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Wednesday, 3 Mar 2021

Written Answers Nos. 318-345

Renewable Energy Generation

Questions (318)

Duncan Smith

Question:

318. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding the proposed wind turbine guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11065/21]

View answer

Written answers

My Department is currently undertaking a focused review of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines in line with the “preferred draft approach” which was announced in June 2017 by the then Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, in conjunction with the then Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment. The review is addressing a number of key aspects including sound or noise, visual amenity setback distances, shadow flicker, community obligation, community dividend and grid connections.

As part of the overall review process, a strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is being undertaken on the revised Guidelines before they come into effect, in accordance with the requirements of European Union Directive 2001/24/EC on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the environment, otherwise known as the SEA Directive. SEA is a process by which environmental considerations are required to be fully integrated into the preparation of plans and programmes which act as frameworks for development consent, prior to their final adoption, with public consultation as part of that process.

As part of the SEA process, the previous Minister launched a ten-week public consultation on the draft revised Wind Energy Development Guidelines on 12 December 2019. The documents prepared for consultation are available on my Department's website at the following link: https://www.housing.gov.ie/guidelines/wind-energy/public-consultation-revised-wind-energy-development-guidelines.

The consultation closed on 19 February 2020. Almost 500 submissions were received as part of the public consultation, many of which are quite detailed and technical in nature. My Department and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) have analysed the submissions received, in conjunction with the contracted SEA and noise consultants, and are in the process of preparing finalised guidelines having undertaken detailed consideration and analysis of the submissions received.

My Department is currently finalising the technical guidance on the noise aspect in conjunction with DECC (which has primary responsibility for environmental noise matters). However, this piece of work is quite technical in nature and a small number of matters remain to be resolved in this regard.

Once the outstanding issues have been finalised by both Departments, the proposed amendments will need to be reviewed by the SEA consultants in order to conclude the SEA process.

My Department, in consultation with DECC, is endeavouring to finalise and publish the revised Guidelines as quickly as possible. However, the work on the outstanding technical issues has pushed the finalisation of the Guidelines into Q2 2021.

When finalised, the revised Guidelines will be issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. Planning authorities and, where applicable, An Bord Pleanála, must have regard to guidelines issued under section 28 in the performance of their functions generally under the Planning Acts. In the meantime, the current 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines remain in force.

Local Authority Schemes

Questions (319)

Duncan Smith

Question:

319. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount and type of grant available to those in local authority housing to retrofit and insulate their homes; if this grant will be available to all those paying a local authority rent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11066/21]

View answer

Written answers

Responsibility for the management and maintenance of the local authority housing stock rests with each local authority under section 58 of the Housing Act 1966. My Department does however provide funding support to local authorities to assist with management and maintenance of their stock under a number of funding programmes.

A strong focus on improving thermal performance in the local authority housing stock remains a priority for my Department. This is evident from the increased ambition under the new retrofitting programme for the local authority housing stock which I announced last week. Funding of €65m has been made available to retrofit 2,400 local authority homes to a B2/Cost Optimal BER standard in 2021, which includes €20m previously allocated under the Midlands Retrofit Programme.

The new programme has been designed around the Programme for Government commitment to retrofit 500,000 homes to a B2/Cost Optimal BER standard by 2030, a minimum of 36,500 of which will be local authority homes. The programme focuses on ensuring that the fabric of the home is upgraded and an energy efficient heating system is provided. Works eligible under the Programme include attic/cavity wall insulation or external wall insulation where required, windows and doors replacement where required, heat pump installation and ancillary and associated works. The programme will benefit householders in many ways; their homes will be easier to heat, have improved comfort levels, indoor air quality should improve and many will experience a saving on their energy bills.

It will be a matter for the local authority to choose which properties to select for retrofitting from the allocation notified to them by my Department.

Housing Adaptation Grant

Questions (320)

Duncan Smith

Question:

320. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are plans to change or adapt the housing aid and housing adaption grants given the problems securing quotes at this time; if the limits on these grants are under review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11068/21]

View answer

Written answers

My Department provides funding to local authorities under the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, to assist people in private houses to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. The detailed administration of the grants including their assessment, approval and prioritisation, is the responsibility of the local authorities.

The receipt and processing of housing grant applications can and has continued throughout the pandemic, albeit at a slower pace. Works under the housing adaptation grants can continue to be undertaken during the Level 5 restrictions in construction where the homeowner is agreeable. Should an applicant have difficulty finding a contractor to quote for or undertake works, the majority of local authorities can provide applicants with a list of local building contractors who are active on housing grant type works in the area.

