Skip to main content
Normal View

Thursday, 23 Jul 2020

Written Answers Nos. 21-45

Local Authority Housing

Questions (21, 23)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

21. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the extent to which he plans to assess the housing need by way of reference to the number of applicants for local authority housing on the various housing lists nationally; if he is satisfied that the programme for Government adequately addresses the full extent of the need over a four to five year period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17647/20]

View answer

Bernard Durkan

Question:

23. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the extent to which he plans to embark on a direct build local authority housing programme of sufficient scale to make serious inroads on local authority housing waiting lists; if he will extend the housing programme to encompass affordable housing, private sites and improved to access to local authority loans with the objective of meeting the ever growing needs in respect of housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17648/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 23 together.

Details on the number of households qualified for social housing support in each local authority area are set out in the statutory Summary of Social Housing Assessments (SSHA). The most recent summary (June 2019), shows that 68,693 households were assessed as qualified for and being in need of social housing support, a decrease of 3,165 households (4.4%) on 2018. Since 2016, the numbers have decreased from 91,600 to 68,693, a reduction of 25%.

The Programme for Government commits to delivering more than 50,000 further social homes, with an emphasis on new builds, and to focus on the delivery of affordable homes. I have convened a High Level Group of key delivery partners to seek their views on a range of initiatives aimed at speeding up delivery of social housing.

In terms of affordable housing, I will outline my detailed plans in the Autumn, taking account of the progress made under the Serviced Site Fund, other existing measures and the input of delivery partners.

Housing Data

Questions (22)

Pa Daly

Question:

22. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the delays experienced by Rebuilding Ireland projects in the Kerry local authority area due to the Covid-19 pandemic. [17498/20]

View answer

Written answers

Local authorities, are experiencing some delays on construction projects due to the impact of COVID-19 restrictions. However, Kerry County Council is actively working with all stakeholders to ensure that any delays are kept to an absolute minimum and that badly needed projects proceed with a view to completion in the most timely manner possible.

Since taking up office in late June, I established a High Level Housing Delivery Group of key stakeholders, consisting of representatives of the County and City Manager’s Association, the Housing Delivery Co-ordination Office, the Housing Agency, the Irish Council of Social Housing and the Housing Alliance, to drive social housing delivery in 2020, taking account of the impact of Covid-19. All efforts are being made to make up any lost ground and to avail of delivery opportunities.

In addition, I have recently launched a campaign in conjunction with the Housing Agency entitled “Call for Housing 2020” which is a new national call for property owners and developers with vacant properties to make them available to other during this time, in order to optimise the opportunities to deliver new homes immediately.

Question No. 23 answered with Question No. 21.
Question No. 24 answered with Question No. 11.

Homeless Persons Data

Questions (25)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Question:

25. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of persons availing of homeless services in County Clare; and the steps he plans to take to reduce this number. [17663/20]

View answer

Written answers

Supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness is a priority for this Government. The Programme for Government ‘Our Shared Future’ commits to reducing and preventing homelessness and provides detail on how the Government will approach this challenge.

Homeless services are overseen at regional level and Clare County Council is part of the Mid-West Region. The latest Homelessness Report for May 2020, which is available on my Department's website at the following link: www.housing.gov.ie/housing/homelessness/other/homelessness-data, indicates that there were 58 adults in emergency accommodation in Clare. Data on the number of dependants in emergency accommodation are published on a regional basis only. The Report indicates that there were 89 dependants in emergency accommodation in the Mid-West region in May.

Fire Stations

Questions (26)

James Browne

Question:

26. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to provide capital funding for fire stations here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17500/20]

View answer

Written answers

The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of fire station premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Services Acts, 1981 and 2003. My Department supports the fire authorities through setting general policy, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding for equipment and priority infrastructural projects.

In February 2016, my Department announced a five-year Fire Services Capital Programme with an allocation of €40 million, based on an annual €8 million allocation, to be used for the purchase of fire appliances and specialist equipment, building or upgrading of prioritised Fire Stations, an upgrade of the Communications and Mobilisation system and improvements to Training Centres.

