Written Answers Nos. 40-59
40. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures he is taking to help those whose homes are affected by pyrite but do not qualify for existing supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33049/21]
View answerThe Pyrite Resolution Act 2013 provides the statutory framework for the establishment of the Pyrite Resolution Board and for the making of a pyrite remediation scheme to be implemented by the Board with support from the Housing Agency.
The provisions of the Act apply only to dwellings affected by significant damage attributable to pyritic heave consequent on the presence of reactive pyrite in the subfloor hardcore material and not to damage arising in any other circumstance, e.g. such as pyrite in concrete blocks.
The pyrite remediation scheme is a scheme of “last resort” for affected homeowners who have no other practical option to obtain redress and is limited in its application and scope. The full conditions for eligibility under the scheme are set out in the scheme which is available on the Board’s website, www.pyriteboard.ie.
The scheme is applicable to dwellings which are subject to significant damage attributable to pyritic heave, established in accordance with I.S. 398-1:2017 - Reactive pyrite in sub-floor hardcore material – Part 1: Testing and categorisation protocol. In this regard, it is a condition of eligibility under the scheme that an application to the Board must be accompanied by a Building Condition Assessment with a Damage Condition Rating of 2. Dwellings which do not have a Damage Condition Rating of 2 are not eligible to apply under the scheme. This ensures that, having regard to the available resources, the focus of the scheme is on dwellings which are most severely damaged by pyritic heave. There are no proposals to provide for further financial assistance outside of the scheme.
As matters currently stand, the owners of dwellings located within the counties of Kildare, Meath or Offaly or the administrative areas of Fingal County Council, Dublin City Council, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, South Dublin or Limerick City and County Council, are eligible to apply for remediation works under the scheme.
€20m was provided under Budget 2021 to cover the implementation of the pyrite remediation scheme in 2021. This allocation will facilitate the remediation of some 300 additional dwellings in 2021 and is a clear signal of the continuing importance attached by Government to addressing the issue of significant pyritic damage in private dwellings. This will bring to approx. €166m the total funding provided under the scheme since 2014.
The latest figures available indicate that 2,889 applications have been received under Scheme and, so far, 2,413 dwellings have been included. A further 108 applications have been validated and referred to the Housing Agency for the Assessment and Verification Process, 108 applications are at the initial Application and Validation Process and 260 applications were not successful. Of the 2,413 dwellings included, the works in respect of 2,148 are complete with the rest at various stages of progress.
41. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will refer the findings of the summary of social housing assessments 2020 and elaborate on the fact that 16,832 of the 61,880 persons on the qualified household waiting lists for local authority housing have been waiting more than seven years; if there is a strategy in place to reduce these writing times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33868/21]
View answerDetails on the number of households qualified for social housing support in each local authority administrative area are provided in the annual statutory Summary of Social Housing Assessments (SSHA).
The most recent summary, conducted in November 2020, shows that 61,880 households were assessed as qualified for and being in need of social housing support. This represents a decrease of 6,813 households or 9.9% on the last assessment in June 2019. Since 2016, the numbers have decreased from 91,600 to 61,880, a reduction of 32.4%.
It should be noted that the SSHA is a point in time snapshot of the demand for social housing support in each local authority area and does not necessarily reflect the dynamic nature of entry to and exit from the housing waiting lists.
The oversight and management of the lists of qualified households awaiting accommodation, including the allocation and transfer of tenancies, is a matter for the relevant local authority in accordance with Sections 20 and 22 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and associated Social Housing Assessment and Allocation Regulations, respectively.
If a household meets the eligibility and need criteria, it qualifies for the suite of social housing supports, including HAP, and is placed on the housing list to be considered for the allocation of suitable tenancies in accordance with the authority’s allocation scheme. There are many and varied reasons why some households may remain on the social housing waiting list for a longer period, generally associated with the size and type of home required and the availability of such homes in the areas of choice selected by the applicant household. It is however, important to note that HAP is a flexible and immediate support which is available to all eligible households in all local authority areas across the State.
