Seán Sherlock
Question:146. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his plans for a site (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28953/21]
View answerOffice of Public Works
Questions (146)
Written answers
The OPW is currently undertaking major development and restoration projects at Annes Grove House and Gardens, Castletownroche, Co. Cork with the intention of opening the estate to the public in 2022, subject to necessary permissions and Covid-19 restrictions. As the scale of investment and works is substantial, the OPW plans to open the site on phased basis, beginning with the gardens of the estate.
Since the handover, the OPW has recognised that major investment would be required to restore the gardens, which contains an extensive botanical collection of international repute, and the estate to its former glory. The OPW has spent €2,117,138.77 from 2016 to date on major projects associated with the clearance, development and restoration of the gardens, provision of toilets, car parking and conservation of certain outbuildings on site. This initial phase of investment in capital works will conclude in 2022.
In addition to this budget for works, the OPW has allocated €392,000 annually to Annes Grove for operational expenditure, to cover items such as pay, machinery, general maintenance and operational goods and services.
The OPW also plans to continue to invest in infrastructure and visitor facilities to support the development and growth of Annes Grove into the future subject to the availability of funding. The OPW was awarded €375,000 in grant funding from the Rural Regeneration Development Fund ( to be matched by €125,000 from the OPW) to develop and bring to planning permission a scheme to refurbish the house, outbuildings and create a world-class visitor experience at Annes Grove to rival the very best existing sites throughout Ireland such as at Altamount or Derrynane. This project is currently ongoing and OPW intends to submit a planning application by the end of the year.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (147)
David Cullinane
Question:147. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if a club (details supplied) can hold events as of 7 June 2021 in line with the recommencement on sporting events; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28796/21]
View answerWritten answers
From June 7th the resumption of outdoor competition is permitted. Such activity will take place under strict protocols and without spectators. The capacities in individual and non-team focused sports will reflect the nature of the particular sport, the size and scale of proposed venues and the standard operating procedures of the National Governing Bodies (NGBs), in this case Motorsport Ireland.
In the initial stages sports are encouraged to focus on the minimum number of participants required to stage a meaningful event safely. Additional thought will also be required by NGBs if organising events that take place (fully or partially) on public grounds or roads. When planning events NGBs should also seek to engage with other relevant stakeholders such as the Health & Rescue Services, Gardaí and the Local Authorities.
To assist in planning during the initial return, a set of Guiding Principles have been developed in consultation with the Return to Sport Expert Group. These have been distributed to the relevant NGBs. While Sport Ireland and the Return to Sport Expert Group remains available to provide feedback on the COVID-19 elements of competition protocols it is important to note that NGBs and their affiliates will have responsibility for the organisation, sanctioning and monitoring of the events within their own sports. Neither my Department, Sport Ireland nor the Return to Sport Expert Group will play a role in sanctioning these events.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (148)
Jennifer Whitmore
Question:148. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason an outdoor cinema company (details supplied) was forced to shut down; if outdoor drive-in cinemas are allowed operate under current Covid-19 guidelines; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28856/21]
View answerWritten answers
Drive-in cinemas are not allowed to operate under the current regulations under Section 31A of the Health Act 1947 which set out the public health restrictions in place at present.
Subject to the prevailing public health situation, the Government has been delivering a phased easing of public health restrictions over the period since April this year. The Government continues to keep the situation under review with a view to continuing to reopen sectors, services and activities as the public health situation allows. The public health advice prepared by the National Public Health Emergency Team is considered as part of the Government’s decision-making process. Once the Government has taken its decision, the Minister for Health prepares regulations under the Section 31A of the Health Act 1947 .
The Government is cognisant of the significant impact the COVID-19 crisis has and continues to have. The intention is to make steady progress with the reopening of society and the economy while avoiding a further wave of disease and re-imposition of restrictions.
As has been the case at each stage of the easing of restrictions, the set of measures introduced is intended to incrementally re-open the country while minimising the risks of transmission in alignment with risk levels. The Government is cognizant of the impact of any and all restrictions across every sector and fully aware of the challenges individuals and businesses continue to face.
As we progress with the Recovery and Resilience: The Path Ahead plan, work is continuing on a number of other issues in preparation for the coming months. Further re-openings will be considered, in the context of the public health situation, and decided on by Government shortly.
Sports Funding
Questions (149)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:149. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if an application will be considered (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29104/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Sports Capital and Equipment Programme is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and physical recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country.
The 2020 round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme closed for applications on Monday 1st March. By the closing date, 3,106 applications were submitted seeking over €200m in funding. This is the highest number of applications ever received.
The scoring system and assessment procedures have been finalised and all applications, including the application referred to by the Deputy, are being assessed in accordance with these. Given the large number of applications received this assessment process is likely to take a number of months. As soon as this process is complete all applicants will be informed of the outcome of the assessment of their application.