The five-year programme proposed the construction/refurbishment of twenty six fire stations. This included sixteen new builds and ten upgrade/refurbishment projects. Details of the programme are available on my Department's website at the following link:

www.housing.gov.ie/local-government/fire-and-emergency-management/funding/minister-kelly-announces-new-40-million-euro.

In order to maximise the available Capital Programme funding, my Department re-assesses the status of projects in the Programme on an annual basis, and some flexibility is normally available to advance projects that are ready and that offer best value-for-money taking account of the state of readiness of projects more generally.

A total of €46.72m has been spent under 2016 - 2020 Programme to date: €13.55m for new and upgraded fire stations; €14.36m for new fire appliances and €18.81m for other vehicles and equipment.

Fire station projects completed under the Programme include Drumshanbo, Ballinamore, Templemore, Virginia, Tuam, Graiguenmanagh, Ferbane and Carraroe; with refurbishments at Longford, Ennis, Kilrush and Ennistymon; as well as upgrades of Hacketstown, Clonmel and Dundalk Training Centres.

A new capital programme for the period 2021-2025 is currently being finalised. Following extensive engagement with fire authorities a number of proposals for station works etc have been received. The proposals will be evaluated and prioritised on the basis of the:

- Area Risk Categorisation of the fire station (population, fire risks, etc.)

- Established Health and Safety needs

- State of development of the project (is site acquired, etc.) and

- Value for money offered by the proposal.

In recognition of the current economic situation faced by the State as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the speed and extent to which proposed expenditure can stimulate local economies will also be a key consideration in the first few years of the new programme.

I hope to be in a position to make an announcement on this new programme in the near future.

Local Authority Staff

Questions (27)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

27. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when a person will be appointed as biodiversity officer in Galway City Council in view of the obligations under climate change legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15974/20]

View answer

Written answers

Galway City Council sought sanction approval from my Department for an additional post of Biodiversity Officer on 6 December 2019. Formal sanction approval was communicated to the Council on 11 December 2019 for the post on a permanent basis, subject to Galway City Council being satisfied that it has sufficient budgetary resources to meet the salary of this post.

The recruitment and appointment of the post is a matter for Galway City Council in accordance with section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, which provides that each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he or she is responsible.

Housing Data

Questions (28, 115)

Alan Farrell

Question:

28. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of social houses that will be delivered in 2020; the extent to which the pandemic has impacted these figures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17660/20]

View answer

Francis Noel Duffy

Question:

115. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will provide projections for social housing delivery to be undertaken by his Department, local authorities or both for 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17505/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 28 and 115 together.

The Programme for Government commits to delivering 50,000 social homes with a greater emphasis now on new build activity. The pre-existing overall target set for 2020 was to provide social housing support to over 27,000 households including 11,000 through built, bought or leased social homes.

Despite the challenges faced through the COVID-19 pandemic it is very important that we find ways to deliver the overall target this year. To this end, I have convened a Group of delivery partners to fully understand the current anticipated output and to find innovative and efficient ways to optimise delivery this year. The Group met for the first time on 13 July and will meet again on 27 July.

As an immediate step, I have issued a "Call for Housing" seeking homes that may be available for social housing. I have also written to all local authority Chief Executives instructing them to maximise such opportunities, while continuing to focus on all areas of output they control.

While 2020 is an immediate priority, we will be working hard, with our delivery partners, to incorporate the ambitious goals and initiatives of the Programme for Government into our targets for 2021 and beyond.

Urban Regeneration and Development Fund

Questions (29)

David Cullinane

Question:

29. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the timeline for delivering funding under the urban regeneration and development fund to fund the North Quays project. [17377/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) is a flagship element of Project Ireland 2040. Under the stewardship of the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, the Fund was established to support more compact and sustainable development, through the regeneration and rejuvenation of Ireland’s five cities and other large towns, in line with the objectives of the National Planning Framework and National Development Plan (NDP). This is to enable a greater proportion of residential and mixed-use development to be delivered within the existing built-up footprints of our cities and towns and to ensure that more parts of our urban areas can become attractive and vibrant places in which people choose to live and work, as well as to invest and to visit.

As part of the first call for proposals under the URDF Waterford City and County Council submitted a bid for exchequer grant funding in respect of a major multifaceted project for the North Quays, Waterford, an area designated as a Strategic Development Zone (SDZ).