Officials from my Department are currently reviewing the maximum grant limits and I expect this work to be completed in the coming months. It would be premature to make any changes to the grant schemes pending completion of this review.

Valuation Office

Questions (321)

Niall Collins

Question:

321. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will review correspondence sent to the Valuation Office with regard to a case (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11142/21]

View answer

Written answers

The application referred to in the Deputy’s question is a matter for the Commissioner of Valuation, who is independent in the exercise of his functions under the Valuation Act 2001 to 2020. I, as Minister, have no function in decisions in this regard.

I am informed by the Commissioner of Valuation that his office is corresponding with the person’s agent with a view to finalising the application shortly.

Members of the Oireachtas can submit queries to the Valuation Office’s e-mail account Oireachtas.Enquiries@valoff.ie.

Departmental Contracts

Questions (322)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

322. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a contract has been granted to a company (details supplied) for the purpose of advice or consultancy services; the value of the contract; and the total funds paid in respect of same to date. [11150/21]

View answer

Written answers

No such contract has been granted by my Department.

Local Authority Housing

Questions (323)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

323. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount of money requested by each local authority under the voids programme in 2020; the number of units proposed to be refurbished in each local authority; the amount allocated to each local authority from this fund in 2020; and the number of units to be refurbished in each local authority in tabular form. [11161/21]

View answer

Written answers

During 2020, funding of €56.4 million was paid by my Department for the remediation of 3,607 units under the Voids Programme.

The table below sets out the breakdown of each LA submission, approval and recoupment.

Local Authority

Total No. of Units Sought

Total Funding Sought

Total No. of Units Approved

Total Approved Funding

Total Units Remediated

Total Paid by DHLGH

Carlow

45

€972,035

43

€807,974

33

€708,145

Cavan

110

€1,359,933

101

€1,243,463

64

€1,045,638

Clare

94

€1,883,421

79

€1,627,656

77

€1,541,011

Cork City

380

€7,255,414

350

€6,460,414

340

€5,872,791

Cork County

264

€6,779,880

226

€4,264,865

189

€3,907,947

Donegal

188

€2,827,258

165

€2,177,591

140

€1,131,878

Dublin City

641

€19,546,557

573

€11,701,315

556

€10,606,565

Fingal

367

€4,790,417

324

€4,161,913

320

€3,800,289

South Dublin

308

€5,791,889

277

€3,331,491

270

€2,946,175

DLR

67

€1,868,256

64

€1,730,323

43

€1,554,659

Galway City

111

€1,143,291

107

€1,103,771

91

€974,607

Galway County

92

€1,583,840

78

€1,078,320

61

€761,894

Kerry

119

€1,814,194

109

€1,589,494

88

€1,474,892

Kildare

138

€2,416,350

124

€2,018,380

90

€1,849,880

Kilkenny

76

€801,815

64

€696,501

60

€632,471

Laois

77

€864,725

70

€684,101

71

€675,592

Leitrim

39

€418,614

30

€352,914

27

€257,652

Limerick

169

€3,279,637

155

€2,896,637

117

€2,774,556

Longford

98

€2,565,263

91

€2,308,044

71

€2,114,363

Louth

107

€1,245,939

94

€975,277

94

€885,943

Mayo

90

€884,595

89

€861,464

70

€773,638

Meath

168

€2,714,798

152

€2,377,554

146

€2,203,939

Monaghan

70

€661,570

55

€509,973

44

€427,980

Offaly

42

€706,591

38

€572,037

36

€500,564

Roscommon

58

€644,365

45

€530,395

44

€379,534

Sligo

70

€1,158,935

63

€1,071,435

59

€1,006,483

Tipperary

142

€2,645,948

133

€2,533,448

131

€1,737,504

Waterford

102

€2,120,479

100

€1,978,883

93

€1,758,663

Westmeath

45

€557,180

43

€533,180

31

€471,394

Wexford

53

€859,587

48

€585,087

44

€497,319

Wicklow

137

€1,614,250

115

€1,310,481

107

€1,179,515

Totals

4,467

€83,777,025

4,005

64,074,380

3,607

€56,453,480

My Department will continue to support local authorities through the voids programme in 2021. It is however important that local authorities increasingly move towards a preventative maintenance approach to the management of their housing stock and my Department is working with the County and City Management Association and local authorities to this end.

Tenant Purchase Scheme

Questions (324)

Dara Calleary

Question:

324. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if work on reform measures has been completed for the tenant (incremental) purchase scheme; if he is now in a position to finalise changes to the scheme; if these changes will make it easier for tenants to complete purchases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11222/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme came into operation on 1 January 2016. The Scheme is open to eligible tenants, including joint tenants, of local authority houses that are available for sale under the Scheme. To be eligible, tenants must meet certain criteria, including having a minimum reckonable income of €15,000 per annum and having been in receipt of social housing support for at least one year.

