Written Answers Nos. 215-242
215. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 109 of 23 June 2021, the details of the arrangement in place regarding ownership and copyright in the meaning of the arrangements referred to in her response specific to the Book of Kells; when this arrangement was entered into by Government; and the authority under which it was made. [36463/21]
View answerWhile my Department has overall responsibility for cherishing our cultural heritage as one of the three core principles underpinning Culture 2025: the Cultural Policy Framework to 2025, published in January 2020, it does not have responsibility for the arrangements in place regarding ownership and copyright in relation to the Book of Kells.
Details in relation to these policies can be obtained directly from Trinity College or, if appropriate, the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
217. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the funding allocated to the Sound and Vision Fund in 2019 and 2020 from all sources that contribute to funding the scheme. [36524/21]
View answerSound and Vision is a statutory scheme provided for under the Broadcasting Act 2009 and is largely funded by the television licence. Part 10 of the Broadcasting Act 2009 makes provision for the disbursement of 7% of the net television licence fee receipts to the Broadcasting Fund operated by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, which supports both the Sound and Vision (S&V) and Archiving Schemes. The Broadcasting Fund is primarily allocated to Sound and Vision content creation spending, particularly in open funding rounds. It is limited by statute to audiovisual and sound media and is independently administered by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. It should be noted that Sound and Vision rounds and Archiving projects can rollover across calendar years and under section 157 of the Broadcasting Act, 2009, the BAI may carry over funding into the following calendar year.
In 2019 the BAI received an allocation of €14.8m from TV Licence receipts for the Broadcasting Fund.
In 2020, the BAI was allocated €14.9m from TV licence receipts for the Broadcasting Fund and I provided a further €6.9m in Exchequer funding to the BAI in the course of the year, bringing the total to €21.8m. This is the first time that exchequer funding was provided to supplement licence fee receipts for the Fund. The additional €6.9m comprised €2m in the July Stimulus and an additional €4.9m in December 2020 in recognition of ongoing COVID-19 impacts on the sector . This increased the funding allocated by the BAI for Round 37 in December 2020 by €3m, and the additional €3.9m was carried over for disbursal in 2021. €1.4m of this funding has now been allocated for the live music sector (as part of Round 38) and €2.5m for the independent commercial radio sector (Round 39).
218. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 224 of 20 May 2021, the progress of her Department's review of the Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36555/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the National Sports Policy as published in 2018 provided for the establishment of a Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). The National Development Plan provided a capital allocation of at least €100m over the period to 2027 for the Fund.
The first allocations were made in January 2020 and approximately €86.4m has now been awarded to 33 proposals. The priority in the short term is to advance all of these projects. As it is now approximately 18 months since the first allocations were made however, and in view of the issues faced by grantees as a result of the Covid pandemic, it is timely to review progress on all projects. My Department is engaging with all applicants in this regard. As well as the progress on existing grants, the Review is considering whether additional grants should be awarded including grants to previously unsuccessful applications. The timing of any new call for proposals is also being considered. Any new allocations or a new call for proposals, will be dependent on receiving additional funding for the LSSIF following the completion of the review of the National Development Plan. It is expected that my Department’s Review of the LSSIF will be complete in the coming months.
219. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when dredging will commence at Magheroarty Pier, Magheraroarty, Gortahork, County Donegal (details supplied); the reason the application has taken so long to be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36235/21]
View answerA foreshore license application was received by my Department in January 2021 for dredging in Magheroarty, Gortahork, County Donegal under the Foreshore Act 1933. The application (reference number FS007084) is available on my Department’s website at www.gov.ie/en/foreshore-notice/6da98-fs007084-application-for-foreshore-licence-for-dredging-and-beach-nourishment-at-magheraroarty-pier-co-donegal/ .
The application has already been the subject of a public consultation process that closed on 12 April 2021. I can confirm that the application is currently being environmentally assessed by the Marine Advisors within my Department. These assessments are required in order to meet the requirements of the Habitats Directive, Environmental Impact Assessment regulations, as well as specific requirements of the Foreshore Act 1933. Thereafter the application will be referred to the Marine License Vetting Committee (MLVC) for review. The MLVC is a non-statutory multi-disciplinary committee which is convened, as required, for the purposes of undertaking a technical assessment and an environmental assessment of an application under the Foreshore Act 1933. When this stage has been completed and the environmental and technical recommendations are made, my Department will make a submission to me for consideration, including the above recommendations, seeking a determination on the license application.