With regard to reducing waiting times, increasing the supply of social, affordable and private housing is a priority for this Government. The Programme for Government commits to the delivery of 50,000 new social homes with a focus on new build homes.
In 2021, the Government has made available €3.3 billion for housing delivery programmes. Subject to delays arising from COVID-19 restrictions, this funding will support the delivery of 12,750 social homes through Build, Acquisition and Leasing, including 9,500 new build homes. The Government will be publishing a new housing strategy in the coming weeks, which will set out details of social housing delivery for 2021-2025, including social housing targets for 2022 onwards. In addition to supporting households in homes allocated by local authorities, eligible households are supported in the private rental market through the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).
Also, my Department publishes comprehensive programme level statistics on a quarterly basis on all social housing delivery activity. This is published on the statistics page of my Department’s website, at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/
42. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the options that are under consideration for mid-income families who cannot secure sufficient mortgages when financial institutions will not take their rental payments into consideration on their applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33813/21]
View answerThe Programme for Government, commits to putting affordability at the heart of the housing system.
The Affordable Housing Bill 2021, the first ever stand-alone legislation providing for affordable housing measures, is currently before the Oireachtas, and 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.
Affordable homes on local authority lands are to be made available through the support of the €310 million Serviced Sites Fund (SSF). Information on the schemes that have received approval in principle under the Serviced Sites Fund are available at:
www.rebuildingireland.ie/news/minister-murphy-gives-the-go-ahead-for-ten-local-authority-sites-for-affordable-housing-under-the-serviced-sites-fund/, and
www.rebuildingireland.ie/news/minister-murphy-approves-funding-of-e84m-to-support-delivery-of-1770-affordable-homes-under-the-ssf/.
In addition to the 35 SSF projects referenced in the links above, approval in principle has also been given to five additional projects - Emmet Road and Oscar Traynor Road (Dublin City Council), Shanganagh (Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council), Hayestown and Ballymastone (Fingal County Council).
Cumulatively, these 40 SSF projects, across 14 local authorities, will assist in the delivery of just over 4,200 affordable home to buy or rent. My Department continues to engage with local authorities to progress both current and potential projects, with the first SSF project to deliver affordable homes for purchase under the SSF later this year being the Boherboy project in Cork City.
In making an application for SSF funding, each local authority must demonstrate that an affordability issue exists in the area in question and that it is viable to deliver homes, for purchase or rent, with purchase prices of at least 10% below open market values, with the reduction remaining as fully-repayable equity charge against the property. The scheme is targeted at first-time buyers, with some limited exceptions as outlined in the Affordable Housing 2021 Bill.
In addition to the affordable homes to be delivered through the SSF, Budget 2021 allocated €75 million for the Affordable Purchase Shared Equity Scheme, which is aimed at first-time buyers buying a new-build home on private land. It will help these first-time buyers secure their own home by bridging the gap, by means of an equity stake, between the mortgage available to them and the price of the home they want. Work on the detailed design of the proposed scheme is ongoing and at an advanced stage.
The Affordable Housing Bill 2021 will also place a new form of tenure in Cost Rental on a statutory basis for the first time. Cost Rental directly links rents to the cost of provision rather than market dynamics. Three initial Cost Rental projects are already underway. The first Cost Rental homes in Ireland, 50 two-bedroom apartments at Enniskerry Road, Stepaside, will be delivered by the Tuath and Respond Approved Housing Bodies in Quarter 3 2021. Dublin City Council is also progressing a site at Emmet Road, Inchicore (the former St Michael’s Estate), and the LDA is collaborating with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council on a site at Shanganagh, Shankill.
