is a Category B proposal, my Department intends to further engage with the applicant in order to discuss the progression of the proposal in 2019 and onwards and to agree on the terms of the funding allocation.

Social and Affordable Housing Eligibility

Questions (663)

Seán Fleming

Question:

663. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the status of a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53020/18]

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Written answers

As part of the broader social housing reform agenda, a review of income eligibility for social housing supports in each local authority area is underway and the Household Means Policy is being reviewed as part of this process. The Housing Agency is continuing to carry out the detailed statistical work, which will underpin this review on behalf of my Department.

The review will have regard to current initiatives being brought forward in terms of affordability and cost rental and will be completed when the impacts of these parallel initiatives have been considered. It is not possible at this stage to give a definite timeline for when this work will be completed.

Home Loan Scheme

Questions (664)

Michael McGrath

Question:

664. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if persons working part time are excluded from availing of the Rebuilding Ireland home loan scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53049/18]

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Written answers

The Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan was introduced on 1 February 2018 under the Housing (Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan) Regulations 2018. The scheme enables local authorities to provide home loans in accordance with the criteria set out in the regulations and statutory Credit Policy. The Housing Agency carry out assessments of each valid loan application on behalf of the relevant local authority, and make a recommendation in respect of each application in line with the criteria set out in the Credit Policy.

As part of the eligibility requirements, the primary earner on the application must have at least two years' continuous employment (this can be self-employment), while the second applicant must have continuous employment for at least one year in order for their income to be taken into consideration.

As such, part-time workers are not excluded from applying for the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan; however, they remain subject to the full assessment as set out in the Credit Policy. In undertaking this assessment, the Housing Agency will examine an applicant's eligibility in accordance with the criteria as set out in the Credit Policy, which includes an assessment of the applicant's ability to repay a mortgage.

Under the Regulations it is a matter for each local authority to make the final decision on loan approval applications. Each authority must establish a Credit Committee to consider these applications on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with the statutory Credit Policy, and having regard to the recommendations of the Housing Agency.

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