Written Answers Nos. 287-313
287. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the fact that PPS numbers are being required of persons seeking emergency accommodation; the steps he is taking to ensure that all privacy rights afforded to persons under GDPR are being upheld within homelessness services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39695/20]
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 the local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation and related services for homeless persons rests with individual housing authorities. Specifically under Section 10 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 local authorities are responsible for the provision of housing supports to households for the purposes of meeting their accommodation needs, including services provided to homeless persons under Section 10 of the Housing Act 1988.
Local authorities have statutory obligations under GDPR and the Data Protection Acts, and have a responsibility, in common with other public bodies, to ensure compliance with such requirements in the performance of their functions.
288. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the fact that since the cessation of one-night only emergency accommodation by the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive, DHRE, there is an increase in rough sleepers who are deemed ineligible to access longer term emergency accommodation in Dublin; the measures he is putting in place to ensure humanitarian aid and shelter is provided to all who need it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39696/20]
View answer308. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the practice whereby homeless persons who seek assistance in Dublin are being told to return to their home counties and seek help there, resulting in many sleeping on the streets due the travel restrictions during Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40278/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 288 and 308 together.
My 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.
Under the Housing Act 1988 it is a matter for each local authority to determine whether a person is regarded as homeless; section 2 of the Act sets out the requirements in this regard. When a household has been assessed as homeless, section 10 of the Housing Act 1988, provides that a local authority may provide accommodation and related services to that household.
Any household assessed as homeless may be placed into temporary emergency accommodation without the requirement to undergo a social housing assessment, allowing local authorities the flexibility that is essential to respond quickly and effectively to the various needs of cases that may arise. All local authorities/the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE), have responsibility to provide emergency accommodation for individuals and households becoming homeless from their functional area.
The DRHE has advised my Department that it operates additional emergency accommodation specifically for the management of contingencies that arise at night and for those at risk of rough sleeping. It is supplemental to emergency accommodation provided by local authorities. The Central Placement Service and Freephone Services manage bookings to these contingency beds as well as the mainstream work of assessment and placement in homeless services on behalf of Dublin City Council.
Services operate throughout the year to support persons who are rough sleeping. However, there is an increased emphasis on the level of service provision during the cold weather period in order to mitigate against the health risks that people can be exposed to, through rough sleeping in cold weather conditions. Critically, the cold weather period provides opportunities for engagement with long-term rough sleepers and hard-to-reach groups, where increased supports need to be made available.
The overriding objective is to provide long-term homes for all individuals experiencing homelessness. Individuals accessing homeless services are supported by local authorities and their NGO service delivery partners to secure a home, utilising the various social housing supports.
289. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on whether public funding allocated through local authorities in the form of a housing adaptation grant should only be awarded once the local authority is satisfied with, and has signed off on, the standard of work carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39745/20]
View answerLocal authorities are responsible for the detailed administration of the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, including the assessment, approval and payment of grants to applicants under the various measures.
I understand that local authorities confirm that approved works have been completed before a grant is paid to an applicant. The responsibility for monitoring the standard of work is a matter for the applicant and their appointed project supervisor and contractor.
291. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of houses in County Donegal that have been approved to date under the mica scheme; the number of applications currently under assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39759/20]
View answerDonegal County Council have to date approved 25 applications for "Stage 1: Confirmation of Eligibility" under the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant scheme. There are a further 65 applications currently being assessed, 24 of which are awaiting further information from the applicants. Funding of €20m has been made available by my Department for expenditure under the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme in 2021.
292. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures he is taking to alleviate the chronic shortage of long-term rental properties in cities and towns across the country due to competition from the short-term rental market (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39812/20]
View answerLegislative changes (the Planning and Development Act 2000 (Exempted Development) (No. 2) Regulations 2019) were introduced last year in relation to the regulation of the 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 (RPZs). The planning system facilitates the regulation of 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.
It is recognised that the aforementioned legislative changes do not apply to short-term-lets in many rural areas which are outside the RPZs. To do so could potentially have an adverse impact on the many long-established tourism accommodation properties upon which the tourism industry in these areas relies. 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 letting, and the ongoing approach in this regard will be considered further over the coming months. However, as some elements of potential regulation of the short-term letting market fall outside the remit of my Department, I have written to my colleague the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media on this matter and look forward to engaging with my cabinet colleagues on how best this issue can be tackled jointly and more comprehensively.
The Programme for Government also commits the Government to the progression of State-backed affordable housing, including the development of a Cost Rental model. Cost Rental is housing where the rents cover only the costs of delivering, managing, and maintaining the homes. It represents a new form of rental tenure for Ireland and is particularly relevant in densely populated urban centres where rental affordability pressures are acute and where State resources can have the biggest impact in assisting people who are paying highest rents. Cost Rental projects led by Approved Housing Bodies and Local Authorities are currently under development in Dublin, while the Land Development Agency will be involved in the delivery of Cost Rental homes on its initial portfolio of urban sites across the country. However, I accept that this measure may not be immediately relevant in smaller rural towns. Accordingly the Government is exploring other possible options that might be pursued in these areas.
293. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the regeneration plan, Project Carlow 2040: A Vision for Regeneration, launched recently by Carlow County Council and the local enterprise office and supported by local business groups in Carlow town; and if he will engage with and agree to meet local Deputies and business representatives remotely to discuss this vision for the town centre. [39826/20]
View answerThe recently launched regeneration plan Project Carlow 2040: A vision for Regeneration was funded as a category two ‘pipeline’ project under the first call for proposals under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) in 2018. The URDF is overseen by my Department and is one of four new funds established under PI2040, with a combined allocation of €4 billion in the current National Development Plan (NDP) to 2027. The URDF has an allocation of €2 billion to 2027, primarily to activate our urban centres in support of more compact and sustainable urban development and regeneration.
Under Call 1 of the URDF, Carlow County Council was approved an allocation of more than €500,000 in respect of the development of a masterplan for Carlow Town. Further to consultation and work undertaken during 2019-20, an initial draft of Project Carlow 2040: A Vision for Regeneration was submitted to my Department in support of proposals for funding under Call 2 of the URDF, which had been launched earlier this year. The URDF Call 2 assessment process is currently underway and will be concluded in the coming weeks.
Project Carlow 2040: A Vision for Regeneration is illustrative of the type of planning strategy to both articulate and deliver on objectives that will help deliver regeneration and compact urban growth. The strategy sets out a framework for urban regeneration that has been tailored for Carlow Town. The masterplan sets out to improve health and wellbeing, create better town centre spaces, enhance competitiveness and commercial activity, encourage town centre living and encourage building enhancements in order to improve the long term viability of Carlow.
Project Carlow 2040: A Vision for Regeneration complements the Programme for Government commitment to the development of a Town Centre First (TCF) policy, modelled on the scheme developed by the Scottish Government, and informed by the Town Centre Living pilot initiative overseen by the Department of Rural and Community Development. This includes the implementation of a strategic approach to town centre regeneration by utilising existing buildings and unused lands for new development.
My Department is jointly chairing an Inter-Departmental Group (IDG) to progress the commitment and associated actions in relation to the TCF approach in the Programme for Government. The objective is that the Group will bring forward proposals for consideration by the Government supported by a wider group of stakeholders via a dedicated Advisory Group to be chaired by Minister of State for Planning and Local Government, Peter Burke over the coming months.
I am due to meet with Carlow Chamber of Commerce shortly to further discuss Project Carlow 2040: A Vision for Regeneration, among other matters .
294. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 94 of 11 November 2020, the stage the process between Limerick City and County Council and his Department is at; when the approved process will be completed; when the last interaction occurred with Limerick City and County Council; the locations in County Limerick that were identified as the five locations referred to in his response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39830/20]
View answerAs detailed in my response to the Deputies Parliamentary Question No 94 of 11 November 2020 the following link provides details of the Serviced Site Fund projects and their locations in Limerick City and County Council which received 'Approval in Principle' in August 2019:
https://rebuildingireland.ie/news/minister-murphy-approves-funding-of-e84m-to-support-delivery-of-1770-affordable-homes-under-the-ssf/
Following receipt of this approval in principle for the outline project proposals, local authorities then begin to progress through their detailed design, consultation, planning and procurement phases. When local authorities are in a position to confirm to my Department more definitive project details and costs, a formal grant agreement is put in place detailing the grant amount and the deliverables. This process allows us to accommodate a change in costs or project specification which invariably occurs as projects move from initial concept to delivery. For example, this often includes an increase in the number of affordable homes that will be provided which then allows the local authority secure a funding increase over and above that originally approved at the projects initiation.
As confirmed previously, officials from my Department engage regularly with officials from Limerick City and County Council regarding the progression of its projects and would have had a number of engagements with Council officials in the last two months.
295. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the report by a person (details supplied) in relation to marine protected areas as part of the broader development of a marine planning framework will be published. [39831/20]
View answerThe Programme for Government - Our Shared Future contains a commitment to realise our outstanding target of 10% marine protected area (MPA) coverage in Ireland's waters as soon as is practicable, aiming for 30% by 2030. In this regard the Government has also committed in the Programme for Government to deliver comprehensive legislation for the identification, designation and management of MPAs in Ireland.
As a first step on the path to meeting these commitments, in December 2019 my Department convened an independent group of experts to provide advice and recommendations on the processes required and the challenges to be addressed in expanding Ireland’s MPA network. This advisory group which was chaired by Professor Tasman Crowe, Director of the UCD Earth Institute, met on a monthly basis including remotely due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Marine Protected Area Advisory Group worked intensively during this period in order to formulate and complete its final report for the Department. This comprehensive report was received by me and by Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan, TD, on 22 October during EU Green Week 2020. It is now in the process of being translated and it is my intention to publish it in the coming weeks.
An extensive public consultation phase to commence in early 2021 will encourage all stakeholders and the wider public to review the contents of the expert group's report, including its many recommendations, and to submit their views on the best way forward for our natural marine environment and our people and how Ireland’s network of MPAs should be expanded. In accordance with the Government's commitments, my Department also intends to begin developing legislation on the identification, designation and management of MPAs in 2021.
296. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the housing developments in Fingal and Dublin city that made up the estimated cost of council direct construction of social housing in 2019 published by the social housing capital investment programme; and the land cost, professional fees, utility costs, abnormal costs and construction contract costs per unit built, respectively in each case. [39934/20]
View answerThe average costs for the delivery of social homes through the local authority capital construction programme for 2019 are set out in the table following. These averages reflect the full delivery or 'all-in' costs including the costs recouped from my Department through the Social Housing Investment Programme (SHIP) for construction costs (including site preparation), land cost, design team, legal and professional fee, and utilities. Abnormal costs are generally additional site preparation costs recouped where site conditions required out of the ordinary works to prepare the site for construction.
As averages, it's important to note that a range of dwelling types at various costs are covered. In delivering new social homes under this programme local authorities are cognisant of the need to balance the delivery of a range of new homes to meet the diverse needs of households on their social housing list with value for money considerations.
All project proposals by local authorities are considered by my Department in this context and taking account of the unit cost ceilings for each local authority. Projects delivered in 2019 encompassed a total of 246 new units some of which were delivered in 2018. For completeness and to outline the full costs of the projects these are included in the table following:
*Ballybough Road - costs represent amounts agreed by this Department at Stage 4 Approval in 2017; additional costs were incurred by Dublin City Council for the construction of this projects.
** Priory Hall - costs associated with the 33 Priory Hall Social Housing units are made up of the refurbishment cost apportioned to these 33 unit and should not be considered the total cost of building these units.
297. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of approved units in Fingal and Dublin city since 1 January 2019 to date; and the estimated cost per unit by the land cost, professional fees, utility costs, abnormal costs and construction contract costs per unit, respectively. [39935/20]
View answerMy Department provides funding to local authorities for the provision of new social housing units through the Social Housing Investment Programme (SHIP).
Budgets are set through the approval process and costs are divided into the following categories
SHIP Construction on LA-owned land:
- Construction Contract
- Professional Fees – include fee for design, site investigation, project management etc.
- Utility Infrastructure - Costs for the provision of utility infrastructure on the site – e.g. water and sewage
- Abnormals – for example costs associated with preparing difficult/tight sites for construction
- Land cost
- Other – e.g. funding toward public art
SHIP Turnkey projects – purchase of newly constructed homes
- Purchase costs
- Professional Fees – includes conveyance and valuation fees
For Dublin City and Fingal local authorities the following are the average costs funded by my Department for construction projects on land owned by the local authority approved after 1/1/2019
|
All Direct Build Projects |
Average per unit |
|||||||||
|
Local Authority |
Projects |
Units |
Avg. project size/Units |
Construction |
Professional Fees |
Utility Infrastructure |
Abnormals |
Land Costs |
Other |
All-in Cost per units |
|
Dublin City |
6 |
352 |
59 |
€308,244 |
€23,444 |
€3,383 |
€47,340 |
€0 |
€1,198 |
€383,609 |
|
Fingal |
1 |
20 |
20 |
€308,173 |
€34,242 |
€5,907 |
€0 |
€0 |
€6,561 |
€354,882 |
|
|
7 |
372 |
53 |
€308,240 |
€24,024 |
€3,519 |
€44,795 |
€0 |
€1,487 |
€382,065 |
None of the construction projects in this timeframe incurred land costs.
The following are the average costs funded by my Department for turnkey projects approved after 1/1/2019
|
Turnkeys |
Average per unit |
|||||
|
Local Authority |
Projects |
Units |
Project size in Units |
Purchase Price |
Professional Fees |
All-in Cost per units |
|
Dublin City |
2 |
28 |
14 |
€369,629 |
€2,393 |
€372,022 |
|
Fingal |
5 |
32 |
6 |
€367,219 |
€7,015 |
€374,233 |
|
|
7 |
60 |
9 |
€368,343 |
€4,858 |
€373,201 |
298. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a property (details supplied) can be included in the pyrite remediation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39950/20]
View answerThe Pyrite Resolution Act 2013 provides the statutory framework for the establishment of the Pyrite Resolution Board and for the making of a pyrite remediation scheme to be implemented by the Board with support from the Housing Agency.
The provisions of the Act apply only to dwellings affected by significant damage attributable to pyritic heave consequent on the presence of reactive pyrite in the subfloor hardcore material and not to damage arising in any other circumstance, e.g. such as pyrite in concrete blocks.
As matters currently stand, the owners of dwellings located within the counties of Kildare, Meath or Offaly or the administrative areas of Fingal County Council, Dublin City Council, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, South Dublin or Limerick City and County Council, are eligible to apply for remediation works under the scheme.
It is important to note that, in accordance with the provisions of the Act, the Board is independent in the performance of its functions, and as Minister, I have no role in the operational matters relating to the implementation of the Pyrite Remediation scheme. The Board may be contacted directly by phone at Locall 1890 252842 or by email to info@pyriteboard.ie or alternatively at oireachtasinfo@pyriteboard.ie.
300. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he will fully commence the Local Government Rates and other Matters Act 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40132/20]
View answerThe Local Government Rates and Other Matters Act 2019 was passed by the Oireachtas and enacted in July 2019. Key elements of the act include:
- A modernisation of rates legislation and practice, including variation of rates payment arrangements;
- The pro-rata levying of rates on occupiers based on period in occupation within a year;
- The application of interest payments on unpaid rates;
- Minimum charges for vacant commercial premises;
- Potential Rates Waiver Scheme; and
- Amendment to Rate Limitation Order formula in place in the year following revaluation.
These new provisions will add to the suite of options already available to local authorities to support local businesses and ratepayers.
Currently, only the sections of the Act relating to the amendment of the Rate Limitation Order have been commenced. Commencement of the remaining elements of the Act are dependent on a number of factors including the drafting of the requisite prescribed regulations, the preparation of circulars and guidance to local authorities and ensuring that the local government sector will be in a position to have the IT and administrative processes in place to fully support the new provisions. It had been intended that the bulk of the provisions would be operational for the 2021 local authority budget cycle, in November 2020.
However, preparations have been delayed by several months due to the impact of the COVID crisis. The impact of the COVID crisis on local authorities and businesses in 2020 has been significant. The Government has provided €900m of financial support to fund the cost of a nine-month waiver of commercial rates, an unprecedented measure that offers support to businesses and certainty to local authorities.
My Department has necessarily prioritised ongoing engagement with local authorities on key financial matters and the development and implementation of the commercial rates waiver scheme. Plans to commence the legislation and introduce the regulations are now intended to have effect in time for the 2022 local authority budget process.
301. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will meet residents of homes built in conjunction with housing associations (details supplied) to discuss their concerns in which the promise of their right to purchase their own homes has been denied to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40135/20]
View answer302. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a ministerial order or regulation to allow approved housing bodies to sell homes to tenants will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40136/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 301 and 302 together.
The Housing (Sale of Local Authority Houses) Regulations 2015, provide the basis for the current Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme, which came into operation on 1 January 2016, which allows local authorities to sell local authority owned dwellings to existing social housing tenants. The Scheme does not extend to houses owned by Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs).
Under the terms of the various funding schemes supporting the delivery of social housing by AHBs, AHBs are the legal owners of the properties and must make them available for social renting for the duration of the mortgage or, as the case may be, the availability agreement.
Section 45 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 does provide for the sale by local authorities and AHBs of designated new houses to eligible households, subject to specified terms and conditions set down in the Act and the associated Housing (Incremental Purchase) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 252 of 2010). However, any such sales would have to be progressed by the AHBs in conjunction with the relevant local authority concerned. Neither my Department or myself has any role in the process.
303. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a schedule of all consultancy firms, accountancy firms, legal firms, project management firms and IT firms his Department has engaged to carry out work its behalf in 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020; if he will summarise the work they were engaged to do and the full costs of the engagements; if disputes over costs ensued; if they were resolved with or without sanctions and or financial penalties and or withholding of funds; and if contracts are subject to legal challenge or mediation. [40214/20]
View answerThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
|
Firm |
Purpose of Works |
Cost(€) |
Year of Engagement (2018/2019/2020) |
|
A & L Goodbody Solicitors Ltd |
Report on Water Legislation |
23,985 |
2019 |
|
Artefact Ltd |
Prepare Brand Guide Document for Met Éireann Logo |
2,091 |
2018 |
|
Aecom |
Develop cost optimal calculations and gap analysis in relation to the energy performance of buildings. |
160,162 |
2018 |
|
Allied Woodlands Ltd |
Invasives Eradication Glenveagh NP |
179,782 |
2020 |
|
Annertech |
Department Website Hosting and Support |
42,855 |
2018 |
|
Arthur Cox |
Legal advice |
171,146 |
2018 |
|
ASM (B) Limited |
Review of Backup system. |
5,658 |
2018 |
|
Auxilion |
SharePoint Monitoring and Support |
68,991 |
2018 |
|
AUXILION IRELAND LTD |
ICT HelpDesk |
628,307 |
2018 |
|
Baker Consultants |
Security and Network support |
42,431 |
2018 |
|
BearingPoint |
Evaluation of Voter.ie suitability for national roll out |
71,003 |
2020 |
|
Behaviour and Attitudes Ltd. |