Water Supply
Questions (150)
Carol Nolan
Question:150. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the implementation of the Multi-annual Rural Water Programme 2019-2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28791/21]
View answerWritten answers
In October 2019, allocations of funding were announced under the Multi-annual Rural Water Programme 2019-2021. Details of the funding is available on my Department's website at the link under:
www.housing.gov.ie/water/water-services/rural-water-programme/circular-l219-approval-schemesprojects-under-multi-annual
The day to day implementation of the Rural Water Programme is devolved to the local authorities. It is a matter for the local authorities to manage the progress of schemes and projects that were allocated funding under the multi-annual programme.
Details of the progress status on individual projects and schemes is available from the relevant local authority.
Energy Conservation
Questions (151)
Brendan Howlin
Question:151. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the supports that are available to persons building new homes in order to encourage non-carbon heating systems; if grants offered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland to convert existing homes by installing PV panels are also available to new house builds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28799/21]
View answerWritten answers
The European Union (Energy Performance Of Buildings) Regulations 2019 set higher building energy performance standards for dwellings, in accordance with the Nearly Zero Energy Building requirements (NZEB) contained in the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.
These Regulations apply to works in connection with the design and construction of a new dwelling, where the relevant works commence or take place, as the case may be, on or after 1 November 2019 except where:
- an application is made on or before 31 October 2019 for planning permission or approval pursuant to the Planning and Development Act 2000 and where substantial work has been completed by 31 October 2020; or
- a notice pursuant to the provisions of Part 8 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 has been published on or before 31 October 2019 and where substantial work has been completed by 31 October 2020.
These regulations will continue to support the phase out of fossil fuel boilers in new dwellings by advancing the energy and carbon dioxide emissions performance requirements of new dwellings to Nearly Zero Energy Buildings standards and by requiring that the nearly zero amount of energy required in new buildings is covered to a very significant extent by energy from renewable sources. As this is a mandatory requirement of the building regulations, no grants are available.
Many of the techniques required to achieve NZEB, such as improved fabric and the mandatory requirement for renewables, have been introduced on a gradual basis into Part L of the Building Regulations since 2007.
These incremental improvements have effectively eased the transition and minimized the additional effort required to achieve the NZEB performance for dwellings.
The NZEB requirements make it more attractive for builders and homeowners to further incorporate renewable technologies and move away from traditional fossil fuels.
The Better Energy Homes Scheme for existing dwellings is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI) under the remit of the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications to help homeowners and landlords reduce their energy costs and emissions by providing grants towards insulation, heating control, solar thermal and photovoltaic improvements. Further details on grant payments and qualifying works are available from the SEAI website at www.seai.ie
Water Services
Questions (152)
Neasa Hourigan
Question:152. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of plans to develop a scheme between local authorities and Irish Water to provide drinking water fountains nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28873/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government includes a commitment that the Government will develop a scheme between local authorities and Irish Water to provide drinking water fountains nationwide to reduce plastic bottle litter.
In addition, EU Directive 2020/2184 (the Drinking Water Recast Directive) as adopted on 16 December 2020 updates the obligations on Member States in relation to the quality of water intended for human consumption. The objective of this Directive is to protect human health from the adverse effects of any contamination of water intended for human consumption by ensuring that it is wholesome and clean, and to improve access to water intended human consumption. In order to promote the use of tap water intended for human consumption, article 16 of the Directive requires that Member States shall ensure that outdoor and indoor equipment is set up in public spaces, where technically feasible, in a manner that is proportionate to the need for such measures and taking into account specific local conditions, such as climate and geography. Member States must transpose article 16 of the Directive by 12 January 2023.
My Department will implement the commitment in the Programme for Government as part of the transposition and implementation of article 16 of Directive 2020/2184, as described above.
Defective Building Materials
Questions (153)
Anne Rabbitte
Question:153. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on the reported issues in relation to defective mica blocks used in County Donegal and the resulting damage to homes now emerging; the actions being pursued by his Department to address same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28928/21]
View answerWritten answers
The regulations for the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant scheme came in to operation on 31 January 2020. The Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks in Construction (Remediation) (Financial Assistance) Regulations 2020 provide for a grant scheme of financial assistance to support affected homeowners in the counties of Donegal and Mayo only, to carry out the necessary remediation works to dwellings that have been damaged due to the use of defective concrete blocks.
The scheme was informed by the work of an Expert Panel and the current maximum grant amounts payable under the scheme were finalised in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. This process also took account of the comprehensive engagement that took place between my Department and both Donegal and Mayo County Councils, who operate and administer the scheme.
The grant limits agreed on foot of this engagement ensures that the scheme can be budgeted for with the potential financial liability known at all times and also to ensure that the available budget can benefit the majority of properties and the maximum number of people. Mindful that the scheme is being funded from the Exchequer the scope cannot be open ended.