My Department has advised the applicant that the process times for foreshore licenses may vary from application to application depending on the nature of the works proposed, the complexity of the environmental reports to be considered and the nature of the engagement of the applicant with the process overall. It is not possible to be definitive about the timeline for the completion of the assessment of the timing of the recommendation of the MLVC. This is because on occasion, additional information is required from the applicant in order to complete the statutory assessments, and where these are significant it may be necessary to initiate another public consultation to inform the decision making.
In the case of this application, I understand that at the outset, the applicant was advised that it would not be possible complete the assessment of this application within three months which is when it is understood the applicant planned to commence the dredging works. In all cases, where applicants wish to undertake cyclical works such as planned maintenance or dredging, it is always advisable to submit the application well in advance of the desired date of commencement of works.
Notwithstanding this, my Department is actively working on progressing this application as quickly as possible and is aware of Donegal County Council’s desire to commence the works as soon as possible. Officials in my Department are in contact with the applicant and they are available to answer any questions the applicant may have.
220. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent to which he anticipates an improvement in terms of accessibility to all new build dwellings in order to facilitate in the widest way possible the needs of persons with disabilities in preference to retrospective provision of such facilities with obvious value for money benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36469/21]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to ensuring that there is an appropriate mix of housing design types provided, including universally designed units, and accommodation for older people and people with disabilities. Securing and enhancing the accessibility of these new build dwellings to meet the identified needs of persons with disabilities forms the basis of a number of approaches by Government across housing types and tenures.
Local authorities are responsible for the provision of social housing in their areas, and, therefore, decide on the number and specific types of dwellings to provide in their developments, based on identified need. Social housing is built to the design standards set out in the guidelines 'Quality Housing for Sustainable Communities' available at www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/migrated-files/en/Publications/DevelopmentandHousing/Housing/FileDownLoad%2C1979%2Cen.pdf.
In preparing these Guidelines, particular account was taken of the objectives of government policy on sustainability, including access for people with disabilities and meeting the varied needs of occupants through their lifetime. The design approach to social housing seeks to eliminate barriers to accessibility for all users - particularly older people, and those with mobility impairment or other disability. Where units are being designed for those with disabilities, the Guidelines refer to the National Disability Authority publication 'Building for Everyone: Inclusion, Access and Use'.
More recently, the Housing Agency published a Roadmap titled 'Designing Housing to Meet the Needs of All' which has specific regard to the principles of universal design. www.housingagency.ie/sites/default/files/2019-07/Designing-Housing-to-meet-the-needs-of-all.pdf.
It also remains the case that all new buildings and extensions or material alterations to existing buildings must comply with the legal minimum performance standards set out in the Building Regulations 1997 - 2019. In this context, the Building Regulations (Part M Amendment) Regulations 2010, and the accompanying Technical Guidance Document M – Access and Use (2010), which came into effect on 1 January 2012, set out the minimum statutory requirements that a building must achieve in respect of access.
Part M of the Building Regulations aims to foster an inclusive approach to the design and construction of the built environment. While the Part M requirements may be regarded as a statutory minimum level of provision, the accompanying technical guidance encourages building owners and designers to have regard to the design philosophy of universal design and to consider making additional provisions where practicable and appropriate.
In addition, the joint policy statement Housing Options for Our Ageing Population, launched by my Department and the Department of Health in 2019 sets out an Action on universal design to “In partnership with industry, introduce measures to ensure that over a five year period delivery is increased to ensure that 30% of all new dwellings are built to incorporate universal design principles to accommodate our ageing population.” The recent launch of the agefriendlyhomes.ie website means that an array of information to support the development of Age Friendly Housing, such as case studies, research, funding information and design templates are now available and further measures to deliver on this commitment are being advanced by my Department.
Finally, there is a review currently underway of the National Housing Strategy for People with a Disability examining all of the areas of concern to people with disabilities, including the accessibility of social housing. Issues arising for wheelchair users are being considered as part of the review, and the Irish Wheelchair Association are being consulted as important stakeholders. The second round of consultation for the review will be held in the Autumn and a new Strategy will take effect in January 2022.
221. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 51 of 24 June 2021, when the biodiversity citizens’ assembly will be established. [35430/21]
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. The timing and scheduling of the Assembly will depend on the outcome of these discussions and on a number of external factors which need to be considered before the scope and terms of the Assembly are framed.
