Written Answers Nos. 720-741
720. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of capital investment projects that were undertaken by each local authority in each of the years 2016 to 2020 and to date in 2021, in tabular form. [40607/21]
View answerMy Department has a wide and diverse business agenda, covering a broad range of functions, including local authority housing, voluntary housing, estate regeneration, energy efficiency retrofitting, housing grants, rural water schemes, urban regeneration, peatlands conservation and restoration, national parks & wildlife services and fire services. In order to achieve its business objectives, the Department provides significant resources to an extensive range of organisations, including local authorities, dedicated agencies, and other bodies; some allocations, depending on the programmes concerned, are made on a national or other non-county basis. In these circumstances, the information requested is not readily available in my Department and its compilation would involve a disproportionate amount of time and work.
However, as regards contracts for which local authorities are responsible, information on expenditure and multi-annual capital commitments is set out in the Department's Appropriation Accounts (Vote 34) for the relevant years which are published by the Comptroller and Auditor General and are available at www.audit.gov.ie/en/publications/. The Department's 2020 Appropriation Account will be published later this year.
In relation to water services projects, Irish Water has established a team to deal with queries from Oireachtas members on issues arising in relation to Irish Water's activities. The team may be contacted via email to oireachtasmembers@water.ie Alternatively Irish Water provides full details of their projects and plans to improve water and wastewater services on their website. The details can be accessed at the following link: www.water.ie/projects-plans/.
721. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average length of time spent on the social housing list County Wexford; the plans to reduce these times; the number on the social housing list for each of the past 12 months and each month of 2021 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40619/21]
View answerDetails on the number of households qualified for social housing support in each local authority area is 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%.
Below is the link to the summary report for 2020 which includes breakdowns by each local authority, including for County Wexford, across a range of categories.
In relation to the average waiting time to be allocated a house, information of this type is not held by my Department. However, details on the length of time spent on the record of qualified households (waiting lists) can be found at tables 2.8 and A1.8 of the report.
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. As such, my Department does not have information on the number on the social housing list for each of the past 12 months and for each month of 2021 to date.
2020 Report
www.gov.ie/en/publication/970ea-summary-of-social-housing-assessments-2020-key-findings/#:~:text=The%20Summary%20of%20Social%20Housing,is%20not%20currently%20being%20met
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, subject to the impact of COVID-19, of 12,750 social homes, including 9,500 new build homes. The Government will soon be publishing a new housing strategy, which will set out details of social housing delivery for 2021-2025. 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).
My Department publishes a Social Housing Construction Status Report 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 data pertaining to the Construction Status Report for Quarter 2 will be collated in the coming weeks and published thereafter.
The Department also publishes comprehensive programme level statistics on social housing delivery activity on a quarterly basis including Build and Acquisitions. This data includes details on the number of social housing units provided by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies up to Quarter 1 2021. 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/.
722. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of affordable homes that were built in County Wexford in 2020 and to date in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40620/21]
View answerThis Government is focused on ensuring that affordable, quality housing solutions are available to everyone in Irish society and this is reflected in the Programme for Government, "Our Shared Future". The Programme commits to putting affordability at the heart of the housing system through the progression of State-backed affordable housing.
This commitment was reflected in Budget 2021, which provides for an overall investment of €3.3 billion for the delivery of housing programmes, representing an increase of €641 million or 24% on 2020 and the single biggest spend on housing by any Government to fund the largest build programme in the history of the State. Importantly, €110 million of this amount will be provided to deliver a new national Affordable Purchase Shared Equity Scheme for first time buyers and a new funding model to accelerate the delivery of cost rental homes through the Approved Housing Body sector.
€75 million is allocated for the Affordable Purchase Shared Equity Scheme, aimed at first-time buyers buying new-build homes on private land. It will enable first-time buyers to buy a new home at a price they can afford, much sooner than would otherwise have been the case. The equity stake will fill the gap between the mortgage people can get, and the price of a new home. In so doing, it will build confidence in the construction sector to increase housing supply. The proposed price caps for the shared equity scheme are reflective of the median price of a new home bought by first-time buyers, and are targeted to address the affordability gap in different areas. It is anticipated that the Scheme will be supported and operated in partnership with the retail banks - depending on the final design, this will allow support for c.1,500 to 2,000 households to buy new homes in the first year.