Details of the scheme including remedial options can be found on the link below.
www.gov.ie/en/publication/7cf7f-overview-of-defective-concrete-blocks-grant-scheme/
Funding of €20 million has been provided to administer the scheme in 2021. The scheme will be demand led and the level of funding may vary between the local authorities.
The grant scheme targets a restricted group of homeowners who have no other practicable options to access redress. It is not a compensation scheme. It is provided in order to remediate the issue of the defective blocks or return the building to a condition it would have been in if it hadn’t been affected by the use of deleterious materials in the blockwork, namely Mica or Pyrite.
The application process opened in June 2020 and applicants are progressing through the various stages. I am keeping progress on the scheme under review and engaging with both local authorities and local action groups on the matter.
Local Authorities
Questions (154)
Anne Rabbitte
Question:154. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the lack of planning enforcement officers in Galway County Council; if the Council has sought additional funding from his Department to tackle these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28938/21]
View answerWritten answers
My Department oversees workforce planning for the local government sector, including the monitoring of local government sector employment levels. To this end, my Department gathers aggregate quarterly data on staff numbers in each local authority on a whole time equivalent basis.
However, granular data, in terms of the detailed breakdown of the number of planning enforcement officers employed by local authorities, is not collected and consequently is not available in my Department.
My Department has not been made aware of any lack of planning enforcement officers in Galway County Council and sanction for additional planning enforcement resources has not been sought from my Department by the Council.
EU Directives
Questions (155)
Paul Murphy
Question:155. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 353 of 11 May 2021, when he will acknowledge that the derogation allowing the year-round shooting of wood pigeons breaches articles 7 and 9 of the EU Birds Directive given there is no scientific evidence that wood pigeons cause serious damage to crops in Ireland and that the NPWS has expressed concern regarding the negative impact wood pigeon shooting is having on the protected and threatened stock dove species; and if he will review his previous reply in view of same. [28946/21]
View answerWritten answers
The National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department intends to carry out a review of the issue of pigeon damage to crops during the summer months, including the collection of new scientific data, with a view to informing decisions for future declaration. It was not possible to progress this work last year due to the restrictions imposed by Covid-19.
A derogation in respect of Wild Birds 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. The wood pigeon is included on the declaration this year. While I have no plans to amend this derogation, my Department is committed to carrying out a review of all the species on the Declaration list on a phased basis. This year, for example, a survey is being undertaken on the gull population.
Rental Sector
Questions (156, 163)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Question:156. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the specific actions introduced as per the statement within the Programme for Government to strengthen the regulatory and enforcement mechanisms with regard to short-term lettings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28947/21]
View answer
Cian O'Callaghan
Question:163. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the plans to improve regulation of short-term lets that are under consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28999/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 156 and 163 together.
The Programme for Government - Our Shared Future includes the specific action to strengthen the regulatory and enforcement mechanisms with regard to short-term letting, and the ongoing approach in this regard is currently being considered. However, as some elements of potential regulation of the short-term letting market fall outside the remit of my Department, I have been in contact with my colleague the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media on this matter. Meetings have taken place at senior official level between the two Departments, which have also involved the participation of Fáilte Ireland, to explore the possibilities of developing new proposals in relation to the regulation of the short-term letting sector.
Further meetings at official level are scheduled in the coming weeks after which it is hoped to submit a Memorandum for Government on this matter in due course.
Rental Sector
Questions (157)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Question:157. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of short-term let properties operating in rent pressure zones without the appropriate permissions identified by the local authorities and brought back to the long-term rental market since the relevant amendments to the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) in 2019, by local authority in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28948/21]
View answerWritten answers
My Department requests extensive Short-Term Letting (STL) data returns from local authorities on a quarterly basis. Amongst the information requested is the total number of properties identified as potentially in breach of the STL regulations and therefore requiring further consideration. However, local authorities are not required to identify and report on the number of short-term lets returned to the long-term rental market.
Notwithstanding this, my Department has recently requested local authorities to provide statistics for the number of cases which have been satisfactorily resolved (to end Q1 2021); this might be through registration of properties with the relevant local authority, compliance with planning, or ceasing of STL operations.