A review of the first 12 months of the Scheme’s operation has been undertaken. In addition, the Programme for Government commits to maintaining the right of social housing tenants to purchase their own home with some changes to eligibility. The review and the commitments in the Programme for Government are being examined as part of the work on the broader social housing reform agenda. I expect to be in a position to finalise changes to the Scheme once the work on these reform measures is complete.

Housing Adaptation Grant

Questions (325)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Question:

325. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount spent in 2018, 2019 and 2020 on adapting houses for persons with disabilities by county and by type of ownership, that is, private homes, local authority owned homes and approved housing body homes in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11227/21]

View answer

Written answers

My Department provides capital funding to Local Authorities with regard to the Disabled Persons Grant (DPG) scheme and the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability scheme. While both schemes are administered directly by the local authorities they operate independently and from separate funding streams, the main differences being, the ownership status of the properties eligible for funding and the level of local authority contribution.

DPG funding is provided for adaptations and extensions to existing social housing stock to meet specific needs of the local authority tenants with a 10% contribution required from the local authority. The Housing Adaptation Grants address specific needs of older people and people with a disability in privately owned homes with a 20% contribution required from the local authority.

Details of the funding provided by my Department to each local authority under the DPG scheme and Housing Adaptation Grants scheme for the years 2018, 2019 and 2020 are available at the following links:

https://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/grantsfinancial-assistance/disabled-persons-grants-and-improvement-works-lieu-schemes

https://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/statistics/social-and-affordble/other-local-authority-housing-scheme-statistics .

My Department is very supportive of work in this area and funding allocated has been increasing year on year.

My Department does not maintain records for works carried out by Approved Housing Bodies specifically related to adaptation works for people with a disability.

Housing Adaptation Grant

Questions (326)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Question:

326. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the details of the analysis conducted to date that compares the costs of adapting houses which have been designed to universal design standards for persons with disabilities to the cost of adapting housing units without universal design standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11228/21]

View answer

Written answers

The information requested by the Deputy is not available in my Department. However, Action 97 of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021 states – “We will prepare policy advice on ways of achieving universal design solutions for new housing so that new homes can be accessed and used by all persons, irrespective of size, age, ability or disability. We will advise on any implications of same for stakeholders including designers, builders, homeowners and tenants.”

I understand that the National Disability Authority (NDA), which falls under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth, is working on this policy advice and associated estimate of costs on ways of achieving universal design solutions in new housing.

The NDA also provides comprehensive guidance on how to design, build and manage buildings and spaces so that they can be readily accessed and used by everyone, regardless of age, size, ability or disability. 'Building for Everyone, A Universal Design Approach', a NDA publication, may be accessed at www.nda.ie.

The ‘Programme for Government Our Shared Future’ commits to ensuring that there is an appropriate mix of housing design types provided, including universally designed units, and accommodation for older people and people with disabilities.

In addition, the joint policy statement Housing Options for Our Ageing Population, launched by my Department and the Department of Health in 2019, includes an Action on universal design to “In partnership with industry, introduce measures to ensure that over a five year period delivery is increased to ensure that 30% of all new dwellings are built to incorporate universal design principles to accommodate our ageing population.” Appropriate measures to deliver on this commitment are currently being formulated by my Department.

National Parks and Wildlife Service

Questions (327)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

327. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if scramblers are allowed on National Parks and Wildlife Service, NPWS, lands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11283/21]

View answer

Written answers

NPWS lands include areas designated as special protection areas or special areas of conservation under the EU nature directives. Such protected areas are collectively referred to as ‘European sites’.

In 2010, the European Communities (Control of Recreational Activities) Regulations 2010 (S.I. No. 293 of 2010) were implemented to regulate certain recreational activities (including the use of scramblers) in European sites and other areas where their use is likely to disturb or damage species and natural habitats protected under the EU nature directives.

The Regulations were made in response to the increased pressures and instances of serious damage and disturbance being caused to European sites by recreational activities such as scrambling, trail-biking, quad-biking.

The types of damage that can be caused includes the destruction of upland vegetation leading to erosion, the disturbance of ground-nesting birds and destruction of their nests, the swamping of the nests of water birds by power boats and jet skis, and damage to sand dune systems leading to blow-outs and loss of dunes.

The destructive impact of scramblers and other recreational vehicles can ultimately lead to long-term ecological change and the destabilisation of the natural ecology – particularly where large areas are rutted and compacted by repeated or concentrated use. The Regulations are not aimed at agricultural or other occupational use of scramblers or other off-road vehicles, State-owned vehicles or a vehicle being used by An Garda Síochána, the Emergency Services or the Defence Forces. They are aimed at the uncontrolled use of recreational vehicles which threatens to damage European sites or poses a threat to protected species.