Market survey as part of a cross-Departmental project examining the housing circumstances and attitudes of mature homeowners |
123,252 |
2018 |
|
Blacknight |
Website Hosting and Support |
1,668 |
2018 |
|
Brendan Shiels Consulting |
Consulting on Custom House Modernisation Project |
12,250 |
2020 |
|
BT Communications |
Video Conferencing installation and support |
24,805 |
2019 |
|
Capgemini/Sogeti Ireland |
SharePoint Development and Support |
784,381 |
2018 |
|
CDM Smith |
Advisory services on the impact of barriers to fish migration in the lower Shannon catchment |
72,649 |
2019 |
|
Chris Blandford |
Development of World Heritage Policy |
9,500 |
2020 |
|
Control and Design Electric |
Installation of VC equipment |
1,392 |
2018 |
|
Crossing the Line |
Filming – Newgrange Passage Tomb Solstice Project |
5,717 |
2020 |
|
Concept to Print |
Graphic Design for Bringing back Homes guidance document |
12,961 |
2018 |
|
CWSI |
Server configuration and Installation for MobileIron |
2,337 |
2018 |
|
Dale Technology |
Filemaker Pro Database Support |
9,484 |
2018 |
|
Datapac |
Managed Print Service |
56,395 |
2019 |
|
Derilinx |
Concept development and prototype for Heritagedata.gov.ie |
16,940 |
2020 |
|
Domino People |
Lotus Notes Server upgrade |
2,829 |
2018 |
|
DQ Networks |
Domain Registrations |
4,143 |
2018 |
|
Economic and Social Research Institute |
To undertake a review of the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan. |
23,171 |
2019 |
|
Economic and Social Research Institute |
Research on behaviours and attitudinal change on Irelands water resources, an implementation measure of the 2nd cycle River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) |
37,000 |
2019 |
|
Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) |
Planning and spatial research to support the implementation of the National Planning Framework |
65,000 |
2019 |
|
Envirico |
Blasket Island Biosecurity Review |
60,000 |
2020 |
|
Ergo Services |
Project Management Resource |
83,209 |
2018 |
|
Ernst & Young |
Consultancy on procurement and development of a Corporate Procurement Plan |
283,369 |
2019 |
|
ESRI Ireland |
Ecological Database and GIS Specialist Services |
126,675 |
2020 |
|
Fadó Archaeology |
Reinstatement of Kilmacannon Cross-slab, Co Sligo |
4,283 |
2020 |
|
Forest Oaks |
Rhododendron Control |
280,000 |
2020 |
|
Fujitsu (Ireland) Ltd. |
Commvault backup support contract |
32,689 |
2018 |
|
Galway Mayo Institute of Technology |
Production of a background document in relation to proposed microbeads legislation |
4,305 |
2018 |
|
Grant Thornton |
Data Protection Impact Assessment for the Build to Share Managed Desktop Project |
37,043 |
2019 |
|
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Ireland Ltd |
Support Agreement Renewal (including proprietary support) |
189,884 |
2018 |
|
HIBERNIA SERVICES LTD T/A EVROS |
Support for Pathfinder IT system |
12380 |
2019 |
|
Hibernia Services Ltd |
Network Administrator Resource |
23,301 |
2018 |
|
ICF UK Ltd |
Stakeholder engagement reporting |
9,936 |
2020 |
|
ICOMOS |
World Heritage Review |
7,500 |
2020 |
|
Image Supply Systems |
Photographic equipment for Newgrange Passage Tomb Solstice Project |
1,508 |
2020 |
|
Insight Software |
Annual software maintenance contract for Insight Reporting Tool. |
25,000 |
2018 |
|
Insight Software |
Annual software maintenance contract for Insight Reporting Tool. |
28,782 |
2019 |
|
Insight Software |
Annual software maintenance contract for Insight Reporting Tool. |
28,782 |
2020 |
|
Integrity360 |
Installation of Firewalls |
7,694 |
2019 |
|
Integrity Communications Ltd |
ICT Security Engineer |
76,3210 |
2019 |
|
Inventise Software Solutions |
Development of new software package to replace existing Election Count Management System |
736,600 |
2019 |
|
Irish Computer Consultants |
UPS battery pack replacement |
443 |
2020 |
|
Irwin Carr |
Peer review of the noise material for the wind energy development guidelines |
8,611 |
2018 |
|
Levett-Therivel |
Review draft guidance on strategic environmental assessment for regional and planning authorities |
1,800 |
2020 |
|
Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) |
Extranet, application hosting |
57,262 |
2018 |
|
Logistics IT LTD |
UPS battery pack replacement |
2,444 |
2019 |
|
Maeve Thornberry & Associates |
Report on linkages between the OceanWise project and the European Green Deal |
7,187 |
2020 |
|
MERC |
Environmental Assessments |
6,352 |
2020 |
|
Microsoft Ireland Operations |
Microsoft Premier Support |
207,723 |
2018 |
|
Morgan Kai/Ideagen MK Ltd |
Provision and Support of Local Government Audit Software |
187,733 |
2018 |
|
Mott McDonald |
Preparation of a Climate Adaptation Sectoral Plan in respect of Water Quality and Water Services Infrastructures |
121,609 |
2018 |
|
North West Forest Service |
Fencing project Glenveagh NP |
34,220 |
2020 |
|
O’Herlihy Access Consultancy |
Carrying out access audit, development of access policy and action plan |
17,189.25 |
2019 |
|
O’Briain Beary |
Standard Layouts for Social Housing |
49,508 |
2018 |
|
Oracle EMEA Ltd |
Annual standard software and maintenance support for our Oracle Financial Management System (FMS). |
252,120 |
2019 |
|
Oracle EMEA Ltd |
Annual licensing costs for standard software support for our Oracle Financial Management System application. |
279,315 |
2020 |
|
Oracle EMEA LTD |
Software Licensing , Propriety Support and Maintenance |
423 |
2018 |
|
ORNI Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland |
Visitor Experience Management Plan for Slieve Blooms |
56,786 |
2020 |
|
PFH Technology Group (Esnard Ltd.) |
Project, Hardware and Third party support and maintenance |