The table below outlines the information requested in those terms but not all local authorities have provided updated returns. My Department is following up with the relevant local authorities regarding outstanding returns. It should be noted that the figures for the total number of properties identified as potentially in breach of STL regulations are cumulative and may include properties that were identified in multiple quarterly returns.
|
Local Authority Area |
Total no of properties identified as potentially in breach of STL regulations |
No of cases satisfactorily resolved |
|
Carlow |
18 |
|
|
Cork County |
1,057 |
|
|
Cork City |
1,458 |
8 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown |
114 |
106 |
|
Dublin City |
1,820 |
399 |
|
Fingal |
827 |
|
|
Galway City |
4 |
5 |
|
Galway County |
0 |
|
|
Kerry |
9 |
4 |
|
Kildare |
2 |
0 |
|
Kilkenny |
134 |
35 |
|
Laois |
123 |
|
|
Limerick |
25 |
|
|
Louth |
614 |
2 |
|
Meath |
0 |
0 |
|
Offaly |
0 |
|
|
Sligo |
11 |
0 |
|
South Dublin |
122 |
0 |
|
Waterford |
66 |
|
|
Westmeath |
0 |
0 |
|
Wexford |
112 |
2 |
|
Wicklow |
136 |
67 |
|
Total |
6,121 |
628 |
Rental Sector
Questions (158)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Question:158. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the engagement local authorities with rent pressure zones have had with his Department in relation to short-term letting regulations detailing any concerns raised including within the Covid-19 pandemic context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28949/21]
View answerWritten answers
My Department requests extensive Short-Term Letting (STL) data returns from local authorities on a quarterly basis. These returns include extensive statistics regarding the enforcement and implementation of the STL Regulations and feedback on the impact of Covid-19 in this regard.
Amongst the issues raised in these returns are the effect that Covid-19 has had on the ability of local authorities to investigate properties due to restrictions, as well as the number of properties which have ceased, at least temporarily, to engage in STL as a result of the pandemic.
Some issues regarding the general enforcement of the short-term letting legislation have also been raised and my Department is engaging with the relevant local authorities in this regard.
Local Authorities
Questions (159)
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Question:159. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 243 of 20 May 2021, when he expects to receive the remaining returns from local authorities impacted by the short-term letting regulation. [28950/21]
View answerWritten answers
My Department continues to pursue the outstanding returns from local authorities regarding the implementation and enforcement of short-term letting regulation. To date, 16 of the 22 relevant local authorities have responded, with the remainder expected in the coming days.
Local Authorities
Questions (160)
Thomas Pringle
Question:160. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he will meet with the Dublin City Council councillors regarding the report into the Oscar Traynor Road site; the reason he has not responded to any of the five letters sent to him by councillors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28963/21]
View answerWritten answers
My office has received five emails from the office of the Lord Mayor in relation to Report No. 70/2020 - Housing Strategic Policy Committee Report on the Development of Lands at Oscar Traynor Road including one acknowledgement of receipt of my office’s reply.
The initial correspondence from the office of the Lord Mayor requesting a meeting was received on 29 January 2021. A reply was sent on 2 February 2021 stating that until the above proposal had been considered, as Minister, I was not in a position to grant the meeting requested.
Further meeting requests were received from the office of the Lord Mayor on 3 February 2021 and 23 March 2021. These requests were acknowledged by my office on 24 March 2021. A further request for a meeting was received and acknowledged on 19 May 2021.
Dublin City Council’s (DCC) Housing Department’s Director of Service sent the Report No. 70/2020 - Housing Strategic Policy Committee Report on the Development of Lands at Oscar Traynor Road to my Department’s officials for their review and response in due course.
My Department has responded to DCC’s Housing Department acknowledging receipt of the Councillors’ report and requesting that in compliance with the Public Spending Code that DCC provide a Strategic Assessment Report (SAR) to include options based on the new proposed tenure mix. As this project will require in excess of €100m in public spending this SAR will need to be reviewed by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform’s National Investment Office in order to progress Gate 0 Approval to Develop Proposal in line with the Public Spending Code.
Officials in my Department maintain regular engagement with DCC in relation to the Oscar Traynor Road site.
Housing Policy
Questions (161)
Carol Nolan
Question:161. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the qualifying conditions a person must meet in order to be able to access supports for first time buyers under the Affordable Housing Bill 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28971/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Affordable Housing Bill 2021 provides for three schemes delivering on the Programme for Government commitment to put affordability at the heart of the housing system and prioritise the increased supply of affordable homes through (1) affordable homes on local authority lands, (2) the introduction of a new form of tenure in Cost Rental, and (3) a new affordable purchase shared equity scheme.
In relation to affordable homes on local authority lands, Section 10 of the Bill sets out the conditions for purchaser eligibility: (i) applicants’ financial means to be within parameters to be prescribed in regulations by me, as Minister, with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, (ii) applicants to be first-time buyers, (iii) applicants not to own or have an interest in dwelling, and (iv) applicants to be legally entitled to reside in the State. It is intended to provide in such regulations that the eligibility threshold will be that the applicant cannot secure a mortgage for 90% of the open market value of the dwelling being made available. Regulations may also require that other savings/assets are taken into account when considering eligibility.
Limited exceptions are provided to conditions (ii) and (iii), to provide as follows: (a) a person applying had previously purchased/built a dwelling as part of a marriage/relationship that has now ended, and that person does not retain a beneficial interest in the dwelling; (b) a person applying had previously purchased a dwelling, but sold it/became divested of it as part of insolvency/bankruptcy proceedings; and (c) a person applying owns or owned a dwelling, but it is now too small/unsuitable for current household needs. Regulations and/or guidelines may also be made in relation to these exceptions.