Under these Regulations, a number of Ministerial Directions were made to restrict or to prohibit particular recreational activities in specified places where the protection of the nature sites or species is required. Public notice was given of these restrictions.

The 2010 Regulations have since been incorporated into the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No 477 of 2011). However, Directions made under the 2010 Regulations still have legal effect.

In summary, under the 2011 Regulations:

- Regulation 28 provides that I, as Minister, may direct that activities such as the recreational use of an off-road vehicle shall not be carried out, unless in accordance with my consent.

- Regulation 29 provides that I as Minister may issue a Direction to control specified activities in specified places, and the regulation names the use of scramblers and quad-bikes, amongst others, as activities to which these Directions may apply.

- Included in Regulations 35 and 67, are the general provisions for the prevention of damage to European Sites and the offences and penalties for any person who commits an offence under Regulation 35, amongst others.

Archaeological Sites

Questions (328)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

328. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the efforts being made to preserve and protect the archaeological heritage of west County Wicklow; if he has consulted with local groups on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11285/21]

View answer

Written answers

I refer the Deputy to the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 76 of 4 February 2021.

My Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service monitors designated sites through its own staffing resources and, in conjunction with other public authorities as appropriate, investigates activity within these sites in accordance with the provisions of the Wildlife Acts, the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 and site specific regulations.

A number of the monuments referred to are national monuments in my ownership or guardianship, as Minister, under the National Monuments Acts, 1930-2014. Such monuments are conserved and managed on a day-to-day basis by the Office of Public Works, in close cooperation with my Department's National Monuments Service, to ensure their long-term preservation and safeguarding. All recorded archaeological monuments are fully protected under the provisions of the National Monuments Acts.

For the avoidance of doubt, to the extent that this question might in fact relate to any active planning case, I am precluded from any comment in such matters.

Social and Affordable Housing

Questions (329)

Patrick Costello

Question:

329. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the person or body with responsibility for the cost of repairs in circumstances in which poor building standards are subsequently exposed post-purchase from an affordable housing scheme facilitated by a council; and if responsibility lies with the owner of the unit, the developer of the property or the council facilitating the scheme. [11302/21]

View answer

Written answers

In general building defects in private housing, including those bought through the affordable housing scheme, are matters for resolution between the contracting parties involved, the homeowner, the builder, the developer and/or their respective insurers, structural guarantee or warranty scheme. In this regard, it is incumbent on the parties responsible for poor workmanship and/or the supply of defective materials to face up to their responsibilities and take appropriate action to provide remedies for the affected homeowners.

The design and construction of buildings is regulated under the Building Control Acts 1990 to 2020. The Acts provides for the making of Building Regulations and Building Control Regulations.

The Building Regulations 1997 - 2019 set out the legal requirements in Ireland for the construction of new buildings (including houses), extensions to existing buildings as well as for material alterations and certain material changes of use to existing buildings. Their aim is to provide for the safety and welfare of people in and about buildings.

The Building Control Regulations set out the administrative procedures for demonstrating compliance in respect of an individual building or works.

Under the Building Control Acts 1990 to 2020 primary responsibility for compliance of works with the requirements of the Building Regulations, rests with the owners, designers and builders of buildings.

Enforcement of the Building Regulations is a matter for the 31 local building control authorities which have extensive powers of inspection and enforcement under statute.

In addition local authorities also have extensive powers of inspection and enforcement under the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003, the Housing Acts and the Planning and Development Acts, which may be relevant where fire safety concerns arise in residential developments.

Question No. 330 answered with Question No. 313.

Public Procurement Contracts

Questions (331)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

331. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the details of contracts of €25,000 or more that have been awarded by his Department or bodies under his aegis that were found to be non-compliant with procurement guidelines in 2018, 2019, 2020 and to date in 2021; the value and nature of the contact work carried out in each case; the year of each contract in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11380/21]

View answer

Written answers

In accordance with Circular 40/2002, issued by the Department of Finance, my Department completes an annual return in respect of contracts above a €25,000 threshold which have been awarded without a competitive process. These returns are submitted annually to the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General as part of the Appropriation Account process. It is that Office which determines if any particular contract is non-compliant with procurement guidelines.

The return for 2018 contained 8 such contracts and details are provided in Table 1. Additional information in respect of these contracts is available in the published Appropriation Account at https://www.audit.gov.ie/en/find-report/publications/2019/vote-34-housing-planning-and-local-government.pdf.

