Peadar Tóibín
Question:272. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the amount in legal fees incurred by her Department in 2020 and in each of the years 2000 to 2020. [23580/21]
View answerDepartmental Legal Costs
Questions (272)
Written answers
Details of legal costs for my Department are published in the Annual Appropriation Account and subject to audit by the Comptroller & Auditor General. Annual Appropriation Accounts are published on the Comptroller & Auditor General Website and are available using the following link:
https://www.audit.gov.ie/en/find-report/publications/appropriation%20accounts/
Details of any 2020 legal costs for my Department will be published in the 2020 Annual Appropriation Account upon completion of the audit by the Comptroller & Auditor General.
Wild Fires
Questions (273)
Gerald Nash
Question:273. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position of his Department on the recent gorse fires in Killarney, County Kerry; if his Department is considering additional practical measures or additional legislative or regulatory measures in relation to the protection of sensitive and biodiverse areas that may be under threat from such incidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22600/21]
View answerWritten answers
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department, are presently undertaking immediate work to assess the initial impacts of the fire. NPWS staff are currently reviewing satellite data to map and assess the area burnt. Conservation rangers are mapping the entire boundary of the fire on the ground and are undertaking internal mapping of the area burnt, conducting preliminary assessments of the impacts and severity of the fire on various habitats and vegetation types, including sampling of faunal assemblages.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation and the NPWS will be following up with authorities including the Kerry Fire Services to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the blaze. One of the main challenges is to encourage members of the public, (including landowners, farmers and recreational users of publicly accessible land), to act responsibly at all times, to be mindful of their own safety and the safety of others, to be mindful of the need to protect property, both publicly owned and privately owned and to appreciate the value of our natural heritage, particularly in our National Parks, Nature Reserves and Designated (Natura 2000) Sites.
My Department is developing a number of initiatives to deal with wildlife crime. At present arrangements are in hand for the establishment of a new Wildlife Crime Unit in my Department. A process is also already underway on the engagement of 60 conservation rangers around the country to add to the resources available to deal with a range of functions, including wildlife crime.
This will provide important support to regional staff around the country in tackling various types of wildlife crime, including the destruction of habitats caused by wildfires. Amongst other things the unit will enhance public awareness of the issues involved in wildlife crime, develop closer working liaison arrangements with other agencies and bodies involved in enforcement and will provide a channel for collating and disseminating of intelligence in relation to wildlife crimes. It is expected that this new unit will be established over the summer.
Land Issues
Questions (274)
Niall Collins
Question:274. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide assistance in relation to the queries raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22949/21]
View answerWritten answers
I am informed by the Property Registration Authority (PRA) that this matter was investigated by it under reference S2019LR007138G and that a letter issued to the applicant on 15 August 2019 indicating that the registered boundaries of Folio KY63345F are in accordance with the documents lodged for registration under Instrument No. D2009LR046451C.
I am further informed that the PRA represents the extent of all registered land by reference to Ordnance Survey Ireland topographic map data. This forms the basis of all PRA digital map data and the following practice is applied: Pursuant to Section 84 of the Registration of Title Act 1964, as substituted by Section 61(2)(a) of the Registration of Deeds and Title Act 2006 and Rule 146 of the Land Registration Rules 2012, the PRA adopts the latest Ordnance Survey detail as supplied by Ordnance Survey Ireland.
I understand that if a registered owner feels that the Ordnance Survey Ireland detail of his/her property is incorrect, s/he can contact Ordnance Survey Ireland directly about this. The PRA will then adopt the latest information supplied by Ordnance Survey Ireland.
Departmental Meetings
Questions (275, 276)
Johnny Mythen
Question:275. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a list will be provided of the inshore fishers and the organisations (details supplied) he or his Department have consulted with in relation to the National Marine Planning Framework; the dates of the meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23273/21]
View answerJohnny Mythen
Question:276. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a list of the seven inland fishers who were consulted in relation to the National Marine Planning Framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23274/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 275 and 276 together.