Regarding Cost Rental, Section 32 of the Bill empowers me, as Minister, to regulate the letting of designated cost rental dwellings. The Minister may prescribe eligibility requirements in respect of tenants and their households, along with the process all landlords must follow when advertising vacant dwellings and entering into tenancies.
In relation to the provision of funding to purchase an equity share in private dwellings, Section 42 of the Bill provides that the Minister may contribute funds to a special purpose vehicle (SPV) for the purpose of operating and administering an Affordable Purchase Shared Equity scheme. It also provides that the Minister, may agree the terms by which the equity support may be provided in a memorandum of agreement with the SPV covering, inter alia, areas such as purchaser eligibility and financial means, the homes that may be considered eligible under the scheme, and the amount of funding that can be provided.
Required regulations will be made following the passage of the Bill through the Oireachtas.
Housing Issues
Questions (162)
Cian O'Callaghan
Question:162. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if any independent analysis of the cost of home building in Ireland has been carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28998/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland has recently published two reports on residential delivery costs. The Real Cost of New Housing Delivery, published in 2020, and The Real Costs of New Apartment Delivery, published in 2021 respectively provide an analysis based on real market data, on the typical overall cost of development for houses and apartments in the Dublin area.
Each report identifies affordability/viability as a challenge and submits that there is no one solution that will address these issues. The reports set out a number of recommendations in this regard. This Government is committed to putting affordability at the heart of the housing system, as such addressing the cost of housing delivery and the availability and activation of land will be key themes of the new housing strategy ‘Housing for All’. As a whole of Government action plan, it will build on collaborative actions, measures and initiatives already in place.
Question No. 163 answered with Question No. 156.
Vacant Properties
Questions (164)
Cian O'Callaghan
Question:164. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans that are under consideration to tackle vacancies in the housing stock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29000/21]
View answerWritten answers
My Department is committed to ensuring that existing housing stock is utilised to its fullest extent including providing a targeted, effective and co-ordinated approach to identifying and tackling vacancy across Ireland. There are a range of measures to assist in meeting housing needs by ensuring that our existing housing stock is used to the greatest extent possible. My Department published the National Vacant Housing Reuse Strategy, in 2018, which contains a range of objectives and key actions to be pursued in partnership with stakeholders and agencies across the housing sector to address vacancy in our housing stock. The Strategy is underpinned by a number of supports and guidance put in place by my Department to assist in bringing vacant housing stock back into use including:
- The Repair and Leasing Scheme which assists private property owners, local authority and Approved Housing Bodies to utilise existing vacant housing stock throughout the country as social housing. The scheme is targeted at owners of vacant properties who cannot afford or access the funding needed to bring their properties up to the required standard for a rental property. The maximum loan for property repair available under the Repair and Lease Scheme has recently been increased by my Department from €40,000 to €60,000. This increase allows for greater access to the scheme for owners of properties that require more extensive repairs.
- The Buy and Renew Scheme particularly focuses on older vacant homes to help tackle the problem of dereliction and improve the appearance of the community. It provides the option for suitable properties to be purchased by local authorities, rather than leased, if that is the preference of the owners.
- In December 2018 my Department published the Bringing Back Homes Manual for the Reuse of Existing Buildings. Revitalising our main streets through well designed refurbishment of residential units, particularly above shops, could help to rejuvenate smaller town centres and city streets as well as produce more houses.
Securing improved data and analysis on vacancy allows for more robust monitoring of vacancy at a national level and improved outputs at local level. To help record levels of vacancy, a website has been developed by Mayo County Council (vacanthomes.ie) on behalf of the local government sector. This provides a central portal for individuals to anonymously log possible vacant properties and alert local authorities who can then follow up with the owners to see whether the house can be re-used quickly.
To further support this work at local authority level, my Department has secured funding for each local authority to support the work of a Vacant Homes Office. The provision of central funding reinforces the capacity of my Department’s Vacant Homes Unit to liaise with and seek information/statistics from a dedicated contact point within each local authority. The Vacant Homes Office plays a key role in the co-ordination of this work within each local authority.
Homeless Persons Supports
Questions (165)
Cian O'Callaghan
Question:165. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the action that has been taken to urgently address the number of persons who have become homeless and who have died since the beginning of 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29001/21]
View answerWritten 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 imminently, 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.
A separate 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.
It is vital that we continue to deliver the appropriate measures to ensure that all individuals experiencing homelessness are supported to exit into permanent housing solutions and that those with complex health and mental health needs are provided with the supports they need. My Department is working closely with the Department of Health, the HSE and local authorities in respect of these issues.