It is intended that the largely transport focussed infrastructural works involved will open up the North Quays site, make it more accessible, and ultimately support the achievement of the broader objectives of the SDZ planning scheme.

On 26 November 2018, the then Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government announced initial URDF support of €100m for a total of 88 projects across the country, including €6m of initial support for the Waterford North Quays Project. Furthermore, in June 2019, URDF support of €30m was ring-fenced in respect of the advancement of the overall North Quays Project, pending further clarification of the project detail.

This is a very complex and high value project in a strategic development zone, and so it is critical that careful consideration is given to its planning and development, and also in order to establish the correct combination of supports required to facilitate its successful advancement and completion. At this stage, the project composition, costs, sequencing, and requisite supports must be further clarified so that the appropriate level of ‘whole project’ URDF support can be established.

While the advancement of the North Quays Project is, in the first instance, a matter for Waterford City and County Council, my Department is continuing to engage with the local authority to assist further progress on the development of this important project.

With regard to the timing of URDF funding, my Department has already recouped €5.7m in respect of costs incurred by Waterford City and County Council on the planning and development of this project, and further funding will be made available as the project advances through its various stages of development.

Local Authority Rates

Questions (30)

Joe Flaherty

Question:

30. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to engage with Longford County Council in view of the significant reduction in commercial rates due to the decarbonisation process in the midlands. [17640/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Programme for Government – Our Shared Future commits to a number of actions, including reforming and reimagining our public life. This mission sets out commitments that relate to local authority funding, including setting out how commercial rates will be treated for the remainder of 2020, as a priority action.

The Programme also commits to bringing forward legislation for the Local Property Tax (LPT) on the basis of fairness and that most homeowners will face no increase. The Programme states that those counties with a lower LPT base will be adjusted via an annual national equalisation fund paid from the Exchequer, as is currently the case.

The Programme also recognises the requirements around the Just Transition process to anticipate challenges, which could include the potential for reductions in commercial rates, and plan for responses to them.

Notwithstanding the particular challenges that individual authorities face, all local authorities are experiencing financial challenges as a result of Covid-19. In order to support the local government sector generally, my Department continues to keep local authority income, expenditure and cash flow under review and will continue to work with all local authorities on both collective and individual issues that arise, including those issues that face Longford County Council.

Local Authority Housing

Questions (31, 38, 43)

Maurice Quinlivan

Question:

31. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to extend the vacant properties voids programme beyond 2020 in view of the negative impact that Covid-19 will have on local authority budgets going forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17635/20]

View answer

Violet-Anne Wynne

Question:

38. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when he plans to make funds available to the local authorities for voids in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17662/20]

View answer

Maurice Quinlivan

Question:

43. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when local authorities will be invited to submit applications for funding under the vacant properties voids programme for 2020; and when funding will issue in respect of these applications. [17634/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 31, 38 and 43 together.

The management and maintenance of local authority housing stock, including pre-letting repairs to vacant properties, the implementation of a planned maintenance programme and carrying out of responsive repairs, are matters for each individual local authority under Section 58 of the Housing Act 1966.

Since 2014, Exchequer funding has also been provided through my Department's Voids Programme to support local authorities in preparing vacant units for re-letting. This funding was initially introduced to tackle long term vacant units and is now increasingly targeted at ensuring minimal turnaround and re-let times for local authority vacant stock. During 2019, expenditure of some €26.6 million was recouped to local authorities under the Voids Programme, returning 1,503 units to use.

There is a two stage process for allocations under the Voids Programme for 2020. Firstly, on 26 May, there was an initial call for proposals for COVID-19 Voids funding for vacant units which were required for the emergency accommodation of qualified households arising from the need to prevent, limit, minimise or slow the spread of COVID-19. My Department has approved funding of €4.8 million to support this programme which will return 475 units to productive use. I understand that the majority of works approved under this element of the programme are now complete.

A second call for proposals, under the non-Covid voids programme, will issue shortly.

Over the longer term, my Department is working with local authorities, through the City and County Management Association, to transition to a planned maintenance/asset management approach.