The return for 2019 contained 9 such contracts and these are set out in the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 335 of 24 November 2020.

The 2020 and 2021 positions will not be known until the Appropriation Accounts for those years have been completed and reviewed by the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General.

Compliance with procurement guidelines by bodies under the aegis of my Department is the responsibility of those bodies. My Department does not hold that information. The bodies in question may be contacted directly by e-mail by members of the Oireachtas, as set out in the below table.

2018

Company

Nature of contract

Value (Exclusive of VAT)

G Fox

External legal drafting services

€35,000

Hackett Digital

Printing services and delivery for a nationwide public consultation

€67,481

Hackett Digital

Printing services and delivery for a nationwide public consultation

€28,950

KPMG

Financial advisory services

€180,000

Arthur Cox

Legal advisory services

€250,000

LS Catering

Catering services

€37,228

ISS Ireland Ltd.

Cleaning services

€28,600

Top Security Limited

Security services

€143,583

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

Question No. 332 answered with Question No. 317.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (333)

Carol Nolan

Question:

333. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the details of the meetings, correspondence and engagements he and his officials have had with a group (details supplied); if he will specifically address the concerns outlined by the group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11412/21]

View answer

Written answers

An examination of records indicates that neither my officials nor I have had meetings or engagements with or correspondence from the group in question.

Local Authority Rates

Questions (334)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

Question:

334. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to extend the local authority rates waiver until the end of 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11433/21]

View answer

Written answers

Given the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 and the associated public health restrictions, and in order to continue supporting ratepayers and local authorities, the Government recently announced that the commercial rates waiver put in place for the first quarter of 2021 will be extended to the second quarter; it applies to businesses most seriously affected by ongoing restrictions.

The 2021 waiver is necessarily more targeted than was the case in 2020 and is aimed at supporting businesses closed or very seriously impacted by current restrictions, which ordinarily provide employment and generate economic activity. Automatic eligibility is extended to retail, hospitality including hotels, pubs and restaurants, leisure and entertainment, personal services such as hairdressers and barbers, health services and various other categories.

As has been the case since the outset of the Covid-19 pandemic, my Department will continue to engage with the local government sector and with individual local authorities on the financial impacts of the pandemic. As with all public health measures and associated supports, the waiver of commercial rates will be kept under review.

World Heritage Sites

Questions (335)

Michael McNamara

Question:

335. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if Ireland has recently submitted a tentative list to UNESCO of world heritage sites; the progress in re-examining the tentative list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11438/21]

View answer

Written answers

Ireland’s Tentative List of World Heritage sites includes those properties that are considered to be suitable for progression to World Heritage status. The current Tentative List is now under review in keeping with UNESCO advice to do so every ten years. In its capacity as Focal Point for the World Heritage Convention, my Department has invited local authorities to submit applications with respect to sites within their areas of responsibility that would potentially meet Tentative List requirements.

My Department is liaising closely with, and providing advice and guidance to, the local authorities that have expressed an interest in having a site added to the revised Tentative List, including managing a programme of outreach and capacity building for those authorities and for other relevant bodies.

In order to be included on the revised Tentative List, a site must have the capacity to demonstrate Outstanding Universal Value, meaning that its significance transcends national boundaries and is of global importance for present and future generations. Crucially, there must be strong local support for the project in light of the requirement under the UNESCO Operational Guidelines for participatory planning and stakeholder consultation. Additionally, there must be adequate protection and management frameworks in place to ensure the long-term conservation and protection of a site as a World Heritage Property.

The deadline for receipt of applications from local authorities for the revised Tentative List is 30 June 2021. An Expert Advisory Group will then review the applications received and advise my Department on the composition of the of the proposals to be submitted to UNESCO.

Planning Guidelines

Questions (336)

Joe Flaherty

Question:

336. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider replacing a previous condition in the planning regulations which was removed to allow homeowners to rebuild fire-damaged homes to the same specification without recourse to planning permission (details supplied). [11452/21]

View answer

Written answers

Under planning legislation, all development requires planning permission unless it is specifically exempted development. In this regard, section 4 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Act) and Schedule 2 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended (the Regulations), set out various exemptions from the requirement to obtain planning permission. Any such exemptions are subject to compliance with any general restrictions on exemptions set out in the Act or the Regulations and to the specific conditions set out in each class of exempted development in Schedule 2 of the Regulations.There is no specific exemption provided for fire damaged properties in either the Act or the Regulations.

Where a question arises on whether development is or is not development, or is or is not exempted development, any person may seek a declaration from the planning authority under section 5 of the Act. A planning authority that is in receipt of a section 5 application is required to make its decision in respect of the application within four weeks of the date of receipt of the application. A decision made by a planning authority in respect of such an application may be appealed to An Bord Pleanála.