The draft National Marine Planning Framework (NMPF) was launched by Government on 12 November 2019. The draft NMPF is Ireland’s first comprehensive marine spatial plan document and outlines the clear structure and direction proposed for the development, conservation and enjoyment of our maritime area. This important new text will, when established, stand as the marine equivalent of the terrestrial National Planning Framework and will become the key decision-making tool for regulatory authorities and policy makers into the future.
The National Marine Planning Framework is the culmination of very extensive public and stakeholder engagement during its development over the past 4 years. It is our belief that the Plan needed to be strategic as well as instructional, and informed by effective public and stakeholder participation. Therefore, a core principle in developing the Plan has been to ensure that, as well as the wider public, all relevant marine stakeholders were consulted with, and encouraged to contribute at each available opportunity.
My Department convened a significant number of regional workshops as part of the consultation, with each regional workshop focusing on marine themes appropriate or significant to their respective locations. Following the launch of the NMPF baseline report in 2018, 5 regional public events were held as part of the statutory public consultation. When we launched the draft NMPF, a further 8 public consultation events, 7 of those held in coastal locations throughout the country, occurred during 2019 and 2020. Officials from my Department consulted with members of a variety of fishing organisations at these events.
In addition to these public events, my Department engaged and participated in over 150 conferences, seminars and marine stakeholder events during this time, promoting awareness and understanding of both the NMPF and the public’s role in the wider marine planning process.
The Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) Advisory Group, which I chair, was established in 2018 to guide the development of the NMPF. This Group was invaluable in imparting collective knowledge and expertise, while also offering guidance on strategic thinking and decision-making in the preparation of marine spatial plans. The Group featured representatives of the environmental, economic, and social pillars, including the National Inshore Fisheries Forum (NIFF). The MSP group met 11 times on the following dates:
|
Date |
|
20 March 2018 |
|
13 June 2018 |
|
19 September 2018 |
|
14 February 2019 |
|
09 April 2019 |
|
11 June 2019 |
|
16 July 2019 |
|
12 November 2019 |
|
26 May 2020 |
|
22 September 2020 |
|
23 February 2021 |
As part of the wider public engagement process on the NMPF, and in keeping with my Department’s role in the promotion of awareness and understanding of both the NMPF and the public’s role in the wider marine planning process, officials from my Department also held stakeholder meetings with the Regional Inshore Fisheries Forums on the following dates:
|
26/04/2018 |
Stakeholder meeting with Southeast RIFF |
|
01/05/2018 |
Stakeholder meeting with North RIFF |
|
02/05/2018 |
Stakeholder meeting with West RIFF |
|
09/05/2018 |
Stakeholder meeting with Southwest RIFF |
|
01/06/2018 |
Stakeholder meeting with Northeast RIFF |
Throughout the NMPF development period, and up to and including last week, my Department has regularly engaged in correspondences with a variety of fishing organisations and their representatives, endeavouring to respond to those queries with the necessary urgency and clarity required. My Department’s continued engagement with the fisheries community and representative bodies will not cease with the publication of the NMPF, and I believe this is an important message to deliver to those communities.
I am acutely aware of several ongoing issues affecting the Fisheries community, among the most urgent being the issue of diverse levels and standards of communications between the fisheries and ORE industries. To directly address these concerns, and also with the wider aim of promoting constructive engagement and consultation between the fisheries community and the ORE industry, I have instructed my Department officials to commence the formation of a Seafood/ORE working group, with the initial aim of agreeing a communications protocol between these two strategically important Marine sectors.
While the initial focus of the working group will be on the aforementioned communications protocol, it is the intention of my Department that the proposed Seafood/ORE group will, in time, address other issues affecting the Fisheries community, such as dislocation, co-existence, the impact of developments (including exploration of development sites) and Safety at Sea.
My Department will, in the coming weeks, formally invite nominated representatives of NIFA and NIFO to participate in the proposed working group, and I look forward to their constructive input.
Question No. 276 answered with Question No. 275.
Radon Gas Levels
Questions (277)
Cian O'Callaghan
Question:277. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if radon levels in social housing are monitored; the steps that have been taken to ensure that there is no build-up of radon in social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22661/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019 set a minimum standard for decent, safe and secure rental accommodation. These Regulations also focus on tenant safety and include measures covering heating appliances, carbon monoxide and window safety. With very limited exemptions, these apply to social housing as well as private rented residential accommodation. All landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties comply with the regulations. Responsibility for enforcement rests with the relevant local authority.