In this regard, work is currently underway in my Department on putting a consultation in place to ensure the views of stakeholders, such as youths are included in the process. I consider it crucial that the views of our young people are properly and carefully considered in determining how we approach the biodiversity crisis in the coming years.
Work is also ongoing in the context of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the UN agreement that underpins global biodiversity policy, on developing and reaching agreement on a new Global Biodiversity Framework. This new Framework should be presented at the next Conference of the Parties to the CBD (COP15) in China later this year. It will set out the targets and actions agreed on among Parties, including Ireland, to respond to the biodiversity crisis over the next decade.
Ireland's next National Biodiversity Action Plan is due to be published in 2022 and will be informed by the objectives of the new Framework. It would be useful if the Citizens Assembly was also scheduled so that its discussions can respond to the new global policy framework for biodiversity and help inform Ireland's role in it.
222. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of local authority employees who availed of two weeks of parent’s benefit and leave which was topped up by employers; the number of employees who availed of the additional three weeks benefit and leave as of April 2021; if local authorities plan on topping up the benefit payment for employees for the additional weeks moving forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35817/21]
View answerUnder section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible.
My Department does not have the information requested but it should be available from each local authority.
In accordance with the terms and conditions of the Parent's Leave and Benefit Act 2019, there is no requirement for an employer to make top up payments to the Department of Social Protection payment.
223. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta soiléiriú a thabhairt ar an aighneacht dhá leathanach a rinne a Roinn chuig Comhairle Contae na Gaillimhe maidir le hiarratas pleanála, uimhir thagartha 20/683, de chuid Údarás na Gaeltachta do Pháirc Mara sa Ghaeltacht, i gCill Chiaráin agus gan ach sé fhocal Gaeilge san aighneacht; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [35826/21]
View answerI mí an Mheithimh 2020 atreoraíodh iarratas ar Pháirc Mara sa Ghaeltacht, i gCill Chiaráin, Co. na Gaillimhe chuig an Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán mar gheall ar a ról ag an am mar chomhairlí reachtúil faoin Acht um Pleanáil agus Forbairt, 2000 (arna leasú). Tar éis athbhreithniú a dhéanamh ar fhaisnéis bhreise a fuarthas ar an iarratas ón údarás pleanála i mBealtaine 2021, eisíodh breathnuithe nuashonraithe a bhaineann le hoidhreacht ó mo Roinnse i Meitheamh 2021, tar éis feidhmeanna riaracháin agus oidhreachta na roinne a aistriú.
Féadfaidh an t-údarás aon aighneachtaí a dhéanann comhlachtaí forordaithe chuig údaráis phleanála a chur san áireamh agus a chinneadh á dhéanamh aige maidir leis an iarratas agus níl aon ról agam ina leith seo, ná ní féidir liom trácht a dhéanamh ar iarratais phleanála reatha.
224. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage the number of housing projects currently available and ready to go in respect of private or public sectors by county; the specific or particular obstacles to enabling such projects to proceed immediately in the event of there being a common problem; if the issue can be addressed in early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35901/21]
View answerMy Department publishes a Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR) each quarter, which contains details of all social housing developments completed, under construction or at the planning and design stage in each local authority area. The most recent report, published on 28 May 2021, covers the period up to the end of Quarter 1 2021 and is available at the following link: rebuildingireland.ie/news/minister-obrien-publishes-social-housing-construction-status-report-for-q1-2021/.
The Report for Quarter 1 shows there are a significant number of social housing schemes being developed at present. At the end of Quarter 1, there were over 9,000 social homes under construction, with a further 8,729 homes at various stages of the design and pre- tender process. In Quarter 1, 51 schemes delivering nearly 700 homes were completed. The data pertaining to the Construction Status Report for Quarter 2 will be collated in the coming weeks and published thereafter.
The Government will shortly be publishing its new housing strategy, ‘Housing for All’, which will set out targets for social housing delivery over the next five years.
225. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if information will be provided on his Department's review of siting and size conditions for rooftop solar panels on homes and review of exemptions for educational and community buildings as part of the current development of interim planning regulations; if further information will be provided on the stated need to consider environmental assessment reporting before finalisation; when the interim planning regulations will be submitted to the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35924/21]
View answer236. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide information on his Department's review of siting and size conditions for rooftop solar panels on homes and the review of exemptions for educational and community buildings as part of the current development of interim planning regulations; if he will provide information on the need to consider environmental assessment reporting before finalisation; when the interim planning regulations will be submitted to the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36173/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 225 and 236 together.