The provision of Cost Rental housing is also being implemented through the new Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL) scheme, which was allocated €35m in Budget 2021. I approved in principle the financing this year of 390 new homes across eight sites, located in Dublin, the Greater Dublin Area, and Cork. CREL support and careful cost management has generated initial rents which are at least 25% below comparable open market prices, delivering significantly improved affordability for renters.
In addition to the aforementioned measures in the Affordable Housing Bill 2021, the Land Development Agency (LDA) is tasked to work with Government Departments, local authorities, state agencies and other stakeholders to assemble strategic sites in urban areas and ensure the sustainable development of social and affordable homes for rent and purchase. On establishment, the LDA had access to an initial tranche of 8 sites that have near term delivery potential for approximately 3,400 new homes. In partnership with Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, the LDA has been granted planning permission for the development of 597 homes on a site in Shanganagh, County Dublin. Approximately 34% of the units will be for social housing, 51% will be cost rental and 15% will be for affordable purchase. Work has commenced on the construction tender process, with construction anticipated to start in the second half of 2021. Information on the work of the LDA is available at: www.lda.ie/.
On 4 May last, the Government also approved the drafting of amending provisions to Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000, for inclusion in the Affordable Housing Bill 2021 as Committee Stage amendments. This will see an increase in the current 10% social housing requirement related to all new housing developments to a mandatory 20% for social and affordable requirements.
Other affordability measures, such as the Help to Buy Scheme, and the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan, are already available to eligible purchasers nationally to make home ownership more affordable.
The Help to Buy Initiative may return tax paid in the previous four years to eligible first-time buyers, up to a maximum amount of €30,000, for a new home. Information is available at: www.revenue.ie/en/property/help-to-buy-incentive/index.aspx. The availability of the Help to Buy Initiative for first-time buyers can help secure the required level of deposit for a new home.
The Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan, which operated by my Department, is designed to enable creditworthy first-time buyers, who are unable to access a mortgage from a commercial lender, to obtain sustainable mortgage lending to purchase a new or second-hand property.
To support prudential lending and consistency of treatment for borrowers, a Loan to Value ratio of 90% applies to the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan as per the Central Bank's prudential lending guidelines. Therefore, in order to avail of the loan, applicants must have a deposit equivalent to 10% of the market value of the property.
Applicants must provide bank or similar statements (such as post office, credit union, etc.) for a 12-month period immediately prior to making an application, clearly showing a credible and consistent track record of savings. The cash savings should be no less than 3% of the market value of the property. Gifts are permissible up to 7% of the market value of the property, where their source is verified.
Exceptions to the above can be made where an applicant/applicants can clearly demonstrate a consistent and credible record of savings or rent payment through their bank account which, at a minimum, is equal to the proposed monthly loan repayment.
Finally, I would add that the Government’s upcoming Housing strategy, ‘Housing for All’, will detail an extensive range of measures and ambitious targets to underpin the delivery of affordable housing over the coming years.
43. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the resources which have been provided for the National Building Control and Market Surveillance Office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33811/21]
View answerIt is a matter for each local authority to determine its own spending priorities in the context of the annual budgetary process having regard to both locally identified needs and available resources.
Statutory Instrument (S.I.) 682 of 2020 prescribed Dublin City Council-National Building Control Office (NBCO-DCC) as a competent authority to carry out the functions of a Market Surveillance Authority under the European Union (Construction Products) Regulations 2013 ( S.I. No. 225 of 2013 ) (CPR). This service delivered by NBCO-DCC is complementary to the existing role of the 31 Building Control Authorities who are also Market Surveillance Authorities.
In 2020, my Department provided a budget allocation of €500,000 to support the development of this Market Surveillance Unit. €147,000 of the budget was expended as the project was at the early development set up phase.
In 2021, my Department has provided a budget allocation of €564,000 to continue to support the development, and resourcing of the Market Surveillance Unit.
44. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the additional funding provided by his Department to local authorities to help them to provide facilities for an outdoor summer. [33920/21]
View answerI recently announced the provision of just over €4m for local authorities to assist them in their plans for the facilitation of an outdoor summer in the context of the safe reopening of the economy and society in line with the Government’s “Resilience and Recovery: The Path Ahead” plan.
Local Authorities are best placed to determine the type of facilities that are most appropriate to support a safe outdoor summer and where they are most needed. This scheme is not intended to be overly prescriptive and the funding may be used for the provision and maintenance of public amenities and signage that will facilitate outdoor activities and leisure in compliance with public health guidelines at sites around the country. These sites could include parks, beaches, greenways, pedestrianised streets or any other popular visitor sites in a local authority area.
The announcement of this funding comes on top of other allocations to the sector to facilitate an outdoor summer announced by Mr. Eamonn Ryan T.D., Minister for Transport and Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications. These allocations include €5m for improving litter bin infrastructure and €13m to facilitate outdoor dining.
45. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his position on pricing within the building providers' sector; and the engagement he has had with the industry since taking up his role. [33084/21]
View answerIncreasing the supply of housing is a priority for the Government and for my Department in particular.
I am fully aware that the Construction Sector has faced a number of considerable challenges over the past year, not least the restrictions on construction activity introduced to combat the spread of COVID-19 and the impact of Brexit and related supply issues. Throughout this period, my colleagues across Government and I have engaged with representatives from across the Sector. I met the Irish Homebuilders Association most recently on 12 June, where the issue of increases in materials was one of the issues raised.
Across Europe, supply issues have been effecting the price of various construction materials due to increased demand and such materials, including timber, steel, concrete and plastics have also been affected and these developments and are being monitored closely internationally. However, while the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland Tender Price index reveals that national construction tender prices increased by 1.3% in the second half of 2020, it is still significantly less than tender price inflation levels being experienced before the Covid-19 pandemic. While there was elevated construction sector inflation in 2019, construction price inflation slowed overall in 2020 as a result of Covid-19.
The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform facilitates the Construction Sector Group. This Group considers opportunities to introduce reforms to assist with tackling inflation in the wider construction sector.
47. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the projections and targets that have been made for the delivery of cost-rental units by his Department for 2022; the funding that will be required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33422/21]
View answerA range of work is ongoing to deliver Cost Rental housing, with State support, through a number of avenues. My Department is utilising the expertise of Local Authorities, the Land Development Agency (LDA), and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to deliver projects in a variety of ways, in order to prove the concept of this important new sector. This is in conjunction with the policy development for the sector, which will be regulated by Part 3 of the Affordable Housing Bill 2021. The Bill was introduced into the Oireachtas in May 2021 and was passed by the Seanad on 18 June.
Three pilot Cost Rental projects are already underway, including 50 two-bedroom apartments at Enniskerry Road, Stepaside, which are under construction by the Tuath and Respond AHBs, and are scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2021. A project led by Dublin City Council at Emmet Road, Inchicore (site of the former St Michael’s Estate) is at the design stage, while an LDA-led project at Shanganagh Castle, Shankill has planning permission and is expected to commence construction later this year.
Budget 2021 allocated €35m in funding for a new Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL) scheme, under which the Government will make loans on favourable terms to AHBs for up to 30% of the cost of new homes for Cost Rental. A Call for Proposals from AHBs opened on 14 December 2020 and closed on 5 January 2021. These applications were then assessed by officials in my Department and the Housing Agency. On 8 February 2021 I gave approval in principle for CREL funding this year of 390 new homes, located across eight sites in Dublin, the surrounding Greater Dublin Area, and Cork, to be owned and managed by the Clúid, Respond, and Tuath AHBs. Further details of these new homes, including the specific locations, will be released when the successful AHBs have completed commercial and contractual arrangements. It was initially anticipated that all of these Cost Rental homes would be delivered in 2021 though following the Covid related closure of construction sites, some may move to Q1 in 2022.