Home Loan Scheme

Questions (32)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

32. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will reverse the blanket ban on the drawdown of Rebuilding Ireland home loans for applicants with approval in principle who are on the temporary wage subsidy scheme; and if he will revert to the advice provided by his Department to local authorities on 21 May 2020 to provide for case-by-case assessments of all applications including those with approval in principal. [17633/20]

View answer

Written answers

There is no blanket ban on applications or drawdowns for Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan (RIHL) applicants. All local authorities are receiving and processing RIHL applications and are incorporating increased flexibility to accommodate applicants during the COVID 19 Pandemic.

As is the case with any lender, local authorities must lend mortgages on prudent basis, taking into account the most recent income and employment data available. This is both for the protection of the lender and the borrower, in particular to seek to ensure that borrowers are not left with unsustainable debt burdens, as a mortgage is a long-term commitment and it would not be appropriate to lend when there is a identifiable risk that the person’s income and ability to pay might not return to the level required to support the borrowing requested.

The Covid-19 situation has had an unprecedented economic impact and unfortunately some applicants for the RIHL have been affected. In order to address this issue, my Department has issued guidance on 21 May to local authorities on the process for dealing with applicants already in the application/approval process whose economic circumstances have changed for the worse. These options could include reducing, suspending or withdrawing the amount that can be borrowed. However, there is no one size fits all approach, it depends on the individual circumstances.

Nevertheless, the fact that an applicant’s income is supported by the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) is a factor that must be taken into account. As noted on Revenue’s website, employers’ participation in the scheme is ‘a declaration which states that, based on reasonable projections, there will be, as a result of disruption to the business caused or to be caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, a decline of at least 25% in the future turnover of, or customer orders for, the business for the duration of the pandemic and that as a result the employer cannot pay normal wages and outgoings fully but nonetheless wants to retain its employees on the payroll.’ Given that the ability to repay a mortgage is based upon a careful assessment of an applicant’s employment situation, the fact that their employer has declared that they are unable to pay normal wages must be taken into consideration.

Therefore, on 6 July, my Department issued a Circular including additional guidance on the treatment of persons whose employers avail of the TWSS as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Where such persons are approved for a RIHL loan, draw down would not commence until their unsupported income post TWSS has returned to the level specified in the original application for a period of time, usually up to three months. This is line with the requirement to lend prudently. Local authorities can, however, use their judgement and knowledge of local employers to advance loans to applicants before the end of this three-month period, where appropriate.

There are exceptions to this approach.

In the case of a joint application where only one party is on TWSS, the application can also proceed to drawdown if repayment capacity can be assured based on the other person’s income.

For applicants whose post-TWSS income is lower (e.g. due to reduced hours) than stated on their application, their application can be re-assessed to determine the most appropriate borrowing amount for them.

In addition, persons currently on the TWSS can continue to apply for a RIHL mortgage based on their pre-TWSS 19 Income. This will provide clarity to applicants regarding their eligibility for the loan and will enable them to commence the property search.

Therefore, it is not correct to state that there is a blanket ban on the drawdown of RIHL loans for persons on TWSS. The Guidance of 21 May and the Circular of 6 July are complementary and will remain the approach for local authorities to take.

Social and Affordable Housing

Questions (33)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

33. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to meet with either Cavan, Monaghan or Meath county councils to discuss social housing strategies; the housing targets for new builds in both counties for 2020 and 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16593/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Programme for Government commits to address homelessness, increase the social housing stock by over 50,000 and to put affordability back at the heart of our housing system. I recently had a videoconference meeting with the Chief Executive’s all of the local authorities during which I highlighted these key priorities.

Since taking up office in late June, I established a High Level Homelessness Taskforce, to provide a forum for engagement with key organisations working to address homelessness. The Taskforce will input on the implementation of the commitments on homelessness in the Programme for Government.

In addition, I have convened a High Level Housing Delivery Group of key stakeholders, consisting of representatives of the County and City Manager’s Association, the Housing Delivery Co-ordination Office, the Housing Agency, the Irish Council of Social Housing and the Housing Alliance, to drive social housing delivery in 2020, taking account of the impact of Covid-19. All efforts are being made to make up any lost ground and to avail of delivery opportunities.