Under the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended (the Act), all development, unless specifically exempted under the Act or associated Regulations, requires planning permission. Section 4 of the Act and Schedule 2 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended (the Regulations), set out various exemptions from the requirement to obtain planning permission. Any such exemptions are subject to compliance with any general restrictions on exemptions set out in the Act or the Regulations and to the specific conditions set out in each class of exempted development in Schedule 2 of the Regulations. Included in the planning exemptions set out in the Regulations are those applying to the installation of solar infrastructure on a variety of building types, including houses, businesses, industrial and agricultural to which specific conditions are attached.
My Department, in the context of the Climate Action Plan and in consultation with the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, has undertaken a review of the solar panel planning exemptions set out in the Regulations -– with a particular focus on facilitating increased self-generation of electricity.
This review is now complete. Substantial changes to the current planning exemption thresholds for solar panels are proposed, as well as the introduction of new classes of solar panel planning exemptions relating to their use in apartments and in educational/community/religious buildings.
In light of the need to appropriately address aviation safety concerns arising from the “glint and glare” impacts of solar panels and the easing of the solar panel planning exemption thresholds, my Department is in the process of commissioning the development of detailed aviation safeguarding maps which will identify and delineate specific but limited areas in the vicinity of airports and aerodromes (referred to as exclusion zones) within which the exemptions will not apply. This mapping process will take approximately nine months to complete.
Whilst this work is ongoing, my Department proposes to advance interim regulations, adopting a temporary, albeit more stringent, radial approach incorporating initial defined exclusion zones around airports and aerodromes. These interim regulations, allowing for increased solar panel planning exemptions, will cover the vast majority of the land area of the country, only excluding those limited exclusion zones around airports and aerodromes.
The draft interim regulations have been reviewed under the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive 2001/42/EC, and it has been determined that they are likely to have significant effects on the environment, necessitating the undertaking of a full SEA on the draft proposals. This process, which involves a public consultation on the proposals, has commenced and is expected to take between four and five months to complete.
Following the public consultation and consideration of any submissions received, and as required under planning legislation, the proposed exempted development regulations must be laid in draft form before the Houses of the Oireachtas and receive a positive resolution from both Houses before they can be made and the SEA process concluded.
The process for finalising the interim solar panel planning exemptions as referred to above, with interim exclusion zones around airports and aerodromes, is now expected to be completed in Q4 2021. As outlined, pending the finalisation of the aforementioned aviation safeguarding maps, these interim regulations will allow for the vast majority of the country to be covered by the proposed new solar panel exemptions apart from those areas in close proximity to airports and aerodromes.
Work on the development of the aviation safeguarding maps for airports and aerodromes is expected to be completed by Q4 2021. The final supplementary set of regulations - delineating the final exclusion areas around airports and aerodromes in which the exemptions will not apply - will be prepared thereafter and, subject to environmental reporting considerations, will subsequently be laid in draft form before the Houses of the Oireachtas for approval in a timely manner.
226. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount of interest his Department has been charged for savings or other funds on deposit in Irish banks since negative interest rates were introduced by year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35936/21]
View answerMy Department seeks, where possible, to minimise the amount of negative interest it incurs from commercial banks and the Central Bank of Ireland while processing over €5.7 billion in annual payments through the Vote and Local Government Fund.
The table below sets out details in relation to negative interest incurred by my Department in the Vote and the Local Government Fund in the years 2018 up 31 May 2021.
|
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
31 May 2021 |
Total |
|
|
Vote |
|||||
|
Commercial Banks |
€302 |
- |
- |
- |
€302 |
|
Local Government Fund (LGF) |
|||||
|
Commercial Banks |
€850 |
€2,580 |
€1 |
€212 |
€3,643 |
|
Central Bank of Ireland 1 |
€19,347 |
€10,947 |
€17,784 |
€13,244 |
€61,322 |
|
LGF Sub-Total |
€20,197 |
€13,527 |
€17,785 |
€13,456 |
€64,965 |
|
Total |
€20,499 |
€13,527 |
€17,785 |
€13,456 |
€65,267 |
1 The Revenue Commissioners collect Local Property Tax (LPT) and there is an arrangement in place for the transfer of LPT to a nominated LGF Account in the Central Bank held on behalf of the Department by the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA), which is 0% interest bearing.