Section 193(1) of the Act contains a special provision for structures substantially replacing structures demolished or destroyed by fire. Compensation may be claimed from a planning authority where there has been a refusal of permission for the erection of a new structure substantially replacing a structure (other than an unauthorised structure) which has been demolished or destroyed by fire, or where a condition has been imposed that the new structure may not be used for the purpose for which the demolished or destroyed structure was last used. Compensation may also be claimed if a condition has been imposed resulting in the new structure or the front thereof, or the front of an existing structure (other than an unauthorised structure) which has been taken down in order to be re-erected or altered, being set back or forward.

Under section 193(2) of the Act, a dispute or question between a property owner and a planning authority as to whether a new structure substantially replaces a demolished or destroyed structure shall be referred to An Bord Pleanála.

Social and Affordable Housing

Questions (337)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

337. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of children and young families currently living in temporary or long-term accommodation; and the average waiting time for social housing for families with young children. [11519/21]

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Written answers

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. Data relating to homeless families and their dependants are presented at a regional level. The Reports are available to access on my Department's website at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/80ea8-homelessness-data/

The most recently published report, in respect of January 2021, confirmed that there were 966 families in emergency accommodation during the survey week. This represents a 40% reduction on the position one year previously and is the lowest number of families in emergency accommodation since March 2016. There were 2,326 dependants associated with these families, a decrease of 1,248 (34.9%) on the position in January 2020.

Increasing the supply of housing, particularly new build social and affordable homes, is a key priority of this Government. The Programme for Government commits to increasing the social housing stock by more than 50,000, with an emphasis on new builds. In Budget 2021, we backed this objective with funding of €3.3 billion for the delivery of housing. Subject to the impact of the Covid related restrictions on the construction sector, the available funding will deliver 12,750 new social homes through build, acquisition and leasing. A major focus of this investment is the delivery of new build, with an overall target of 9,500 new homes.

Details on the number of households qualified for social housing support in each local authority administrative area are provided in the annual statutory Summary of Social Housing Assessments (SSHA). The most recently published SSHA carried out in 2019, details the number of households on all local authority waiting lists as of June 2019.

Below is the link to the summary report for 2019 which includes breakdowns by each local authority, across a range of categories.

In relation to the question posed by the Deputy regarding the average time spent on the housing list, information of this exact type is not held by my Department. However, details on the length of time spent on the record of qualified households (waiting lists) can be found at tables 2.8 and A1.8 of the report, which is at the following link:https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/29da7-summary-of-social-housing-assessments-2019-key-findings/

It should be noted that due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2020 assessment was delayed and conducted in November. Work is ongoing and the summary report of the 2020 assessment will be published in due course.

Urban Regeneration and Development Fund

Questions (338)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

338. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount that will be granted from the urban regeneration and development fund in respect of a second bridge in Newbridge, County Kildare; the status of the application made by the local authority for funding for the second bridge; and the amount requested by the local authority. [11522/21]

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Written answers

Under Call 2 of the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, which was launched last year, Kildare County Council submitted an application seeking support for the project in question.

There were a large number of proposals received under Call 2, with every local authority submitting at least one application. Because of the nature of the URDF programme the proposals are very complex, and each requires detailed assessment.

The assessment process for proposals received under Call 2 is nearing completion, and I intend to soon announce a new tranche of URDF supported proposals, which will augment the existing pipeline of projects from Call 1 and contribute to the achievement of Programme for Government commitments and the objectives of the National Planning Framework and Project Ireland 2040.

Flood Relief Schemes

Questions (339)

Holly Cairns

Question:

339. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to provide additional resources to Cork County Council to address the impact of recent flooding due to high rainfall in February 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11600/21]

View answer

Written answers

Local authorities are designated as a principal response agency as well as being 'lead agency' for coordinating the local response to flooding emergencies as per the Government decision relating to the “Framework for Major Emergency Management” (2006).

The arrangements for emergency management have evolved and, when called upon, are seen as having worked well, in particular the responses to flooding and other severe weather emergencies led by local authorities. All local authorities have Severe Weather/Flood Plans in place to support the response to weather emergencies as part of their individual Major Emergency Plans. Local authorities also have a Severe Weather Assessment Team in place, monitoring Met Éireann weather warnings and OPW and EFAS flood advisory/ warnings and High Tide Advisories.

My Department is designated as 'Lead Government Department', as set out in the Government approved Strategic Emergency Management (SEM) Framework (2017), in relation to coordination of response to flooding emergencies at national level where warranted. My Department's National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management undertakes this role, and works closely with Local Authority Severe Weather Assessment Teams.