307,451 |
2018 |
|
Pat Smith Engineering Ltd |
UPS maintenance and upgrade |
23,572 |
2018 |
|
PMCA Economic Consulting |
Economic report in respect of State Aid |
9,500 |
2020 |
|
Peter Murphy Fencing |
Fencing as part of Grazing management at Sallymount, WMNP |
23,625 |
2020 |
|
RPS Group |
Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment of the Urban Development and Building Height Guidelines for Planning Authorities |
48,773 |
2018 |
|
RPS Consulting Engineers |
Prepare an application for EU Funding for the Department's Waters of LIFE Integrated Project proposal |
159,490 |
2018 |
|
RPS Consulting Engineers |
Guidance document for Planning Authorities on the River Basin Management Plans 2018 -2021 |
235,340 |
2018 |
|
Ryan Hanley Consulting Engineers |
Study on best available techniques and best environmental practice to reduce and prevent sewage and storm water related water entering the marine environment |
30,535 |
2018 |
|
RPS Group |
Consultation on and development of Strategic Environmental Assessment, Appropriate Assessment and Natural Impact Assessment for the National Marine Planning Framework |
264,511 |
2019 |
|
Soft Co |
Provision and Support of HR Application |
83,810 |
2018 |
|
Sord Data Systems LTD |
ICT hardware support |
31,416 |
2018 |
|
Stephen Callaghan T/A BETA BARCODE SYSTEMS |
Filemaker Pro Database Support |
24,247 |
2018 |
|
Storm Technology Ltd |
Records Management System Project Support |
59,618 |
2019 |
|
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) |
Part funding for Development of a heat pump standard |
15,000 |
2020 |
|
Sustainable Strategies Ltd |
UAT testing of Pathfinder IT system |
1722 |
2018 |
|
The Fencing People |
Fencing project Glenveagh NP |
17,841 |
2020 |
|
Tracasa |
GIS Development, Managed Services and Support Services – Conservation measures application development |
27,981 |
2020 |
|
Trigraph Professional Services Ltd. |
ICT Policy Development and Workshops |
37,515 |
2018 |
|
Treanbeg Marine Consulting (Shellfish) |
OSPAR Marine Litter Survey |
5,560 |
2018 |
|
T Pierce Fencing |
Predator Proof Fencing, Cooldross, WMNP |
51,250 |
2020 |
|
UCD , Belfield, D.4 |
Review of the Role of Social Workers and Traveller Liaison officers employed to assist Travellers with their accommodation needs |
28,502 |
2020 |
|
University College Dublin and Katestone Global |
Support in the preparation of guidance in relation to the assessment of the impacts of atmospheric nitrogen deposition (incl. ammonia) on Natura 2000 sites and biodiversity |
13,372 |
2020 |
|
Version 1 Software |
Third party support and development services for the Department’s Oracle FMS estate. |
24,000 |
2018 |
|
Version 1 Software |
Third party support and development services for the Department’s Oracle FMS estate. |
18,643 |
2019 |
|
Version 1 |
Third party software support & maintenance |
16,444 |
2018 |
|
Wolters Kluwer Tax and Accounting Limited (U.K.) |
Provision and Support of Local Government Audit Software |
27,593 |
2018 |
|
Woodrow Sustainable Solutions |
Sheskinmore Management Plan |
15,965 |
2020 |
|
Xerox |
Managed Print Service |
79,707 |
2018 |
|
YCD Limited, T/A Yellowstone |
River Basin Management Plan Cycle 3, SWMI, document design services |
1,169 |
2020 |
|
Zinopy Limited |
Citrix Virtualisation Software and remote access system services |
79,335 |
2018 |
|
Zinopy Limited |
Citrix Virtualisation Software and remote access system services |
24,600 |
2019 |
|
State Body |
Contact E-mail Address |
|
An Bord Pleanála |
oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie |
|
An Fóram Uisce (the Water Forum) |
info@nationalwaterforum.ie |
|
Docklands Oversight and Consultative Forum |
infodocklands@dublincity.ie |
|
Ervia |
oireachtas@ervia.ie |
|
Gas Networks Ireland |
oireachtas@ervia.ie |
|
Heritage Council |
oireachtas@heritagecouncil.ie |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
oireachtas.enquiries@hfa.ie |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
publicreps@housingagency.ie |
|
Irish Water |
oireachtasmembers@water.ie |
|
Land Development Agency |
oireachtas@lda.ie |
|
Local Government Management Agency |
corporate@lgma.ie |
|
National Oversight and Audit Commission |
info@noac.ie |
|
National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee |
ntacc@housing.gov.ie |
|
Office of the Planning Regulator |
oireachtas@opr.ie |
|
Ordnance Survey Ireland |
Oireachtas@osi.ie |
|
Property Registration Authority |
reps@prai.ie |
|
Pyrite Resolution Board |
oireachtasinfo@pyriteboard.ie |
|
Residential Tenancies Board |
OireachtasMembersQueries@rtb.ie |
|
Valuation Office |
oireachtas.enquiries@VALOFF.ie |
|
Valuation Tribunal |
info@valuationtribunal.ie |
|
Water Advisory Body |
info@wab.gov.ie |
|
Waterways Ireland |
ceoffice@waterwaysireland.org |
304. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the ban on hare coursing will be extended until at least the end of March 2020 in a context in which any extension of the current coursing season into March 2021 would be to allow coursing during the height of the breeding season and potentially disrupt the reproduction of the Irish hare population. [40240/20]
View answerI understand that the Question is inquiring as to whether coursing may take place in the context of COVID-19 public health regulations and guidelines and I have no function in this regard. That is a matter in the first instance for the Minister for Agriculture in consultation with the Minister for Health,
Under the Open Seasons Order made under the Wildlife Acts, coursing at regulated coursing matches may only take place between 26 September and 28 February of the following year.
305. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on a housing development project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40264/20]
View answerMy Department has not received a submission or details on the project in question. Should we receive a formal application, it will be considered under the normal project assessment process.
306. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the progress on the investigation his Department is conducting into the rise in deaths among homeless persons in Dublin in 2020 (details supplied). [40276/20]
View answer307. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider introducing a system whereby the number of homeless deaths in each county are documented and published monthly given that statistics on deaths are currently only available for Dublin. [40277/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 306 and 307 together.
There have been a number of deaths, in recent months, of people who had been sleeping rough or accessing homeless services. Each of these deaths is a tragedy and I extend my sympathies to the families concerned.
In order to provide a better understanding on this matter, the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) and the HSE have jointly commissioned a detailed review of recent deaths in homeless services. It is important that we establish the facts that we can, and that we base our response as policy makers and elected representatives on the best knowledge and evidence available.
It is vital that we continue to deliver the appropriate measures to ensure that all individuals experiencing homelessness are supported to exit homelessness into permanent housing solutions and that those with complex health and mental health needs are provided with the supports they need. My Department is working closely with the Department of Health, the HSE and local authorities in respect of these issues.
The Programme for Government includes measures targeted specifically at those experiencing homelessness with complex needs. It commits to the continued expansion of Housing First, and, importantly, ensuring that health and mental health supports are provided. The provision of addiction and mental health supports has featured prominently in meetings of the High Level Homelessness Task Force and in my regular interactions with the Minister for Health.
Engaging with rough sleepers is vital. This engagement is first and foremost to encourage those rough sleeping to avail of shelter. But critically, it also allows their health needs to be assessed and provided for.
As we move further into the winter months, cold weather arrangements are in place nationally. My Department is providing funding to allow for an increase in the overall bed capacity, the provision of 24 hour services in facilities with meals provided, and enhancements to outreach operations. The DRHE, which has responsibility for over 70% of all homeless persons nationally, has assured me that sufficient capacity exists in services to ensure that no person should sleep outside for the need of an emergency bed.
My Department publishes a detailed monthly report on homelessness, based on data provided by housing authorities. The Report outlines details of individuals utilising State-funded emergency accommodation arrangements that are overseen by housing authorities. The information requested by the Deputy is not collated by my Department.
309. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of houses in County Longford connected with index-linked shared-ownership loans or leases; the number that are lease-only and have no loan component; the number of households that took over these lease-only arrangements by year and property; and the likely cost of redeeming the lease and attaining full ownership in tabular form. [40282/20]
View answerMy Department collects information on Shared Ownership Loans from local authorities. At the time of issue, all Shared Ownership loans combined a standard annuity loan with an equity component, which represented the local authority’s share of the ownership of the property.
In pre-2003 Shared Ownership Schemes the equity component is indexed in line with the Consumer Price Index. Based on Q2 2020 data, Longford County Council has 21 active Shared Ownership loans where the reported drawdown date of the loan precedes the cut-off date 1 January 2003.
As regards attaining full ownership of their home, once borrowers redeem the equity loan component of their Shared Ownership loans the local authority will no longer own a share of their home.
310. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if funding has been allocated for the development or redevelopment of dedicated Defence Forces housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40309/20]
View answerThe development or redevelopment of dedicated Defence Forces housing is not within the remit of my Department. Accommodation for defence forces personnel is funded through the capital expenditure of the Department of Defence.
In relation to members of the Defence Forces with long-term housing needs, it is open to them to apply to their local authority for social housing support. Applications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended.
Decisions on the qualification of specific persons for social housing support and the allocation of that support are matters solely for the local authority concerned.
311. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider changing the planning guidelines to ensure that all new public buildings are required to have changing place toilet facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40312/20]
View answerThe Planning system primarily deals with considering the appropriate location, impact on the wider environment, form and phasing of development. The purpose of the Building Regulations is primarily to protect the health, safety and welfare of people in and around buildings. While both codes deal with the built environment, they have interrelated but separate roles.
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 - 2019. 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.
In relation to the Deputy’s specific query, my Department proposes to establish a Working Group to examine the inclusion of a provision in relation to a ‘Changing Places Facility’, (commonly known as a ‘Changing Places Toilet’), in Part M/TGD M of the second schedule of the Building Regulations. In this regard, my Department has recently written to a number of relevant stakeholders to invite their organisations to participate in the Working Group.
The Terms of Reference for the Working Group include, assisting in the preparation of a draft documentation for public consultation (this will include an examination of costs and preparation of a regulatory impact analysis). The Working Group will then review submissions received, post public consultation and will support the finalisation of a revised draft Part M/TGD M. It is proposed to hold an initial introductory meeting of the Working Group in the coming weeks.
Part M aims to ensure that regardless of a persons 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.
312. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the projected timeline for the issuance of updated development plan guidelines to local authorities; if he will be inviting public consultation on the draft guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40390/20]
View answerFurther to finalisation of three Regional Spatial and Economic Strategies between June 2019 and January 2020, review of City and County Development Plans has commenced in many local authorities, overseen for the first time by the Office of the Planning Regulator.
The process of alignment between plans will continue into 2021 and when complete, will be the first time that there is an integrated hierarchy of statutory spatial plans in Ireland. This is critical to ensuring that future development can be regulated by a tiered policy framework and supported by a national public capital investment programme.
My Department is currently finalising an updated draft of the Development Plan Guidelines for Planning Authorities to assist with the review of development plans and while it has been my aim to have draft Guidelines published for public consultation by the end of the year, rather than advertise the commencement of public consultation in the run up to Christmas, it would be preferable to initiate the process early in the New Year in January 2021.
313. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is satisfied that the 2016 population figures for County Meath are an appropriate population estimate to base the Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027 on; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this could cause significant issues given the demographic changes in the county since 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40416/20]
View answerThe most recent Census of Population in Ireland was undertaken by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) in April 2016, with preliminary results available in July 2016 and full results available from mid- 2017. This coincided with the preparation of the National Planning Framework (NPF), which was finalised and published in early 2018. Work undertaken for the NPF to project estimates of future population growth in the years ahead to 2040, is based on the 2016 Census, as the most up to date available CSO data.
The demographic and econometric modelling of 2016 Census data, which comprises the evidence base underpinning the NPF, includes the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) research study, titled ‘Prospects for Irish Regions and Counties: Scenarios and Implications', which is available on the ESRI's website at the following link: http://www.esri.ie/publications/prospects-for-irish-regions-and-counties-scenarios-and-implications/
The National Planning Framework (NPF) was adopted by Government in February 2018. This was reiterated by Government in May 2018 and a ‘Roadmap’ document was drafted, setting out target population growth for each County to 2026 and 2031. This was issued to Regional and Local Authorities in July 2018.
The Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) for the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) area, which includes County Meath, was subsequently adopted by the EMRA in June 2019 and includes the NPF targets. The Meath County Plan the first statutory development plan review to be brought to the draft stage of the plan review process following the adoption of the RSES for the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA).
The National planning strategy outlined in the NPF seeks to facilitate regional development, led by the growth of Ireland’s five cities and five identified regional and cross-border drivers. It aims to ensure that a greater proportion of housing demand arising in Ireland’s cities and towns, can be accommodated within and close to the cities and towns and thereby avoid sprawl into surrounding counties and the long-distance commuting that this gives rise to.
While the NPF strategy is to break the ‘business as usual’ pattern of development, it also recognises that this change will not automatically be achieved from the outset and allows for transition over time. While seeking to discourage rapid unplanned growth and sprawl, the NPF strategy supports continued population and housing growth in County Meath, projecting an additional 26,000 persons in the ten years from 2016 to 2026, while also allowing for an additional ‘headroom’ figure of 6,500 persons over this period. This means that the Meath County Development Plan to 2026, must plan for a further 32,500 people in the County by 2026, than were there in 2016.
It remains a matter for the forthcoming Meath County development plan to determine how this level of growth should be provided for and distributed throughout the County, including over the period of the next County Development Plan. This is the exercise that is currently underway and requires prioritisation, whereby the new population planned for is targeted towards zoned land that is serviced and locations where infrastructure and facilities have been or can be provided.
The NPF is explicit that rather than focus on seeking additional housing development in locations that have been subject to rapid development and require infrastructure and services to further ‘catch up’, some locations should include planning for a greater focus on deficits, such as targeting greater employment and the needs of existing communities, as well as housing.
The NPF, has a long term overarching strategic framework, which will continue to be informed by the latest evidence based data and statistics. However, the 2016 Census of Population, coupled with evidence based demographic modelling work carried out, as referred to above, continues to be an appropriate means by which to project population figures and appropriately plan for their accommodation in the Meath County Development Plan 2021-2027.