The new Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL) is the first dedicated funding stream for Cost Rental housing in Ireland. CREL will assist Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) in developing or acquiring new homes for Cost Rental, to accelerate implementation of this new housing sector in the immediate term. The scheme harnesses the expertise and capacity of AHBs, amply demonstrated in the provision of social housing, and builds a foundation for further AHB involvement in Cost Rental.
Under the CREL scheme, the Housing Agency will make loans available to AHBs on very favourable terms to cover up to 30% of the development or acquisition costs of new homes for Cost Rental. The Budget allocation of €35 million is intended to assist the delivery of c. 350 new homes, in addition to the 50 new Cost Rental apartments scheduled for delivery later this year at Enniskerry Road, Stepaside.
To date, Serviced Sites Fund (now Affordable Housing Fund) funding of almost €200 million has been approved in principle in support of 40 infrastructure projects in 14 local authority areas across 9 counties, to assist in the delivery of almost 4,200 affordable homes for purchase or for rent. Contained within the Programme for Government was a commitment to extend the Serviced Sites Fund (SSF). In line with this commitment, a review of SSF progress and projects to date was undertaken and, having regard to feedback from local authorities, a number of significant improvements to the funding scheme, now named the Affordable Housing Funding scheme, have been agreed and communicated to local authorities by way of Circular last month. The changes include expanding the scope of costs covered to subvent the all-in development cost of delivering the housing, which may include land purchase costs; taking applications as they are developed on a rolling basis as opposed to time constrained funding calls; and, allowing funding support to now exceed the current maximum of €50,000 per affordable dwelling on a stepped scale to €100,000, based on location and density.
Furthermore, the Land Development Agency is tasked with working 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. All these measures are designed to increase housing supply at a time when needed most.
The Government also approved amending the provisions to Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000, for inclusion in the Affordable Housing Act, 2021. 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.
In addition to these measures, both the Rebuilding Ireland Homeloan and the Help to Buy Scheme are available to eligible households seeking to purchase homes.
The funding secured combined with the strong legislative underpinning I am putting in place will soon yield dividends, in the form of affordable housing delivery, in counties where there is a clear affordability challenge, including Wexford. The forthcoming All-of-Government housing strategy ‘Housing for All’ will further detail an extensive range of measures and ambitious targets to underpin the delivery of affordable housing over the coming years.
723. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of social houses that were built in County Wexford by Wexford County Council in 2020 and to date in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40621/21]
View answerMy Department publishes comprehensive programme level statistics on social housing delivery on a quarterly basis. Details on the number of social housing units provided by all local authorities including by Wexford County Council in 2020 and Quarter 1 of 2021, is available on the statistics page of my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/.
My Department also publishes a Social Housing Construction Status Report 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 including Wexford. The report provides details of the location of each project, the status and the number of units approved and therefore, provides public representatives with ongoing data on their local authorities' social housing construction programme. The most recent Construction Status 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/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Social-Housing-Construction-Status-Report-Q1-2021.pdf
I am keen that Wexford County Council adds further to their pipeline and I have assured them that funding is not an obstacle in this regard. I hope that they will have the continued support of the public representatives in their work to deliver new social housing projects.
724. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of houses that have been obtained by Wexford County Council through the enhanced leasing scheme in 2020; the cost of these leases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40622/21]
View answerIn 2018, the Enhanced Long Term Social Housing Leasing Scheme was introduced in order to target newly built, or yet to be built, houses and apartments that could provide social housing through long term leasing at a reasonable scale. The Enhanced Leasing Scheme is one option available to supplement delivery under local authority and approved housing body build and acquisition programmes.
To date, no applications for the Enhanced Leasing Scheme have been received from Wexford County Council.
The future approach to long term leasing is currently under review in the context of the Government’s new Housing Plan ‘Housing for All’ which will be published in the coming weeks.
725. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of applicants for Rebuilding Ireland home loans in County Wexford in 2020; the number that have been successful; the number that have been refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40623/21]
View answerThe Housing Agency provides a central support service which assesses applications for the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan on behalf of local authorities and makes recommendations to the authorities to approve or refuse applications. Each local authority must have in place a credit committee and it is a matter for the committee to make the decision on applications for loans, in accordance with the regulations, having regard to the recommendations made by the Housing Agency.