In addition, the LDA is tasked to work with Government Departments, Local Authorities, state agencies, and other stakeholders to assemble strategic sites in urban areas and ensure the sustainable development of social and affordable homes for rent and purchase. On its establishment the LDA had access to an initial portfolio of 8 sites that have near term delivery potential for approximately 3,400 new homes. Whilst the tenure mix for these homes has not been finalised, the LDA will have regard to Government policy, and all appropriate legislation, on the appropriate tenure mix for developments on public land, as well as the criteria for the operation of cost rental and affordable housing schemes.
Work has also progressed on a new multi-year housing strategy "Housing for All", which the Government intend to publish next month. This strategy will build on our commitments in the Programme for Government and provide a roadmap to outline how we get to a housing system that gives us the sustainable supply we need, at a price that people can afford, and with appropriate housing options for all. As such, delivery targets for Cost Rental homes for 2022 will be set as part of this process.
48. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the work completed by the town centre first inter-departmental group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33898/21]
View answerWhile our towns and villages have shown remarkable resilience through recent crises, they require specific policy supports to ensure that they continue to function as viable, vibrant and attractive locations for people to live and work, to raise families, to act as the service, cultural and recreational hub for the surrounding areas, and to facilitate social and community interaction.
In this context, the Programme for Government (PFG) committed to the development of a Town Centre First (TCF) policy. With a view to giving effect to this commitment and the actions outlined in the PFG, a TCF Inter-Departmental Group (IDG) was established in November 2020 to consider the regeneration of our towns and villages. The IDG is jointly chaired by my Department and the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD). The IDG has met four times since its inaugural meeting in November.
In parallel with the IDG, a Town Centre First Advisory Group was also established to enable the experiences of a broader group of stakeholders to be brought to bear in informing the process of policy development, and to support the work of the IDG. The Group, which I chair, comprises individual representatives from a broad range of sectors to ensure effective and diverse representation with the capacity and experience to contribute in a meaningful way to the preparation and implementation of a practical TCF framework. The work of the Advisory Group has been advanced primarily through written submissions and bi-lateral meetings with the Co-chairs of the IDG and also the chairs of three IDG working groups that were also established to further inform and underpin the work of the Advisory Group and the IDG.
Following the initial development stages through the forum of the IDG and Advisory Group, four key pillar areas are now in development as part of a TCF framework, via the support of three dedicated working groups which reflect the first three pillars below, tasked with addressing the following:
- Governance & Enabling Structures;
- Economic & Social Purpose;
- Living Towns Approach;
- Investment & Resources.
The fourth pillar, Investment and Resources, is cross-cutting and will draw on the combined work of the other three pillars. Work has progressed well and draft working group papers are currently concluding for discussion, initially with the IDG and the Advisory Group, over the coming weeks.
The aim is that the Inter-Departmental Group will conclude its work over July/August in order to provide recommendations for consideration by Government shortly afterwards.
There is general consensus among all the groups that there is no one solution or issue that can or should be addressed in isolation but rather that a TCF framework should be holistic and capable of being tailored to address the individual needs, size and characteristics of a town. It is envisaged that recommendations will cover the short, medium and longer-term out to 2040, to align with Project Ireland 2040.
49. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the supports he is exploring for old age renters in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33248/21]
View answerFirstly, it is settled Government policy to support older people to live in their own homes and communities with dignity and independence for as long as possible, as this has the best outcomes both for the individual and for society as a whole.
My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Health, is developing policy options for supported housing/housing with care in accordance with the principles of the joint policy statement, "Housing Options for Our Ageing Population". This policy statement was published by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and the Department of Health in 2019. The policy statement is available on my Department's website at:
www.housing.gov.ie/housing/special-housing-needs/older-people/housing-options-our-ageing-population-policy-statement.
It is intended that the Implementation Group will provide its final report addressing each of the 40 actions, by the end of 2021.
