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Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 February 2021

Wednesday, 3 February 2021

Questions (254, 256, 257, 260, 286, 287, 293)

Paul Donnelly

Question:

254. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the construction of an attic conversion and extension is deemed essential in cases in which it is to help provide for the educational needs of a child with additional education needs; and if this work can take place under level 5 restriction or the next phase of restrictions. [5127/21]

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Neasa Hourigan

Question:

256. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to extend the exemption given to housing construction in cases in which such works were scheduled to be completed by 31 January 2021 as detailed in Statutory Instrument No. 4 of 2021. [5792/21]

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Brian Stanley

Question:

257. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the Covid-19 restrictions will be reviewed; and if he will consult with NPHET with regard to the possibility of restarting work on individual housing one off projects. [5013/21]

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Seán Haughey

Question:

260. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will allow for the refurbishment or construction of single private houses that are in progress to continue beyond 1 February 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5064/21]

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Neasa Hourigan

Question:

286. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the exemptions to Covid-19 restrictions in relation to construction works on private homes that are practically complete and scheduled for habitation will be extended to 5 March 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5467/21]

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Dara Calleary

Question:

287. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if consideration will be given to allowing private home construction to recommence under the latest Covid-19 restrictions announced on 26 January 2021; if houses currently at second fix stage will be allowed to recommence and be completed; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that such homes have already been subject to two lockdowns timeframe setting back completion dates by a minimum of three months; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the owners of such homes are as a result of the lockdowns and delays are paying both rent and a mortgage repayments on that part of the mortgage already drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5468/21]

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Seán Canney

Question:

293. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will allow the reopening of construction sites for the delivery of houses in the private sector in line with the exemption for social housing sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5578/21]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 254, 256, 257, 260, 286, 287 and 293 together.

The Government announced that additional public health restrictions would apply under Level 5 of the Plan for Living with COVID-19 on 6 January 2021.  The additional restrictions required all construction activity to cease from 6pm on Friday 8 January, with a number of exceptions. These measures are set out in Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No. 10) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2021 (S.I. No. 29 of 2021).

With regard to private housing development, the Regulations provide that housing and construction works ongoing on 8 January can continue where the works required to render the property capable of occupation are scheduled for completion by 31 January 2021.

On 26 January, the Government announced that the current level 5 restrictions will remain until 5 March 2021. Accordingly, no extension has been provided beyond 31 January in respect of private housing development. These restrictions on construction will remain in place until 5 March.

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