The minimum performance requirements that a building must achieve are set out in the Second Schedule to the Building Regulations. These requirements are set out in 12 parts classified as Parts A to M. Part C – Site Preparation and Resistance to Moisture (1997), requires that reasonable precautions shall be taken to avoid danger to health and safety caused by substances (including radon) found on or in the ground to be covered by a building.
Specific advice for local authorities in relation to radon testing on their own social housing stock, is included on the website, www.radon.ie. The EPA has also produced a booklet, ‘Guidance Notes to Local Authorities on Implementing a Radon Measurement Programme’, which is available at the Agency's website at the following link:
http://www.epa.ie/pubs/advice/radiation/radonadvicetolocalauthorities.html
Sporting Rights
Questions (278)
Denis Naughten
Question:278. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will extend the derogation for the shooting of pigeons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22682/21]
View answerWritten answers
A revised Declaration for the period 1 May 2021 to 30 April 2022 was signed on 30 April 2021 and is posted on the website of the NPWS at https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/General-Declaration-May-2021-to-April-2022.pdf. The declaration provides for the control of wood pigeon to prevent serious damage to crops.
Wind Energy Guidelines
Questions (279, 280)
Brian Stanley
Question:279. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the role An Bord Pleanála has regarding the development and planning regulations of windfarms. [22683/21]
View answerBrian Stanley
Question:280. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department plans to revise regulations in relation to windfarm developments. [22684/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 279 and 280 together.
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 EU 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.gov.ie/en/consultation/8f3c71-public-consultation-on-the-revised-wind-energy-development-guideline/
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.
An Bord Pleanála does not have a role in relation to the development of the Wind Energy Developement Guidelines. Its primary function in the planning system is to make determinations on planning appeals, relevant planning applications and other prescribed matters. The provision of the policy and legislative framework under which the planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála perform their statutory planning functions is a matter for me as Minister.
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.
Question No. 280 answered with Question No. 279.
Planning Issues
Questions (281)
Brian Stanley
Question:281. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of co-living units which have been approved by An Bord Pleanála to date; the number of units still to be decided upon; and the number of co-living units which were fast-tracked to An Bord Pleanála through the strategic housing development scheme. [22686/21]
View answerWritten answers
Co-living falls under the shared accommodation arrangements introduced as part of the strategic housing development (SHD) process in the Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016 (the Act).
In this regard, planning applications for shared accommodation developments of 200 bed spaces or more are made directly to An Bord Pleanála (the Board) for determination.
As of 31 March 2021, the Board had received 15 SHD applications in respect of 3,506 shared accommodation units. The Board has granted permission in three cases to date in respect of 815 shared accommodation units. Four cases, in respect of 966 shared accommodation units, remain to be decided. Seven cases, in respect of 1,515 shared accommodation units, were either refused permission or had the decision to grant permission quashed following judicial review. One application, in respect of 210 shared accommodation units, was withdrawn.
Planning Issues
Questions (282)
Brian Stanley
Question:282. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of biogas plant planning permission applications An Bord Pleanála has received in each of the past five years. [22687/21]
View answerWritten answers
My Department does not collate planning statistics in relation to the number of planning permission applications received by An Bord Pleanála in respect of biogas plants.
Article 72(1) of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended, require the Board to publish a weekly list of appeals and referrals received by it, as well as appeals or referrals determined or otherwise disposed of by the Board. These weekly lists are available on the Board's website at http://www.pleanala.ie/.
Arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. The contact email address in An Bord Pleanála in this regard is Oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie.
Home Loan Scheme
Questions (283)
Barry Cowen
Question:283. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the details of funding allocated to Offaly County Council for the past three years under the Rebuilding Ireland home loan scheme. [22728/21]
View answerWritten answers
Allocations for new lending approvals under the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan (RIHL) scheme are allocated each year and communicated to all 31 local authorities.