The Government is committed to ensuring that affordable, quality housing solutions are available to everyone in Irish society and supporting renters is a key component of that. The Affordable Housing Bill 2020 will ensure that affordability is put at the heart of the housing system and will underpin the introduction of a new national Cost Rental scheme. This year will also see the first ever cost rental units, more than 400 units, built and occupied in the State. Cost rental is targeted at moderate income households where the rent charged only covers the cost of provision of homes. The Land Development Agency will be put on a statutory footing and given capital to ramp up cost rental provision to the scale needed.
In addition to social housing rental accommodation provided specifically by local authorities for older people, Approved Housing Bodies who provide affordable rented housing for people who cannot afford to pay private sector rents or buy their own homes often focus on specific accommodation for particular groups, such as older people.
The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a form of social housing support for people who have a long-term housing need. If a household has been deemed eligible for social housing support, it is a matter for the local authority to examine the suite of social housing supports available, including the HAP scheme, to determine the most appropriate form of social housing support for that household in the administrative area of that local authority.
Under the HAP scheme, tenants source their own accommodation in the private rented market. The accommodation sourced by tenants should be within the prescribed maximum HAP rent limits, which are based on household size and the rental market within the area concerned.
The Programme for Government - 'Our Shared Future', commits to improving the security of tenure for tenants, through legislating for tenancies of indefinite duration, increasing Residential Tenancies Board enforcement and examining incentives for long-term leasing.
Proposals for further amendments to the Residential Tenancies Acts are currently being developed, for inclusion in the General Scheme of the Housing and Residential Tenancies Bill which is expected to be submitted in the coming months for Government approval to proceed to legal drafting. It is expected that the Bill will be enacted by the end of 2021. Long-term letting rights for tenants are being considered in this context.
51. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the biodiversity citizens' assembly will be established. [27638/21]
View answerThe convening of a Citizens' Assembly on Biodiversity is under discussion at a senior level between the Department of the Taoiseach and my Department, and is a matter, in the first instance, for that Department.
52. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 63 of 5 May 2021, the status of the review process regarding the filling of the post of chief executive of Galway County Council on a permanent basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33900/21]
View answerThe former Chief Executive of Galway County Council retired on 4 July 2014. A temporary Chief Executive was appointed at that time, pending a permanent appointment.
The temporary Chief Executive remained in place until 23 May 2021. In accordance with statutory provisions, I appointed a new temporary Chief Executive to Galway County Council with effect from 24 May 2021.
In the intervening period, there has been extensive policy development processes examining optimum arrangements for local governance in Galway. Arising from these processes, in June 2018 the Government decided in principle to implement the unanimous recommendation of the Expert Advisory Group to amalgamate Galway City and County Councils by 2021.
In order to progress matters, the Local Government Bill 2018 contained provision for a single chief executive post with dual responsibility for Galway City and County Councils, to, inter alia, progressively implement organisational integration in advance of a full merger. However, these provisions were removed from the Bill through an amendment approved in the Seanad.
In light of the foregoing, it has been deemed appropriate to review the position in relation to the filling of the post of Chief Executive of Galway County Council on a permanent basis. That review process is underway and will be concluded as quickly as possible.
53. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the consideration he is giving to long-term life leases for renters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33247/21]
View answerThe Programme for Government - 'Our Shared Future', commits to improve the security of tenure for tenants, through legislating for tenancies of indefinite duration, increasing Residential Tenancies Board enforcement and examining incentives for long-term leasing.
Proposals for further amendments to the Residential Tenancies Acts are currently being developed, for inclusion in the General Scheme of the Housing and Residential Tenancies Bill which is expected to be submitted for Government approval in the coming months for approval to proceed to legal drafting. Long-term letting rights for tenants are being considered in this context.
54. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the breakdown of funding provided per site for social, affordable and potential cost rental sites in Dublin 9 and 11; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33883/21]
View answerTo support the delivery of the homes that will be made available by local authorities for purchase, €310 million was made available under the Serviced Sites Fund (SSF). This fund subvents the cost of facilitating infrastructure and a maximum SSF funding amount of €50,000 is available per affordable home. This funding is being made available in areas where local authorities have demonstrated a requirement for more affordable housing and the viability to deliver such housing from their sites. To date, funding of €200 million has been approved in principle to provide infrastructural work that will support 40 projects in 14 local authorities, delivering over 4,200 homes.
Three of the aforementioned 40 SSF projects are situated in the Dublin 9 and Dublin 11 area. Details of the number of social, affordable purchase and cost rental homes on these projects are outlined in the table below:
|
Local Authority |
SSF Project |
Social homes |
Affordable Purchase |
Cost Rental |
Funding Approved in Principle |
|
Dublin City Council |
Balbutcher, Ballymun |
0 |
116 |
0 |
€4,140,000 |
|
Dublin City Council |
Sillogue, Ballymun |
0 |
85 |
0 |
€3,975,000 |
|
Dublin City Council |
Oscar Traynor Road |
253 |
172 |
0 |
€8,600,000 |
|
Total |
|
253 |
373 |
0 |
€16,715,000 |
Dublin City Council has advised that both the Sillogue and Balbutcher SSF projects are at the early stages of design and planning. The timeframe for the delivery of such projects entails detailed design, consultation, planning, procurement and construction phases which, depending on the scale and scope of the project, can take a number of years.
With regard to the Oscar Traynor Road project, in light of the decision by Dublin City Councillors on 16 November 2020 not to proceed with the transfer of this land for this project, in accordance with Section 183 of the Local Government Act, 2001, I understand that the Council is now working to establish an agreed position as to how the site might be best developed. I am committed to assisting this development where possible and have made it clear that my Department will engage with the Council to support it in any way it can and using all funding streams available to it.
In relation to social housing, my Department provides both capital and current funding to local authorities across a range of funding initiatives to assist them in providing homes for families and individuals.
My Department operates a number of funding programmes that assist local authorities to work in partnership with Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to construct, purchase and lease new homes and make them available for social housing. Two such programmes that AHBs progress construction projects through are the Capital Advance Loan Facility (CALF) and the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS). AHBs are making an important contribution to social housing delivery.
To provide transparency on the new social housing projects being advanced, each quarter my Department publishes comprehensive programme level statistics on a quarterly basis on social housing delivery activity. This data, which includes a breakdown of social housing delivery across a range of mechanisms, is available to the end of Quarter 4 2020. Data for Quarter 1 2021 is currently being compiled and will be published in the coming weeks. This data is published on the statistics page of my Department’s website, at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/.
In addition to the statistical overview of activity in each local authority, a detailed Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR) is published each quarter. The CSR provides details of individual build projects in each local authority. The most recent publication covers the period up to the end of Q4 2020 and is available at the following link:
www.rebuildingireland.ie/news/minister-obrien-publishes-2020-social-housing-statistics/
These quarterly reports provide details of the social housing construction schemes completed and those in the pipeline including those situated in the Dublin 9 and Dublin 11 areas.
A version of this file can be downloaded at the following link and used for various analysis in terms of stage of activity, location, quarter of completion, number of homes etc.
www.rebuildingireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Final-Report.pdf
There is one CALF build project currently in progress in the D9/D11 area. This is a 32 unit turnkey site on Ballygall Road West, Dublin 11. Construction is currently onsite.
55. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on the interim report on mortality in the single homeless population 2020 published in June 2021. [33760/21]
View answerThere 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 again extend my sympathies to the families concerned. It is important that we respect peoples privacy while working to establish the facts concerning the circumstances involved, and that we base our response on the best knowledge and evidence available.