In this context, I recently launched a campaign in conjunction with the Housing Agency entitled ‘Call for Housing 2020’ which is a new national call for property owners and developers with vacant properties to make them available to other during this time, in order to optimise the opportunities to deliver new homes immediately.

As Minister, I intend to have continuous engagement on housing related matters with all local authorities, including Cavan, Monaghan and Meath, and I aim to visit as many Councils as possible over the coming months.

My Department's officials also meet regularly with local authority housing teams, both individually and collectively, to discuss progress in terms of social housing delivery. Recently such meetings have been held via videoconference; specifically with Monaghan County Council on 21st April and Cavan and Meath County Councils on 21st May. Further engagements will take place regularly over the rest of the year.

Departmental Reviews

Questions (34)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Question:

34. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if there is a review of the strategic housing development process under way in his Department; his views on the structure of such a review; and if he will prepare a report on the matter. [17653/20]

View answer

Written answers

I refer to the reply to Question No. 2 on today’s Order Paper which sets out the position in this matter.

Irish Water

Questions (35, 60)

Christopher O'Sullivan

Question:

35. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will continue to ensure that Irish Water has sufficient funding to address issues arising at wastewater treatment plants in view of issues which have arisen at Belgooly, County Cork. [17642/20]

View answer

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

60. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if €100 million in funding was cut from the capital budget of Irish Water in 2020; and the impact this cut has had on wastewater treatment plant upgrade deadlines and in turn on the EU Commission action against the State for breaches of the urban wastewater treatment directive. [17629/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 60 together.

I refer to the replies to Question Nos. [16507/20] and [17528/20] of 21 and 22 July, 2020, respectively.

Since 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels. The Irish Water Strategic Funding Plan 2019-2024 sets out Irish Water’s multi-annual strategic business planning funding requirement of €11bn to 2024, comprised of a €6.1bn investment in infrastructure and assets, including €1.9bn for waste water, and €4.9bn in operating costs. In regard to overall investment, the Programme for Government states that the Government will fund Irish Water's capital investment plan for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure on a multi-annual basis and deliver the €8.5 billion funding package committed to in Project Ireland 2040. This overall funding commitment is key to addressing Ireland's shortcomings in water and waste water infrastructure, including those aspects which are subject to European Commission infringement action.

As a regulated utility, overall Irish Water expenditure is subject to approval by the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities, while in turn the funding provided by the Exchequer to Irish Water in relation to domestic water services is subject to the annual Budget and Estimates process. The voted provision of almost €1.2 billion included in my Department's 2020 Estimates in respect of Irish Water’s domestic water services operational and capital expenditure in 2020 is €74m less that the original Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) determination of Irish Water approved revenue for 2020 which was published in December 2019.

In making its decision in December 2019, the CRU withheld its determination on the full capital allowance for the revenue control period 2020-24. The CRU will shortly make its full determination on Irish Water's total capital allowance for this period within the coming weeks. Irish Water's future annual exchequer funding amount will continue to be determined through the annual Budget and Estimates process, having regard to the forthcoming CRU revenue determination.

Further detail in relation to the breakdown of Irish Water's capital investment should be sought from Irish Water. It may be helpful to note that Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via email at Oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on a dedicated number, 1890 578 578.

Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund

Questions (36)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

36. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to address the lack of effectiveness and the weight of delays with the local infrastructure housing activation fund. [17630/20]

View answer

Written answers

As an initiative of the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness, the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) is primarily designed to fund the provision of public off-site infrastructure to relieve critical infrastructure blockages and enable housing developments to be built on key sites at scale.

In 2018, 30 projects received final LIHAF approval with an overall budget of €195.7m, of which €146.8m will be Exchequer funded, with the remainder funded via local authorities. Of the 30 projects, Kildare County Council has confirmed that its project on the Naas Inner Relief Road will not now progress, although an element of the housing that was associated with the project has taken place.

Details of the approvals by local authority area, budget allocation, project description and projected housing delivery are available at www.rebuildingireland.ie/LIHAF.

Currently, 3 LIHAF projects have completed infrastructure construction. Of the remaining 26, up to the end of June 2020 (and excluding the Naas project), 14 projects have been approved to go to, or are already at, infrastructure construction stage and one is expected to have tender approval and go to construction before the end of Q4 2020. Local authorities have indicated that work is progressing on the remainder.