For clarity, this allocation sets out the maximum amount of RIHL loans that a local authority can approve for a given year. The loans stemming from these approvals can be drawn down in the year of allocation or in a subsequent year. Once a RIHL loan is drawndown by a borrower, the local authority subsequently draws down matching finance from the Housing Finance Agency. The actual amount of loans drawdown, which is determined by borrower demand, would be less than the allocation for new lending approvals.
Allocations for new lending approvals issued to Offaly County Council for the RIHL since 2018 are detailed in the table below. Please note the allocations for 2018 and 2019 were combined.
|
Allocation Year |
2018/2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
Grand Total |
|
Offaly |
€6,280,590 |
€750,000 |
€1,000,000 |
€8,030,590 |
Defective Building Materials
Questions (284)
Cathal Crowe
Question:284. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has received an application from Clare County Council for the establishment of a defective block pyrite MICA remediation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22741/21]
View answerWritten answers
My Department received correspondence from Clare County Council in October 2020, requesting the extension of the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant to County Clare. A comprehensive reply was subsequently issued to the Council in November 2020.
My Department informed the Council that before any extension of the scheme can be considered the same rigorous analysis as that put in place prior to the rollout of the scheme to the counties of Donegal and Mayo would have to be undertaken. Following further discussions between my Department and Clare County Council it was agreed that the local authority would take a lead role in determining, in accordance with the IS: 465 protocol, that issues arising in homes in County Clare are in fact due to the presence of excessive amounts of deleterious materials (mica or pyrite) in the aggregate used to manufacture the concrete blocks and secondly quantify the likely extent of the problem in the county.
Such analysis will provide the evidential basis necessary for the consideration of any extension of the scheme. Pending the receipt of and consideration of such analysis it would be premature to consider an extension of the scheme.
Rental Sector
Questions (285)
Joe O'Brien
Question:285. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to a recent media report (details supplied) which indicates that some landlords are using incentivised rents which may be intended to subvert regulations in relation to rent pressure zones and may frustrate the efforts of the Residential Tenancies Board to accurately monitor rental market rates; the measures that can be taken to prevent this practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22742/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Planning and Development and Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2016 introduced the Rent Predictability Measure to moderate rent increases in those parts of the country where rents are highest and rising fastest, resulting in great difficulty for households finding affordable accommodation. In these areas, called Rent Pressure Zones (RPZ), rents can only increase by a maximum of 4% per annum. The annual rent increase restriction applies to both new and existing tenancies, irrespective of a change of landlord.
Not all properties in RPZs are subject to the 4% restriction.
An exemption applies to the first rent setting of a tenancy of a dwelling where:
- no tenancy existed in respect of the dwelling during the two years immediately prior to this current tenancy beginning;
or
- no tenancy existed in respect of the dwelling where the dwelling is a protected structure, or is in a protected structure or is a proposed protected structure during the 12 months immediately prior to the current tenancy beginning. A protected structure is defined in the Planning and Development Act 2000.
The Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2019 Act provides a legal definition of ‘substantial change in the nature of rental accommodation’ to illustrate the type of works to be carried out to a rental property to qualify for an exemption from the annual rent increase restriction applicable in Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs).
Such works shall result in:
- a permanent extension increasing the floor area by 25%; or
- an improvement in the Building Energy Rating (BER) by at least 7 ratings; or
- at least 3 of the following:
-- a permanent alteration of the internal layout;
-- adaptations for a person with a disability;
-- a permanent increase in the number of rooms;
-- an improvement in the BER by 3 or more ratings where the original BER was D1 or lower; or
-- an improvement in the BER by 2 or more ratings where the original BER was C3 or higher.
The Residential Tenancies Acts 2004 to 2021 do not stipulate a maximum or minimum rent amount to be charged in an area and places no obligation on a landlord to charge a rent. Section 19 of the Acts prohibits the setting of a rent that exceeds the prevailing market rent. There is no legal obstacle to landlords reducing rents in an RPZ or elsewhere in the country.
During the pandemic, landlords are being urged to show forbearance to tenants with regard to the levels of rent payable and any arrangements that might be made should rent arrears arise. It is open to the parties to agree informal temporary rental arrangements during the pandemic and this does not contravene RPZ legislation. Such arrangements are viewed as a pragmatic response to the temporary impacts of Covid-19, lowering rents for tenants when most needed.