A review of homeless deaths was 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 analysed the available 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. This ‘Interim Report on Mortality in Single Homeless Population 2020’ was submitted to me earlier this month. Owing to certain data limitations, including Covid-19 restrictions limiting access to coroner’s reports, the report will be subject to revision when further data becomes available. I have met with Dr. O’Carroll to discuss his Report and its recommendations.
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 accommodation. But critically, it also allows their health needs to be assessed and provided for.
In addition to the recent Report, and relevant to its recommendations in respect of improving data in this area, a separate feasibility study on data collection of deaths nationally of people, who had been sleeping rough or accessing homeless services, 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 had been sleeping rough or accessing homeless services.homeless, is reviewing approximately 17,000 files from all Coroner districts.
56. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is considering a housing support scheme for victims of domestic abuse which has increased during the pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33755/21]
View answerResponsibility for the development and provision of services to support victims of domestic violence rests with my colleague the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and I understand that the delivery of these services are managed by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency.
It is open to anyone to apply for social housing support, applications for which are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended.
To qualify for social housing support a household must meet all of the eligibility criteria, which primarily relate to income, availability of alternative accommodation and previous rent arrears.
Where a household is deemed to meet the eligibility criteria, only then is its housing need assessed under the criteria in Regulation 23 of the 2011 Regulations, having regard to its current accommodation.
If a household meets the eligibility and need criteria, it qualifies for the suite of social housing supports, including HAP, and is placed on the housing list to be considered for the allocation of suitable tenancies in accordance with the authority’s allocation scheme.
Decisions on the qualification of specific persons for social housing support and the allocation of that support are a matter solely for the local authority concerned.
57. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if it will be ensured that all proposed natural heritage areas are designated natural heritage areas. [33841/21]
View answerThere are 630 proposed natural heritage areas. While a review of these sites is foreseen, the current focus of my Department is on fulfilling Ireland’s obligations under the EU Habitats and Birds Directives and the designation of Natura 2000 sites i.e. special areas of conservation and special protection areas.
Although proposed natural heritage area sites are not subject to the natural heritage area provisions of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, they may be recognised in local authority development plans.
58. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the engagement his Department has had with the Central Bank regarding the current review of Irish mortgage lending rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33802/21]
View answerI am aware that the Central Bank recently announced it will conduct a deeper review of its mortgage measures framework over 2021 and 2022. However, I understand the first step of the framework review will be a consultation process with individuals and households who experience the effect of the mortgage measures first hand. Therefore, no engagement has taken place yet between the Central Bank and my Department to date regarding this review.
59. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on and if he has concerns regarding the amount of homes the public sector is purchasing from the open market to make up for the lack of housing supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33754/21]
View answerAs set out in the Programme for Government, a key focus for the delivery of social housing is for the majority of the 50,000 new units to be delivered over the next five-years, to be built by local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) and State agencies. This is part of our focus to prioritise the increased supply of public, social, and affordable homes.
While this will be the majority approach to delivery, I still see some level of acquisitions of existing properties to be a valuable part of the delivery of social housing, recognising that in some areas of the country, good value for money can be obtained. In those situations, it can make sense for local authorities to undertake acquisitions in a targeted and strategic manner.
I have directed local authorities and AHBs where they undertake such targeted acquisitions, that they do not compete with private purchasers and leave value in the market particularly for first-time buyers. However within these constraints, acquisitions by local authorities can be cheaper than construction and allows them to make best use of existing housing stock. I have also asked local authorities to increasingly target vacant and derelict properties that can be brought back to use as part of new public housing delivery.
Where local authorities and AHBs engage with developers to acquire newly developed housing through turnkey arrangements, this is done on the basis that there is not undue interference in private housing supply and in most cases, the developments are ones that would not have been undertaken without the interest of a local authority or an AHB.
I am determined that the Government’s new ‘Housing for All’ national strategy will put in place the resources to deliver new public housing based in the main on delivery by local authorities, AHBs and State agencies with property acquisitions from the open market being a targeted and strategic aspect only of delivery.