The Programme for Government includes measures targeted specifically at those experiencing homelessness with complex needs. It commits to the continued expansion of Housing First, and, importantly, ensuring that health and mental health supports are provided. The provision of addiction and mental health supports has featured prominently in meetings of the High Level Homelessness Task Force that I established and in my regular interactions with the Minister for Health. The issue of deaths in homeless services has also been discussed at the Task Force.
Engaging with rough sleepers is vital. This engagement is first and foremost to encourage those rough sleeping to avail of shelter. But critically, it also allows their health needs to be assessed and provided for.
Defective Building Materials
Questions (166)
Neale Richmond
Question:166. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has considered implementing a support scheme for those owners of properties that require remediation who cannot afford to carry out the necessary works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29022/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks in Construction (Remediation) (Financial Assistance) Regulations 2020 came in to operation on 31 January 2020 and the resulting Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme has been open for applications since the end of June last year.
The scheme design was informed by the comprehensive work of an Expert Panel and the current maximum grant amounts payable under the various options in the scheme were finalised in close consultation with the Office of the Attorney General and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. This process was also informed by extensive engagement between my Department and both Donegal and Mayo County Councils.
The scheme outlines five remedial options ranging from rebuilding on existing foundations to replacing of external walls. The maximum approved costs per dwelling under the scheme are significant and range from €55,000 to €275,000 depending on the remedial option. A grant of 90% of the approved costs associated with the necessary remediation works, subject to a maximum for each remedial option, or 90% of the actual cost of the remedial works, whichever is the lesser, is available under the scheme. This is in line with how similar Government grant schemes operate or have operated in the past, where an applicant contribution to the costs is a key requirement.
Departmental Bodies
Questions (167)
Patricia Ryan
Question:167. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the working group established to review the Sustainable Rural Housing guidelines for Planning Authorities 2005 in view of the Flemish Decree; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29068/21]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Rural Housing 2005, planning authorities are required to frame the planning policies in their development plans in a balanced and measured way that ensures the housing needs of rural communities are met, while avoiding excessive urban-generated housing.
I wish to clarify that the ‘Flemish Decree’ was a March 2009 Decree of the Flemish Region (a Federal Region within Belgium), on land and real estate policy, which made the purchase or long-term lease of land (i.e. all immovable property, that included existing, homes, businesses and farms) in certain Flemish communes (local authorities) conditional upon there being a ‘sufficient connection’ between the prospective buyer or tenant and the relevant commune. As such, the Flemish Decree effectively restricted significantly more than development rights in respect of new housing. The broad scope of the Flemish Decree was such that it was successfully challenged in the European Court of Justice, which ruled that it was contrary to EU freedoms.
A working group was established to review and, where necessary, recommend changes to the 2005 Guidelines and this group met on five occasions between May 2017 and January 2019. During this period, in 2018, the National Planning Framework (the NPF) was published and provides an important strategic basis for interpreting the 2005 Guidelines. National Policy Objective (NPO) 15 of the NPF fully supports the concept of the sustainable development of rural areas by encouraging growth and arresting decline in areas that have experienced low population growth or decline in recent decades, while simultaneously indicating the need to manage certain areas around cities and towns.
Work is current underway in preparation of an update of the 2005 Sustainable Rural Housing Guidelines for planning authorities, which were issued under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). I expect to receive an initial draft guidelines document in the coming weeks. Given the complexity of the issues involved, the need for environmental assessment and both internal and external consultation, I would expect updated guidelines to be available later in 2021.
My Department communicated to planning authorities (Circular letter PL 2/2017) on 31 May 2017, advising that the existing 2005 Guidelines remain in place until advised otherwise by the Department and this remains valid.
Urban Development
Questions (168)
Patricia Ryan
Question:168. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on the meeting of Minister of State Malcolm Noonan with a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29075/21]
View answerWritten answers
This meeting is noted in my official diary, and that of the Minister for Housing, Local Government, and Heritage both of which are published on my Department’s website.
As the Ministers responsible for Town Centres First, Heritage and Urban Renewal policy, Minister O’Brien and I were pleased to receive a presentation from Hammerson of its plans for the regeneration of a very significant portion of the principal street of our capital city and of a hugely rundown area of the adjacent north inner city of Dublin. The site in question, which stretches from the former Carlton Cinema on O’Connell Street to Moore Street, has suffered decades of dereliction and decay with the market traders on Moore Street now facing an existential crisis with their future on the street.
Hammerson has appointed a highly qualified and experienced team of international heritage and architectural experts to draw up the regeneration proposals which, as presented, envisage the retention of a significantly enlarged portfolio of pre-1916 fabric and buildings by comparison to anything previously envisaged. The new plans take account of the unique character and history of the area and include a suite of measures to acknowledge, respect and record the seismic events that occurred in and around Moore Street during Easter Week 1916 and the people who were involved.