The Covid-19 pandemic has necessitated some changes in established practices, and my Department has made necessary changes, including hosting/ providing a direct link for situation briefing between Met Éireann's forecasting and flood forecasting division and the local authorities in advance of any predicted severe weather event.

On the morning of February 22nd, an Orange level warning for very heavy rain was issued by Met Éireann for counties Cork, Kerry, Tipperary, and Waterford for the period from 19:00 on February 22nd to 21:00 on February 23rd. Heavy rain in such a short period brings with it the potential for both pluvial and fluvial flooding. In advance of the event my Department liaised with potentially affected local authorities and other key stakeholders to support the coordination of necessary support for any anticipated vulnerabilities within those local authorities. While some flooding was experienced, with road closures in the South and Southwest of the country, the predicted impacts were less than had been anticipated and were further mitigated by the early intervention of local authorities, who took preventative measures to protect infrastructure, homes and businesses from flood water inundation. Generally, the costs of their response to weather events, such as that experienced by Cork, Kerry, Waterford and Tipperary on 22 and 23 February 2021, would be funded by the local authorities themselves in the first instance.

Since 2009, it has been the established practice of this Department to assist local authorities in meeting the unbudgeted costs such as staff overtime and hire of plant and contractors, associated with the clean-up and necessary immediate works following very severe weather emergency events, including flooding. This is in recognition of the exceptional nature of activities carried out by local authorities in responding to these types of emergencies and the fact that the costs of these un-programmed activities cannot be met from within existing resources. This practice is considered a vital enabler of local authority response, providing the assurance that availability of resources is not a limiting factor in providing a very effective local response.

As severe weather events and their impact and response are unplanned, a dedicated line of funding is not set aside annually to fund these measures. However, where a very severe event occurs, my Department request additional funding to support local authorities with the exceptional costs associated with the response to and clean-up of the event.

In the period, 2009 to 2020, funding in excess of €90 million has been made available to local authorities from this Department to support the costs associated with the response to severe weather related emergency events including flooding.

Funding of repair of public infrastructure is undertaken by the relevant Department in line with its sectoral responsibility. Capital costs associated with infrastructural damage, for example damage to the roads network and coastal protection infrastructure (where relevant), are not included therefore under the above arrangements.

Natural Heritage Areas

Questions (340)

Jackie Cahill

Question:

340. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 123 of 25 February 2021, the timeframe for this designation given that it has been ongoing for quite some time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11682/21]

View answer

Written answers

As set out in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 123 of 25 February last, the purpose of the Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2016 is to give legislative effect to the outcome of the 2014 Review of Raised Bog Natural Heritage Area Network. The Bill was passed by the Dáil on 13 December 2018. The Bill was passed by the Seanad on 6 November 2019.

16 amendments to the Bill were made in the Seanad. The Bill has to be restored to the Order Paper of the Dáil in order for these amendments to be considered by that House.

Should the Bill be enacted, the process for the designation and de-designation of sites may commence.

Local Authority Schemes

Questions (341)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

341. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when funding will be announced for the disabled persons grant scheme for 2021 for counties Roscommon and Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11714/21]

View answer

Written answers

My Department provides capital funding to Local Authorities with regard to Disabled Persons Grants (DPG) on an annual basis. These grants allow local authorities to undertake adaptations and extensions to their existing social housing stock.

In line with previous years, all local authorities, including Roscommon and Galway, will be notified shortly in relation to their DPG funding allocation for 2021.

In the interim and in advance of formal notification of their 2021 funding, to remove any impediment to the undertaking of priority works, local authorities are allowed to spend up to a maximum value of 65% of their previous year's allocation.

Following notification of their funding for 2021, it will be a matter for each local authority to prioritise the works required under the scheme in the context of available funding and in line with the terms of the DPG scheme.

Question No. 342 answered with Question No. 313.

Homeless Persons Data

Questions (343)

Paul McAuliffe

Question:

343. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status and timelines of commissioned reports into homeless deaths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11800/21]

View answer

Written answers

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. The deaths of people availing of homeless services are a concern and are being taken very seriously. It is important that we establish the facts concerning the circumstances involved, and that we base our response on the best knowledge and evidence available. In order to better understand the issue, two separate pieces of research are being undertaken, each with a different focus.

A review of homeless deaths is being undertaken on behalf of the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) by Dr Austin O’Carroll, the HSE appointed Clinical Lead for Covid-19 and Homelessness in Dublin. The review, which the DRHE has indicated is due for completion in March, aims to analyse the data concerning deaths in homeless services for 2020 to identify learning for homeless and health services that could help tailor the provision of care to homeless people.