However, a small residue of the LPT receipts are retained by the Revenue Commissioners in the Central Bank to cover LPT refunds etc. This account is an interest bearing account, which currently attracts negative interest and accounts for the €61,322 negative interest charged by the Central Bank for the period 2018 up to 31 May 2021. It should be noted that €1.741 billion in LPT receipts were transferred through the Central Bank during the period on question.
227. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage the status of the review of social housing income limits; and his views on whether a €5,000 difference between County Tipperary and neighbouring counties is having a serious impact on persons in County Tipperary. [35961/21]
View answerApplications for social housing support 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.
The 2011 Regulations prescribe maximum net income limits for each local authority, in different bands according to the area concerned, with income being defined and assessed according to a standard Household Means Policy. The 2011 Regulations do not provide local authorities with any discretion to exceed the limits that apply to their administrative areas.
Under the Household Means Policy, which applies in all local authorities, net income for social housing assessment is defined as gross household income less income tax, PRSI, Universal Social Charge and Additional Superannuation Contribution. The Policy provides for a range of income disregards, and local authorities also have discretion to decide to disregard income that is temporary, short-term or once-off in nature.
A table setting out the details of the three bands and the limits currently applicable in each local authority area is available on the Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/04c69-social-housing-support-table-of-income-limits/
The income bands are expressed in terms of a maximum net income threshold for a single-person household, with an allowance of 5% for each additional adult household member, subject to a maximum allowance under this category of 10%; and separately, an allowance of 2.5% for each child.
The income bands and the authority area assigned to each band were based on an assessment of the income needed to provide for a household's basic needs, plus a comparative analysis of the local rental cost of housing accommodation across the country. It is important to note that the limits introduced in 2011 also reflected a blanket increase of €5,000 introduced prior to the new system coming into operation, in order to broaden the base from which social housing tenants are drawn, both promoting sustainable communities and also providing a degree of future-proofing.
Given the cost to the State of providing social housing, it is considered prudent and fair to direct resources to those most in need of social housing support. The current income eligibility requirements generally achieve this, providing for a fair and equitable system of identifying those households facing the greatest challenge in meeting their accommodation needs from their own resources.
However, as part of the broader social housing reform agenda, a review of income eligibility for social housing supports in each local authority area is underway. The review will have regard to current initiatives being brought forward in terms of affordable housing both for purchase and for cost rental.
228. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of persons successfully prosecuted under section 40 of the Wildlife Act 1976 in 2019 and 2020, in tabular form. [35972/21]
View answerThe number of persons successfully prosecuted by my Department for offences against section 40 of the Wildlife Act 1976 were 19 in 2019 and 25 in 2020.
229. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans for the safeguarding of the proposed natural heritage area at Loughlinstown Wood by officials in his Department; the plans for meetings with other officials from Departments, agencies or local government in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35985/21]
View answerThere are 630 proposed natural heritage areas, including the area to which the Deputy refers. 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 protection provisions of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000, they may be recognised in local authority development plans.
230. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 341 of 11 May 2021, the date on which it was discovered that the file was missing; the date the file was found; the location in which the file was found; the person who found the file; if the Taoiseach or others in Government were informed of the missing file; and if An Garda Síochána was notified in relation to the missing file. [36045/21]
View answerIt is my understanding that a file that had been delivered to the Minister's Office during September 2014 was misplaced within the Office. The file was searched for by members of the staff of the Office of the then Minister and was found after a period of time among other papers, where it had been inadvertently placed. Accordingly, the matter was not reported to An Garda Síochána as there was no security incident.
As the contents of the file concerned planning and local government matters, the matter was not reported to the Taoiseach or others in Government.
231. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 599 of 15 June 2021, his views on the contents of the 9 February 2013 Report of the Independent Review of the Compulsory Acquisition of Land at Charlesland, County Wicklow by Wicklow County Council. [36046/21]
View answerThe independent review referenced sought to establish the processes followed by Wicklow County Council and to identify any deviation from relevant legal requirements and administrative requirements or practices. The review found that there was no such deviation by the Council from such requirements.
The review was carried out in accordance with the agreed terms of reference that addressed each of the specific concerns that had been raised by certain public representatives during 2011.
The review was carried out on a non-statutory basis and as such the reviewer did not have powers to make any binding determinations of facts. The report states that any findings or conclusions made should be viewed in that context. The content of the report should therefore be viewed as the findings of an expert counsel following professional scrutiny and analysis of the processes followed by the Council.
232. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current status of the Emergency Management and Fire and Public Safety Bill 2020. [36102/21]
View answerIt is my intention to bring forward a piece of legislation provisionally titled the Fire, Emergency Management and Public Safety Bill, whose primary purpose will be to update the Fire Services Acts, 1981 and 2003. Part of the impetus for this work arises from the review of fire safety in Ireland carried out in the aftermath of the Grenfell tragedy in the UK. It is also my intention that the Bill will place relevant elements of evolved emergency management practice at national and local level on a statutory footing and also revise the legislative approach to certain aspects of public safety in Ireland, with an initial focus on safety at funfairs.
A General Scheme of the Bill is at an advanced stage of preparation within my Department. The General Scheme has been informed by consultation with the relevant sectors likely to be impacted by its provisions. The shape of the Bill has been considered on a number of occasions by the Board of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM). The Board is comprised of Chief Executive Officers from local authorities, the Chief Fire Officers Association (CFOA) as well as other Government Departments and supports the general approach being taken in the Bill.
The intention of the Bill is to support and strengthen the role of local authorities. The provision of fire services in local authority areas, including the establishment and maintenance of fire brigades, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of premises, is a statutory function of each individual fire authority. The work of local authority fire services has, to a large degree, been underpinned by the Fire Services Act 1981 and 2003 for nearly 40 years. While this legislation has served the country well, and key indicators such as fatalities from fire per million of population have been reduced consistently to the point where they are at their lowest for forty years, it is appropriate now to ensure that the underpinning legislation fully reflects the changes is society and the expanded and more dynamic roles that our local authority fire services have taken on in recent years. For that reason, the opinions of the local government sector have been sought as to the shape this legislation should take and preliminary opinion has also been received from the Local Government Management Association.
Like all legislation, this is a complex piece of work, which necessitates consideration of multifaceted issues that impact on a number of sectors. The current Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003 have stood the test of time for nearly 40 years. I want to ensure that its replacement also stands the test of time and when my Department is satisfied that the legislation being brought forward is appropriate, balanced, complete and robust. A Memorandum will be brought to Government on the issue in due course, followed by publication of the Bill.
233. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is satisfied in the context of the freedom of information publication scheme that all logs are published and up to date in compliance with the Freedom of Information Act 2014; if not, the reason they are not published; and if he will update them as a matter of priority. [36127/21]
View answer234. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount collected on an annual basis since the Freedom of Information Act 2014 commenced in respect of fees attached to freedom of information requests submitted to his Department. [36145/21]
View answer235. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of freedom of information requests refused by his Department since the Freedom of Information Act 2014 commenced for the reason that search and copy costs would exceed the maximum threshold; the number of requests that were subsequently granted following engagement with the requester to narrow the scope of the request; and the costs associated with same. [36163/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 233 to 235, inclusive, together.
My Department publishes freedom of information disclosure logs on its website on a quarterly basis. The logs are up to date and in compliance with the Freedom of Information Act Publication Scheme requirements and can be found at the following link www.gov.ie/en/collection/5c178-foi-logs/.
Details of fees collected annually from 16 October 2014 to 30 June 2021 relating to Freedom of Information requests submitted to my Department are provided in the table below.
|
Year of Request |
Total Fees Collected |
Search & Retrieval Fees |
Internal Review Fees |
|
2014 |
€1,180.27 |
€1,060.27 |
€120.00 |
|
2015 |
€1,266.12 |
€966.12 |
€300.00 |
|
2016 |
€1,727.00 |
€1,407.00 |
€320.00 |
|
2017 |
€1,318.00 |
€1,018.00 |
€300.00 |
|
2018 |
€1,760.00 |
€1,430.00 |
€330.00 |
|
2019 |
€1,290.00 |
€1,140.00 |
€150.00 |
|
2020 |
€939.00 |
€879.00 |
€60.00 |
|
2021 |
€210.00 |
€120.00 |
€90.00 |
With regards to the breakdown of requests refused due to search and retrieval fees being over the maximum threshold, and details of the number of requests that were subsequently granted following engagement with the requester to narrow the scope of the request and the costs associated with same, the information sought is not readily available and its compilation would involve a disproportionate amount of time and work.
237. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps he plans to take to reduce the large number of vacant houses that could be put to use to house persons in need of housing; when the effects of these steps will be seen on the ground; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36191/21]
View answerMy Department is focused on ensuring that existing housing stock is utilised to its fullest extent including a targeted, effective and co-ordinated approach to identifying and tackling vacancy across Ireland.