In order better enforce RPZ legislation, the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2019 provided the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) with enhanced powers and resources to carry out investigations and to sanction landlords if required, for any contravention of the 4% rent increase restriction in RPZs. The maximum sanction is €30,000. Alternatively, a tenant may wish to refer a dispute for resolution to the RTB and a lawful rent can be enforced and damages of up to €20,000 can be awarded.
My Department, the Housing Agency and the RTB keeps the operation of the rental market under review. It is important to have rent transparency and a rental system with fair rent and certainty for tenants. I intend to bring forward comprehensive rental legislation in the Autumn with provisions to address long term security of tenure, rent levels and the impact of online platforms taking units out of the rental market. The matter raised will be examined in the context of that legislation.
Departmental Investigations
Questions (286)
Catherine Murphy
Question:286. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of staff in his Department that have had access to files and or email restricted and or revoked as part of a disciplinary process or preceding or following a disciplinary process from 1 January 2018 to date in 2021. [22778/21]
View answerWritten answers
No member of my Department has had access to files and/or email restricted and/or revoked as part of a disciplinary process or preceding or following a disciplinary process from 1 January 2018 to date in 2021.
Home Loan Scheme
Questions (287)
Brendan Smith
Question:287. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to reduce the 10% deposit requirement for the Rebuilding Ireland home loan given that this is causing serious difficulty for potential applicants who have high rental costs at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22793/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan Scheme is designed to enable credit worthy first-time buyers to access sustainable mortgage lending to purchase new or second-hand properties. The Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan provides first-time buyers with access to mortgage finance that they may not otherwise have been able to afford at a higher interest rate. More details of this are set out in the FAQ's section of the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan and in the link below.
http://rebuildingirelandhomeloan.ie/borrowing/
To support prudential lending and consistency of treatment for borrowers, a Loan to Value ratio of 90% applies to the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan in line with the Central Bank's prudential lending guidelines. In order to avail of the loan, applicants must have a deposit equivalent to 10% of the market value of the property. There are no plans to change this criterion.
For prospective purchasers of newly-built properties, the availability, through the Revenue Commissioners, of the Help to Buy Initiative for first-time buyers may provide additional assistance to prospective applicants for the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan.
https://www.revenue.ie/en/property/help-to-buy-incentive/index.aspx
Property Registration
Questions (288)
Michael Ring
Question:288. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason for the inordinate delay in processing a dealing (details supplied) in the Land Registry; if this application will be expedited; the reason the dedicated Oireachtas unit did not provide the reason for the delay in processing this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22811/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Property Registration Authority (PRA) provides a service for Oireachtas members to submit their queries concerning the current status of Land Registry and Registry of Deeds applications directly to a dedicated e mail address (reps@prai.ie). However, I am informed that pursuant to the General Data Protection Regulation, the PRA is somewhat constrained in relation to the level of detail that it can provide in response to representations regarding a pending application.
I understand that in relation to the dealing referred to, the PRA has an established process in place to investigate such cases. I further understand that the required investigations can take some time to complete but that the PRA endeavours to expedite processing where it is notified of urgency. I am informed that the particular case is being expedited with a view to completing it in the coming days.
Social and Affordable Housing
Questions (289)
Bernard Durkan
Question:289. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has received information from Irish Water which might affect the ability of his Department to provide affordable or local authority housing to accommodate qualified applicants in 2021; the likely number of homes expected therefrom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22818/21]
View answerWritten answers
From the outset, I wish to advise the Deputy that Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels in accordance with Section 7 of the Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013. This includes water and waste water services connections to new housing developments. I have no function in relation to these matters.
With regard to Serviced Sites Fund projects which have received approval in principle from my Department which will assist in the delivery of affordable homes, my Department has requested local authorities to engage with utility services such as Irish Water at the earliest opportunity in order to ensure that there is no unnecessary delays to their projected times of delivery.
I have received no information from Irish Water in respect of the projects that will be delivering affordable homes in 2021 that would suggest there will be an adverse affect on their ability to deliver on time as anticipated.