Separate to this, a feasibility study on data collection of homeless deaths nationally is being undertaken by the Health Research Board on behalf of the Department of Health. This is due to be completed by the end of 2021. The research is applying the methodology used to compile the National Drug Related Deaths Index, which is a census of drug-related deaths and deaths among drug users and those who are alcohol dependent in Ireland. The data collection for 2019 deaths, including deaths among people who were homeless, is reviewing approximately 17,000 files from all Coroner districts.

Local Authority Housing

Questions (344)

Cormac Devlin

Question:

344. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the sections of the Housing Acts 1997 to 2014 upon which local authorities can rely in order to evict tenants who are engaged in known criminal behaviour such as drug dealing, violence and intimidation, repeated antisocial behaviour or damage to the property or surrounding area; the number of cases taken by each Dublin local authority under this Act since 2015 in each of the years 2015 to 2020, inclusive, in tabular form; the percentage of these cases that have been successful; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11825/21]

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Written answers

Section 12 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 deals with District Court proceedings for possession by a local authority where there has been a breach of a tenancy agreement or rent-related obligation. The tenancy agreement includes a term relating to anti-social behaviour. Anti-social behaviour is defined in section 1 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997, as amended.

Information supplied by the four Dublin local authorities to my Department relating to the number of possession applications sought in the District Court under section 12 of the 2014 Act in the years 2016 to 2020 and the number of possession applications granted in those years is as follows:

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Dublin City

No. of possession applications to District Court

0

16

40

28

10

No. of possession applications granted

0

8

2

27

4

South Dublin

No. of possession applications to District Court

4

3

13

1

0

No. of possession applications granted

4

3

5

1

0

Fingal

No. of possession applications to District Court

0

0

0

0

1

No. of possession applications granted

0

0

0

0

1

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown

No. of possession applications to District Court

2

8

3

3

1

No. of possession applications granted

0

4

1

2

1

Notes: This information is not available to my Department for 2015.

My Department does not hold information on the percentage of cases that were successful in any given year. It should be noted in relation to the figures for 2020, that local authorities were asked not to terminate tenancies during periods of lockdown due to Covid-19.

As stated, the above figures relate to applications under section 12 of the 2014 Act, so refer to any breach of the tenancy agreeement, including the term of the tenancy agreement relating to anti-social behaviour.

Local Authority Housing

Questions (345)

Cormac Devlin

Question:

345. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of strategic housing developments in each of the years 2016 to 2020, inclusive, in tabular form; the status of such applications approved and commencement notices in each of the four Dublin local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11833/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016 (the Act) introduced new streamlined arrangements to enable planning applications for strategic housing developments (SHDs) of 100 housing units or more, or student accommodation or shared accommodation developments of 200 bed spaces or more, to be made directly to An Bord Pleanála (the Board) for determination.

With specific regard to SHD applications received in respect of proposed developments in the functional areas of the four Dublin local authorities, the Board received 169 such SHD applications from the commencement of the new SHD arrangements in 2017 up until end January 2021, and has decided 143 of these cases with 2 further applications subsequently withdrawn. The Board has granted permission in 110 of these cases to date.

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the table below:

Local Authority

No of Applications Lodged

Refused/ Quashed/ Withdrawn

Yet to be decided

Granted

Commencement Notices for Developments Granted

Dublin City Council- Total

67

14

11

42

15

2017

3

2018

4

1

3

3

2019

28

4

19

8

2020

29

8

20

4

2021

3

1

11

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council- Total

53

8

8

37

10

2017

3

2018

9

3

8

5

2019

20

2

14

5

2020

20

4

13

2021

1

8

2

Fingal County Council- Total

25

9

3

13

3

2017

1

2018

1

1

1

1

2019

14

3

2020

8

5

12

2

2021

1

3

South Dublin County Council- Total

24

4

2

18

4

2017

1

2018

3

1

2

2

2019

11

2

4

1

2020

9

1

11

1

2021

0

2

1

Total for the four Dublin Authorities

169

35

24

110

32

The status of the level of activation of individual developments which have been granted permission under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, is not routinely maintained by my Department given that some 30,000 planning permissions are granted nationally on an annual basis. My Department has conducted periodic research on the activation rate of SHD permissions and the data indicated on commencements arises from a review undertaken on 9 February 2021.

The Programme for Government commits to not extending the SHD arrangements beyond their legislative expiry date of end December 2021, which has now been extended to 25 February 2022 arising from the Covid-related extension of duration of statutory deadlines within the planning system for 8 weeks in respect of the period March to May 2020. The process for winding up the SHD arrangements and their replacement by possible new arrangements will be considered by my Department over the coming months.

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