I am aware that the company has made the same presentation, which also envisages the creation of up to 8,600 jobs, along with the delivery of significant numbers of new residential units, to the Moore Street Advisory Group (MSAG). The MSAG was established to liaise with stakeholders, including 1916 Relatives, street traders and Hammerson itself, to broker agreed solutions for the renewal of the area that would be sympathetic to its culture, history and traditions.
The MSAG has recently presented its final report to Minister O’Brien and I, putting forward a number of important recommendations on how the street and its market could be rejuvenated and how the national monument buildings at Nos. 14 – 17 could be presented to the public as a 1916 Commemorative Centre. The Deputy’s own party was formally represented on the MSAG by Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh.
The report makes it clear that the MSAG is supportive of the Hammerson plan ‘as it now stands’ on the basis that it ‘preserves the urban heritage whilst simultaneously attempting to consider the need for modernisation in a culturally and historically sensitive manner’ . The report also finds that Hammerson’s current proposals ‘adequately, properly and respectfully acknowledge the role of the area during the 1916 Rising’. I am pleased that Hammerson has engaged constructively with the MSAG and that it has taken the views of the Advisory Group on board in formulating the new plans.
The MSAG has also given a clear recommendation for work on the State owned National Monument buildings to recommence as soon as is possible. Officials from my Department are liaising with the Office of Public Works in this regard and will be considering the report of the Irish Heritage Trust, which was tasked on behalf of the MSAG by my Department, with coming up with recommendations, in that context.
The report of the MSAG has been noted by Cabinet.
Housing Provision
Questions (169)
Patricia Ryan
Question:169. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of persons in receipt of HAP in County Kildare; the amount spent on HAP by Kildare County Council in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29076/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a flexible and immediate housing support that is available to all eligible households throughout the State. At end Q4 2020 there were nearly 60,000 households in receipt of HAP and over 33,520 separate landlords and agents providing accommodation to households supported by the scheme.
In respect of the provision of HAP funding, Limerick City and County Council provides a highly effective HAP transactional shared service on behalf of all local authorities. This HAP Shared Services Centre (SSC) manages all HAP related rental transactions for the tenant, local authority and landlord. Accordingly, my Department does not recoup individual local authorities in respect of HAP rental payments in their administrative areas but, rather, recoups all landlord costs via the HAP SSC.
Data in relation to the funding provided by the State in 2020 and number of active tenancies, broken down by local authority area, can be found on my Department's website at this link:
www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/#housing-assistance-payment
This funding represents the portion paid by my Department after receipt of the differential rent which is paid by the tenant to the local authority. It does not include administration costs related to the Scheme.
Diplomatic Representation
Questions (170)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:170. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether it is acceptable from a trade perspective for the social media account of an Irish Embassy (details supplied) to make statements regarding a strike in which it appears to use its position to represent the interests of one particular company headquartered in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28918/21]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, trade and economic promotion is an important part of the work of the Department of Foreign Affairs’ overseas Mission network. The Mission network works to diversify our markets, to increase trade and investment with Ireland, to enable Irish companies to better take advantage of new opportunities, and to support Irish businesses in markets, by providing contacts and information.
Embassies and Consulates General play a crucial role in advancing Ireland’s international trade as part of Team Ireland overseas. They provide support for Ireland’s State Agencies, including through supporting their strategic objectives and activities in overseas markets. The role of the Mission network in supporting the promotion of exports is particularly pertinent in markets with limited or no State Agency presence, such as in the case of the Embassy referenced.
Officers based at all Missions continuously engage in economic and public diplomacy to promote Irish exports and to advance Ireland’s prosperity and raise awareness of Ireland as a place to live, study, work, visit and do business.
In June 2018, the Government launched the Global Ireland initiative, which aims to double the impact and scope of Ireland’s global footprint by 2025. Global Ireland's targets include enhanced global engagement, the expansion of Ireland’s Embassy network and strengthening of Ireland’s State Agency presence overseas. Each of these measures will increase Ireland’s international visibility, facilitate market diversification and intensification, and deepen bilateral relations in support of the Government’s economic and political objectives, including in the context of Brexit.
The trade and economic activity of Missions will be particularly important in the post-Brexit context and in contributing to national prosperity as we, and the world, recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.
While trade and economic promotion activity is a key priority for overseas Missions, it is obviously, and should not be, the only priority. The Mission network addresses a range of other priority engagements, including:
- to strengthen political, social and cultural relationships with countries of accreditation;
- to contribute to the promotion of global peace and security, as well as help us to promote our values through, where appropriate, supporting peace building, strengthening conflict prevention accountability for those who violate international human rights or humanitarian law and contributing to prosperity and sustainable development;
- to deepen our engagement with international partners, particularly through multilateral organisations including the United Nations;
- to support and assist Irish citizens and our diaspora abroad, and
- to engage in public diplomacy related to all the above priorities.