Heritage Sites
Questions (290)
Mary Butler
Question:290. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will identify additional funding streams which may be applicable to the restoration process of a heritage building (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22911/21]
View answerWritten answers
My role with regard to the protection and management of our architectural heritage is set out in the provisions of relevant legislation, as are the roles of local authorities and the responsibilities of owners.
My Department provides financial support for the protection of heritage buildings and historic structures through the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) and the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS), which are in the main, administered by local authorities. The BHIS has been allocated €3m this year, up 20% on 2020. The HSF has also been allocated €3m, up over 75% on 2020. Details of the projects to be funded under both schemes were announced recently and are available on my Department’s website. Details of the 2022 schemes will be made available later this year.
In addition to the above, grants are available under my Department’s renewal or repair of thatched roof grant scheme, details of which are available on my Department’s website.
Planning Investigations
Questions (291)
Catherine Murphy
Question:291. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 1234 of 13 May 2020 and 60 of 4 November 2020, if he will publish the report (details supplied) regarding planning matters in County Donegal. [22921/21]
View answerWritten answers
I am considering the report, entitled 'A Review Into Certain Planning Matters in Respect of Donegal County Council', by Mr. Rory Mulcahy S.C., and will bring this matter to Government for consideration in due course.
In this regard, the decisions of the Commissioner for Environmental Information (CEI/18/0019) of 13 February 2019 and the Information Commissioner (OIC-59426-Q8D7T8) of 27 February 2020 in relation to previous requests to publish this report will also be taken into account. Both decisions are publicly available on those bodies' websites.
Lease Agreements
Questions (292)
Catherine Murphy
Question:292. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 354 of 17 November 2020, the number of housing units leased in 2020 and to date in 2021 using the same tabular format; the average cost in 2020 and to date in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22992/21]
View answerWritten answers
Details of the number of homes delivered under the Social Housing Leasing Programme in 2020 are set out in Table 1 below.
Leasing delivery data for Q1 2021 is being collated at present and will be published on my Department's website as soon as that process is finalised.
The total expenditure for leasing in 2020, together with the average cost of a new unit in 2020, is set out in Table 2 below. There are some further claims due into my Department in respect of 2020 delivery.
Table 1: Leasing Delivery by Local Authority 2020
|
LA Leasing |
AHB Leasing |
Total Leasing |
|
|
Carlow |
31 |
7 |
38 |
|
Cavan |
1 |
3 |
4 |
|
Clare |
23 |
5 |
28 |
|
Cork City |
30 |
18 |
48 |
|
Cork County |
14 |
23 |
37 |
|
DLR |
4 |
3 |
7 |
|
Donegal |
4 |
1 |
5 |
|
Dublin City |
214 |
32 |
246 |
|
Fingal |
97 |
10 |
107 |
|
Galway City |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
Galway County |
10 |
8 |
18 |
|
Kerry |
32 |
27 |
59 |
|
Kildare |
35 |
29 |
64 |
|
Kilkenny |
17 |
8 |
25 |
|
Laois |
18 |
7 |
25 |
|
Leitrim |
3 |
1 |
4 |
|
Limerick |
35 |
23 |
58 |
|
Longford |
23 |
3 |
26 |
|
Louth |
19 |
3 |
22 |
|
Mayo |
90 |
3 |
93 |
|
Meath |
17 |
59 |
76 |
|
Monaghan |
2 |
1 |
3 |
|
Offaly |
12 |
20 |
32 |
|
Roscommon |
17 |
1 |
18 |
|
Sligo |
2 |
3 |
5 |
|
South Dublin |
103 |
16 |
119 |
|
Tipperary |
32 |
8 |
40 |
|
Waterford |
74 |
12 |
86 |
|
Westmeath |
48 |
6 |
54 |
|
Wexford |
46 |
9 |
55 |
|
Wicklow |
27 |
9 |
36 |
|
Total |
1081 |
359 |
1,440 |
Table 2: Leasing Expenditure 2020
|
Total Leasing Expenditure 2020 |
Average Annual Leasing Cost (New Unit) 2020 |
|
€78,342,768 |
€13,850 |