It’s important to note that LIHAF projects involve complex, large scale public infrastructure developments which pave the way for associated housing development. This requires extensive design, planning, public consultation and procurement processes in advance of the projects moving to construction.

Approved Housing Bodies

Questions (37)

Chris Andrews

Question:

37. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his views on proposals by approved housing bodies that they would be allowed to use some of their social housing stock to be put on the market as affordable rental properties; and if he has been in negotiations with approved housing bodies regarding this issue. [17646/20]

View answer

Written answers

The new Programme for Government 'Our Shared Future' commits to the development of a new Cost Rental sector in Ireland, whereby the rents charged will cover the cost of delivering, managing, and maintaining the homes. Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) form a key element in the delivery of social housing in Ireland and have a well demonstrated capacity in both the construction of new homes and in the areas of property and tenancy management.

Approved Housing Bodies are now involved in the initial phase of Cost Rental projects. Respond and Tuath, two of the largest Tier-3 AHBs, are jointly leading the delivery of 50 Cost Rental homes at Enniskerry Road, Stepaside, Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown, as part of a mixed-tenure development that also includes 105 traditional social homes. The AHBs are being supported in this work by DLR County Council, the Housing Agency, the Housing Finance Agency, and my Department. This is the first Cost Rental development in the State and construction began in July 2019, with completion provisionally scheduled for Q3 2021, prior to the onset of Covid-19.

Earlier this year, representatives of the Housing Alliance, a group of six of the largest AHBs, met with my Department to discuss ways to make rental more affordable for households with income above social housing limits. These proposals have fed into the ongoing work of the inter-departmental/agency Cost Rental Working Group, which is developing methods for the consistent and sustainable delivery of Cost Rental at scale. I view the AHBs as potentially being key partners in this area and look forward to engaging with them further as we advance Cost Rental. However, I do not envisage that much needed social housing would be used for this purpose.

Question No. 38 answered with Question No. 31.

Regeneration Projects

Questions (39)

Chris Andrews

Question:

39. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will invest in the regeneration of flat complexes in south inner city Dublin in the interest of good public health and good community development in view of the extremely poor condition and the urgent need for upgrading of these flats. [17645/20]

View answer

Written answers

Each individual local authority is responsible for ensuring that their social housing stock is maintained to an appropriate standard. In order to support local authorities in this work my Department provides exchequer funding for eligible improvement works to local authority housing, including through the voids and energy efficiency programmes.

Furthermore, under the National Regeneration Programme funding is available to support the direct delivery of new and refurbished social housing units. Together with providing a significant number of new and refurbished homes, this programme also addresses the causes of disadvantage in these communities through a holistic programme of physical, social and economic regeneration.

I understand that Dublin City Council (DCC) has completed a Strategic Development Audit of its 220 apartment complexes in order to develop a Capital Housing Apartment Complex Regeneration Programme 2020 – 2040. According to DCC, this audit has regard to the physical condition, the development potential of the complexes and other relevant factors. DCC have identified priorities for each of its 11 electoral areas (EA) including the two south inner city EAs of South West Inner City and South East Inner City and I understand that engagement is ongoing with local elected members. My Department will consider submissions for such capital expenditure on receipt from DCC.

With funding from my Department, phase 1 of the regeneration of the former St Teresa’s Gardens, which will deliver 54 new homes, is underway. DCC is also currently building social housing on two other sites within the south inner city, 55 on the former Chamber Weaver site and 57 homes in Bonham Street.

I understand that DCC are also developing plans for construction of 42 new homes at St Andrew’s Court (northern portion of site) and are examining the feasibility of making a positive intervention to Pearse House (a protected structure) and engagement with local elected members and community will commence shortly.

There is ongoing and regular engagement between the Council’s officials and officials in my Department on DCC's broad housing delivery programme.