United Nations
Questions (171)
Thomas Gould
Question:171. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the number of countries that have defaulted on their payment commitments to the UN; and the approximate sum owed in tabular form. [28960/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Charter of the United Nations foresees that each Member State of the United Nations will contribute to the costs of running the organisation, generally referred to as UN budget contributions.
Contributions are apportioned based on a scale of assessment designed to reflect the capacity of Member States to pay. At present, Ireland’s scale of assessment is 0.371% of the overall UN Budget. In 2020, Ireland paid just over €30 million in contributions to the UN budget, which includes funding to the UN Regular Budget, UN Peacekeeping Missions and UN Tribunals.
The most recent report from the Secretary General of the United Nations on the financial situation of the United Nations was published in May 2021 (UN documents reference A/75/387/Add.1). In this report, Ireland is listed as one of fifty countries that have paid all assessments that were due and payable at the time of reporting. The report indicates that by the end of 2020, a total of 144 Member States had paid their regular budget assessments in full. As at 31 December 2020, 47 Member States had paid all peacekeeping assessments due and payable.
Article 19 of the UN Charter includes a facility for the loss of voting rights for countries who fall into arrears in the payments of financial contributions to the United Nations. A Member State is considered to have fallen into arrears when it has not paid an amount that equals or exceeds the contributions due for two preceding years. Member States may continue to vote, if the General Assembly is satisfied that non-payment is due to conditions beyond the control of the Member. Information on States in arrears was provided by the UN Secretary General in a letter to the President of the General Assembly in January 2021 (UN Documents Reference A/75/661). This document provided the following information with regard to countries in arrears with payments at that time:
|
Member State |
Minimum payment required to reduce amounts owed to remain below gross amounts assessed for the proceeding two years ($) |
|
Central African Republic |
29,395 |
|
Comoros |
871,632 |
|
Congo |
90,844 |
|
Iran |
16,251,298 |
|
Libya |
705,391 |
|
Niger |
6,733 |
|
Sao Tome and Principe |
829,888 |
|
Somalia |
1,443,640 |
|
South Sudan |
22,804 |
|
Zimbabwe |
81,770 |
As of 21 May 2021, only five UN Member States were subject to the provisions of Article 19 of the UN Charter. Three of these Member States have been permitted to retain their vote, as they were able to show that conditions beyond their control contributed to this inability to pay.
It is critically important the United Nations remain fully funded. Ireland encourages all Member States to pay their assessed amount in full and in a timely manner.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (172, 173)
James O'Connor
Question:172. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on Ireland's position with regard to the implementation of the Digital Green Certificate for EU-wide travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28904/21]
View answerJames O'Connor
Question:173. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland's non-membership of the Schengen area due to the Common Travel Area with the UK status will cause further delays to the implementation of the digital green certificate process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28907/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 172 and 173 together.
On 17 March 2021, the European Commission published its proposal for a Regulation to introduce a ‘Digital Green Certificate’ to facilitate free movement in the EU, described as a common framework for the issuance, verification and acceptance of certificates relating to vaccination, testing and recovery. Trilogue discussions were held between the European Parliament and the Council which concluded last week with the agreement of a text which will now proceed through the remaining stages of the EU legislative process. This includes the renaming of the Digital Green Certificate to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC).
The Government has been clear in expressing its support for the EU Digital COVID Certificate proposal and welcomes the agreement now reached between the Council and European Parliament which will enable roll-out of the system and Digital COVID Certificates to begin to be issued to EU citizens in the coming weeks. July 1 has been set as the date for introduction of the system though the legislation now agreed provides a six-week transition period for Member States to complete all arrangements necessary to allow them to issue Certificates. The Minister for Health will advise in due course when the issuance of Digital COVID Certificates can commence in Ireland.
In Ireland, work to prepare for the implementation of the EUDCC continues in parallel to the legislative work and is being led by the Department of Health. The Department of Health are making all necessary operational, legal and communication arrangements accompanying the introduction of this regulation. The Department of Health hold regular meetings with the HSE to plan and discuss the technical development of the system and engage regularly with EU counterparts through the eHealth Network. A Senior Officials Sub-Group has also been established by the Department of the Taoiseach involving a broad range of Departments to establish national policy in relation to the proposal.
With regards to Ireland’s non-membership of the Schengen Area, the regulation now agreed focuses on facilitating free movement during the COVID-19 pandemic and also includes provisions, with a Schengen legal basis, for Third Country Nationals (TCN) legally staying or residing in EU Member States. The relevant element for Ireland in the regulation ensures that certs issued to third-country nationals resident in Ireland will be automatically recognised by Schengen Member States provided that Ireland recognises in a reciprocal manner. It is intended to ensure that the 300,000 third-country nationals who are legally staying or legally residing in Ireland are eligible to be issued such certificates in line with the regulation and work is underway by Department of Health regarding this matter.