In that context, Pillar 5 of Rebuilding Ireland, set out a range of measures to assist in meeting housing needs by ensuring that our existing housing stock is used to the greatest extent possible. Key to this was the publication of the National Vacant Housing Reuse Strategy, published in 2018, 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 available to bring vacant housing stock back into use including:
- The Repair and Leasing Scheme which was to assist private property owners, local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies in utilising existing vacant housing stock throughout the country. 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 rental property. 247 properties have been brought back into use under the Repair and Lease scheme.
- 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 rather than leased, if that is the preference of the owners. 670 properties have been brought back into use under the scheme.
- The Housing Acquisitions Fund is a €70 million revolving that was established in January 2017 with the objective of enabling the Housing Agency to acquire vacant units from banks and investment companies for social housing use. The fund is replenished by the Housing Agency through the sale of units primarily to the AHB sector and the funds received are then recycled back into the fund for future acquisitions. To date 844 properties have been brought back into use through the fund.
- 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. The Bringing Back Homes manual is available to download at: www.housing.gov.ie/housing/home-ownership/vacant-homes/bringing-back-homes-manual-reuse-existing-buildings.
To 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.
The Government set out its housing priorities in the Programme for Government across numerous areas, including homelessness, affordable home ownership, private and social housing delivery, rent reform and planning and my Department is focused on moving those priorities forward.
To deliver on these commitments, Minister O'Brien will publish a new housing policy and action plan 'Housing for All' this month which will provide a whole of Government approach to housing policy and is at an advanced stage of development at present. This plan will factor in existing demand, together with future projected demand, and put the steps in place needed to deliver just over 33,000 new homes per annum during the period 2020 to 2031.
238. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the timeline for the Planning and Development (Amendment) (No. 3) Bill 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36241/21]
View answerThe Planning and Development (Amendment) (No. 3) Bill 2021 was passed by Seanad Éireann on 28 June 2021 and completed Second Stage in Dáil Éireann on 1 July 2021. The Bill is expected to progress to Committee and remaining stages in Dáil Éireann on 7 July 2021. With the support of both Houses, it is envisaged that the Bill will be passed by both Houses before the Summer recess with a view to enactment as a matter of priority. It is intended to make an order, or orders, as required, to commence the provisions as soon as possible thereafter, particularly having regard to the need to bring into operation the provisions that aim to address the impact of the Covid-19 on the plan making programmes and the completion of constructions projects.
239. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the funding available to Kildare County Council to assist it in building a second bridge over the river Liffey at Newbridge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36267/21]
View answerThe primary focus of the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) is on supporting projects that will contribute to compact growth and that will improve the liveability of our cities and towns.
Call 2 of the URDF was launched in 2020. To assist local authorities with the application process, my Department hosted a number of workshops to provide information on the purpose of the URDF programme and the types of proposals that would be considered for support. In all 75 proposals were considered, with every local authority submitting at least one application and competing demands with a total combined value exceeding €2 billion. All applications were assessed in terms of their alignment with the intended purpose of the URDF programme and also their viability before being considered for approval.
Kildare County Council submitted four applications under Call 2, three of which were successful, attracting a combined total €15,642,624 in URDF support. This Call 2 URDF funding is in addition to €5,532,243 already approved for four projects under Call 1 bringing total URDF support for projects in Kildare County Council area to €21,174,867 over both URDF calls.
Kildare County Council’s fourth proposal in respect of a second bridge over the River Liffey at Newbridge was one of thirty unsuccessful proposals which did not adequately meet the criteria for URDF support under Call 2.
A copy of the detailed assessment of this proposal has been provided to Kildare County Council, and a feedback meeting on the matter has recently taken place between officials of the Council and officials of my Department.
Any plans for the further advancement of this proposal is a matter for Kildare County Council.
240. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans for the reform of Seanad Éireann. [36270/21]
View answerThe Seanad plays an important role as part of our legislature under the Constitution. In a democracy, any reform of the legislature must enjoy the confidence of the public as well as legislators. In this regard The Programme for Government contains a broad range of electoral reforms including a commitment to establish an independent, statutory Electoral Commission. The Government is committed as a priority to the establishment of the Commission to enhance the governance of our democratic electoral processes.