Housing Policy

Questions (40)

Mark Ward

Question:

40. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will report on the affordable rental scheme; his views on using public land for public housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17124/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Programme for Government 'Our Shared Future', confirms the Government's commitment to introduce "Cost Rental" housing in Ireland where the rents charged cover the cost of delivering, managing, and maintaining the homes only. Cost Rental is not intended to overlap with or replace traditional social housing for low-income households

In 2019 an inter-departmental multi-agency Cost Rental Working Group was convened in order to assess methods for the consistent and sustainable delivery of Cost Rental at scale. The Group brings together representatives of relevant Government Departments, State agencies, and local government. The Group is evaluating potential funding models and operational matters such as tenant eligibility.

This work will be assisted by a recently initiated research consultancy sponsored by the European Investment Bank on behalf of my Department. The EIB has extensive experience in supporting the delivery of affordable housing across Europe and the Report is scheduled for completion in December.

Ireland's first Cost Rental development is currently under construction at Enniskerry Road, Stepaside, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. The project is being undertaken by two Approved Housing Bodies, Tuath and Respond, with the assistance of DLR County Council. The mixed-tenure development comprises 50 Cost Rental homes alongside 105 social housing homes.

A second pilot project sponsored by my Department is under development for a site at Emmet Road, Inchicore (the former St Michael’s Estate). The project is being led by Dublin City Council, which owns the site. The project is currently at the design stage.

Another proposed Cost Rental development is at Shanganagh Castle, Shankill, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, where DLR County Council is working in partnership with the Land Development Agency on the Council-owned site. On 13 July planning permission was granted to develop 597 homes on this site of which it is anticipated approximately 300 will be cost rental housing which will be provided alongside Affordable Purchase and social housing homes.

These three developments utilise public lands for Cost Rental housing. This allows the homes on these sites to benefit from lower land costs, which assist in lowering the rent ultimately paid by the tenants, while also retaining the homes for this purpose into the longer term.

I plan to outline further details around "Cost Rental" in the Autumn taking on board the input from the aforementioned Group and the experience from the pilot projects, as part of a broader announcement on affordable housing.

Legislative Programme

Questions (41)

Bríd Smith

Question:

41. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his priority legislation to deal with the housing crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17624/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Programme for Government – Our Shared Future identifies a range of legislative reforms in the housing area. The top three priority Bills that I plan to bring forward in relation to current housing shortages include measures to:

- increase notice periods in relation to notices of termination served on tenants for failure to payrent due during a further period after the expiry of the emergency period order under the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Act 2020 and to prohibit increases in rents on certain tenancies of dwellings during that period

- establish the Land Development Agency on a primary legislative footing, and

- introduce “use it or lose it” arrangements in respect of planning permissions for housing developments of 10 units or more to incentivise early activation of planning permissions in respect of such developments.

The progression of these legislative proposals will be considered as part of the development of the Government's legislative programme.

Housing Issues

Questions (42, 47, 62)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

42. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to use the planning powers as set out in the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2015 to ban co-living. [17632/20]

View answer

Paul Donnelly

Question:

47. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if legislation has been proposed to protect residents of co-living developments following the Covid-19 pandemic and future health emergencies in circumstances in which shared space and proper social distancing are unavoidable. [17655/20]

View answer

Gino Kenny

Question:

62. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will re-examine the policy on co-living accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17625/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 42, 47 and 62 together.

The new Programme for Government, identifies the need to avoid over-concentration of particular housing types in areas, by requiring local authorities to complete housing need and demand assessments to inform delivery of an appropriate mix of housing typologies to cater for the needs of disparate household types and sizes.

Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartments Guidelines for Planning Authorities, published sets out policy in relation to a range of apartment formats needed to meet the accommodation needs of different household types and sizes. This includes the potential for a ‘Shared Accommodation’ or ‘Co-Living’ format, which comprises professionally managed rental accommodation, where living accommodation, that may comprise individual rooms, is rented within an overall development, that must also include access to shared or communal facilities and amenities, but not shared bathroom or toilet facilities.

Between 2018 and June 2020, only a small number of co-living bedspaces were approved by An Bord Pleanála under the Strategic Housing Development application process and there have been no such developments completed in Dublin to date. So this concept represents a very small portion of the housing sector.

Nonetheless, I believe it is important to review the concept of co-living in an Irish context, at this stage, having regard to standards and accommodation needs.

Question No. 43 answered with Question No. 31.