While Seanad electoral reform is a matter for my Department, wider Seanad Reform is a matter for the Department of An Taoiseach. The all-party Seanad Reform Implementation Group published its report in December 2018, which contained many recommendations that related to electoral matters, and included proposals on implementation of the 2015 Manning Report. The report’s recommendations were not unanimously endorsed by the group’s members.
An Taoiseach has confirmed previously that while there was some brief consideration of that report by the Houses in late 2019, if further examination of its proposals by the current members of the Houses were to lead to a consensus around some of the report’s recommendations, such a consensus would provide a basis for their implementation.
241. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage if there are restrictions on approved housing bodies who wish to sell homes owned by them for full, partial or nominal value to gift or otherwise transfer ownership of these homes to tenants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36275/21]
View answerApproved Housing Bodies (AHBs) are independent not-for-profit organisations which operate in accordance with their Memorandum and Articles of Association.
If a property is owned outright by an AHB and is not subject to public funding, the AHB may choose to sell that property, once this is allowed for in their constitution. It should be noted that AHBs must have as their primary objectives the relief of housing needs and the provision and management of housing included within their memorandum of association or registered rules, as the case may be. The vast majority of AHBs are registered charities and, as such, they must also comply with the provisions of the Charities Acts in relation to the sale of charitable assets.
242. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the progress made by each local authority pursuant to circular PL 03/2021 relating to progress on collection of the vacant site levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36277/21]
View answerUnder the vacant site levy provisions in the Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015, planning authorities were empowered to apply a vacant site levy of 3% of the market valuation of relevant properties which were listed on local authority vacant site registers in 2018, which relevant owners were liable to pay in January 2019. The rate of the levy increased to 7% for sites listed on local authority vacant sites register from 2019 onwards which site owners became liable to pay in January 2020.
My Department proactively engages with local authorities with a view to ensuring that the vacant site levy achieves its full potential in terms of bringing concerned sites into productive use. In this regard, my Department issued Circular Letter PL 03/2021 on 8 March 2021 requesting the submission of a progress report on the collection of the levy by each local authority. A response has now been received from each of the 31 local authorities. The progress reports noted the following:
2018
- 89 sites valued at €132m were liable to the levy at the 3% rate in 2019 in respect of 2018;
- 86 letters issued in 2019/2020 demanding levy payments to a value of €4.1m in respect of 2018;
- €905k in levy payments were received in respect of 2018;
- Levy payments of €1.2m are outstanding in respect of 2018.*
(*It should be noted that some sites were cancelled following the issuing of a demand for payment due to appeal or commencement of development etc. As a result, the amount collected plus the amount outstanding does not equal the value of the demands issued.)
2019
- 181 sites valued at €198m were liable to the levy at the 7% rate in 2020 in respect of 2019;
- 153 letters issued in 2020 demanding levy payments to a value of €13m in respect of 2019;
- €1.18m in levy payments were received in respect of 2019;
- Levy payments of €11.5m are outstanding in respect of 2019.
2020
- 215 sites valued at €268m were liable to the levy at the 7% rate in 2021 in respect of 2020;
- 79 letters issued in 2021 demanding levy payments to a value of €11.8m in respect of 2020;
- €21k in levy payments were received in respect of 2020;
- Levy payments of €14.3m are outstanding in respect of 2020.
It should be noted that the vacant site levy is collected in arrears. The levy due in respect of 2020 is collected in 2021. Local Authorities are still issuing demands in respect of 2020. A number of local authorities noted delays in issuing demands for payments in respect of 2020 due to COVID-19. Local Authorities will continue to issue demands for payment of the levy throughout 2021.
All levies due on an individual site will remain a charge on the land concerned until all outstanding levies due are paid. Accordingly, under the vacant site levy provisions, there will be a cumulative effect associated with not activating a site for development purposes for each year that a site remains vacant or idle and in respect of which levy liability is not paid. Local authorities are currently in the process of implementing debt recovery procedures to recoup arrears due.
The levy is not intended to be a revenue generating measure with the proceeds accruing to the relevant local authority rather than the Exchequer. The levy proceeds generated are specifically intended to be used by local authorities for the provision of housing and regeneration development in the local area in which vacant sites are located. No more than 10% of the levy monies received by planning authorities may be used on their administration costs in collecting the levy.
The progress reports received from planning authorities in response to Circular PL 03/2021 are currently being examined in greater detail by my Department to consider, amongst other things, what further implementation supports may be required. My Department will continue to engage proactively with local authorities to ensure that all vacant site levies due are paid and that the measure can achieve its full potential.