Rental Sector

Questions (44)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

44. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to introduce a new planning offence and fine for short-term letting platforms and estate agents that advertise short-term lets which are not compliant with the planning permission requirements of the existing short-term letting regulations. [17631/20]

View answer

Written answers

Legislative changes (Planning and Development Act 2000 (Exempted Development) (No. 2) Regulations 2019) were introduced last year in relation to the regulation of short-term letting sector through the planning code to help address its impact on the supply of private rented accommodation, particularly in urban centres of high housing demand i.e. rent pressure zones. The planning system facilitates the regulation of such short-term letting uses undertaken by the individual carrying out the activity, i.e. the owner/occupier of the house or apartment, rather than the online platforms.

Under this Short-Term Letting legislation applicable in rent pressure zones:

- Short term letting is defined as the letting of a house or apartment, or part of a house or apartment, for any period not exceeding 14 days.

- Homesharing (the letting of a room or rooms in a person’s principal private residence) continues to be permissible on an unrestricted basis and is exempted from the new planning requirements.

- Homesharers are allowed to sub-let their entire principle private residence (house or apartment) on a short term basis for a cumulative period of

- 90 days where they are temporarily absent from their home.

- Where the 90 day threshold is exceeded, change of use planning permission is required.

If a person homeshares their principal private residence in a rent pressure zone and wishes to avail of the new planning exemptions, they need to register this with their local planning authority and fulfil specified reporting obligations.

However, where a person owns a property in a rent pressure zone which is not their principal private residence and intends to let it for short term letting purposes, s/he is required to apply for a change of use planning permission unless the property already has a specific planning permission to be used for tourism or short-term letting purposes.

The broader regulation of tourism activity, including the possible development of a new regulatory or licensing/registration system for commercial platforms and short-term letting agents, was recommended in the final Working Group report on the regulation of short-term letting. The Programme for Government - Our Shared Future includes the specific action to strengthen the regulatory and enforcement mechanisms with regard to short-term lettings, and the approach in this regard will be considered over the coming months. Though some elements of potential regulation may be outside the remit of my Department, I look forward to engaging with my cabinet colleagues on how best this issue can be tackled jointly.

Land Development Agency

Questions (45)

Gino Kenny

Question:

45. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the way in which the LDA will address the housing crisis; if representatives of NGOs or bodies that have campaigned on behalf of the homeless or on the housing crisis will be represented on the board of the LDA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17626/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Land Development Agency (LDA) was established on an interim basis in September 2018, by way of an Order made under the Local Government Services (Corporate Bodies) Act 1971, pending the enactment of primary legislation when it will be established as a commercial State agency.

The LDA has an immediate focus on managing the State’s own lands to develop new homes, and regenerate under-utilised sites. The LDA have access to an initial tranche of 9 sites that have near term delivery potential for 3,600 new homes. In the longer-term, it will assemble strategic landbanks from a mix of public and private lands to deliver housing, a significant proportion of which will be social and affordable. The overall objective is for the LDA to be involved in the building of 150,000 new homes over the next 20 years.

In January 2019, an interim Board of the LDA was appointed under the chairmanship of Mr. John Moran, former Secretary General at the Department of Finance. The composition of the interim Board is drawn from the private and public sector and provides a good mix of skills and expertise. In line with Article 6 of the LDA Establishment Order, it includes representatives of my Department, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the local government sector, the Housing Agency and other persons that are considered appropriate.

The membership of the interim Board is as follows:

- John Moran - Chair

- Michael Stone - Chairman of the North East Inner City Regeneration Implementation Board

- Timothy Bouchier Hayes - Solicitor and construction law expert

- Michelle Norris - UCD Professor of Social Policy

- Conn Murray - Former Limerick City and County Council Chief Executive

- John Coleman – Chief Executive, LDA

- John O'Connor – Chief Executive, Housing Agency

- Clare Costello - Principal Officer, Department of Public Expenditure and Reform

- Caroline Timmons – Principal Officer, Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government

On enactment of the primary legislation, a permanent board and Chairperson for the LDA will be appointed in accordance with the Guidelines on the Appointment to State Boards. In the Programme for Government, we have committed to ensuring the LDA Board includes a cross spectrum of housing, financial, governance and other independent experts needed to fulfil its remit.

Top
Share