The total figures for 2020 from the Agency on the numbers of applications that it has assessed and recommended for approval for Wexford County Council in 2020, are as follows:
|
Local Authority |
Applications Assessed |
Recommended to Approve |
Recommended to Decline |
Approval Rate |
|
Wexford County Council |
78 |
30 |
48 |
38% |
The next stages in the process are approval and drawdown from the local authority.
My Department regularly publishes information on the number and value of (i) local authority loan approvals and (ii) local authority loan drawdowns. Local authority approval means that an official letter of offer has been sent to a borrower (and therefore relates to a specific property and loan amount).
Figures for 2019 and 2020 are available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/42d2f-local-authority-loan-activity/#local-authority-loans-approvedpaid
726. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the funding allocated for housing adaptation grants to Wexford County Council for 2020; the amount of funding drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40624/21]
View answerMy Department provides funding under the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, to assist people in private houses to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. The grants include the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People, which are 80% funded by my Department, with a 20% contribution from the resources of the local authority.
Details of the 2020 funding allocations for all local authorities, including Wexford County Council, are publicly available on my Department’s website at the following link:
For 2020: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/0c0cf-minister-obrien-announces-over-73-million-for-housing-adaptation-grant/
Details of the funding drawn down by all local authorities for the grants up to 2020, are also available on my Department's website at the following link:
www.housing.gov.ie/housing/statistics/social-and-affordble/other-local-authority-housing-scheme-statistics.
727. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the last occasion on which a Department-wide review of all funding within his Department took place; the frequency of such reviews; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40639/21]
View answerMy Department conducts regular reviews of funding as part of the ongoing financial management of the Vote including:
- A comprehensive annual review of expenditure and funding requirements in preparation of the Estimates for the Budget involving a detailed analysis of funding needs to meet my Department’s commitment to deliver on its broad range of functions, including local authority housing, voluntary housing, homeless services, estate regeneration, energy efficiency retrofitting, housing grants, rural water schemes, urban regeneration, peatlands conservation, national parks & wildlife services and fire services;
- Monthly expenditure monitoring and the provision of reports to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) in line with Government financial procedures; and
- Quarterly reporting to Government on the Department’s capital expenditure. Government Decision S180//20/10/0640P dated 16 February 2021 “End Year 2020 Expenditure Position and Expenditure Management in 2021 ” set out the requirement for my Department to report to Government on a quarterly basis on investment of its 2021 capital allocation.
In addition, in the context of the review of the National Development Plan (NDP) currently being undertaken by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, my Department has completed a comprehensive review of our capital funding requirements over the next 10 years.
728. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the adverse water pollution off the County Waterford coast due to raw sewage discharge, dredging for the port of Waterford, use of chemicals in area and elevated levels of nitrogen at catchments in the Waterford estuary; the actions he plans to take to address the causes of water pollution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40649/21]
View answerPrimary responsibility for the monitoring, management, protection and improvement of water quality is assigned to local authorities under the Local Government (Water Pollution) Acts and related legislation. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) exercises general supervision in relation to the performance of these functions by local authorities.
There is no doubting the necessity to ensure we address outstanding issues that impact on Ireland's water quality. For example, the EPA’s most recent report ‘Assessment of the catchments that need reductions in nitrogen concentrations to achieve water quality objectives’ has highlighted once again the serious challenges facing Ireland’s water environment.
My Department is working closely with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine on effective measures to reduce the loss of agricultural nutrients to water. These measures are set out in the
River Basin Management Plan 2018-2021 and will be strengthened by the next Plan (a draft of which will be published shortlly); the review of the Nitrates Action Programme currently underway; and in the forthcoming Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan.
Irish Water is also investing significantly in improved services and infrastructure through its Capital Investment Plan, including wherever urban waste water is causing an impact or is not meeting the required standards. The Irish Water Strategic Funding Plan sets out Irish Water’s multi-annual strategic funding requirement of €11bn to 2024, including €6.1bn investment in infrastructure and assets.
My Department has also improved targeted, risk based, financial supports to help bring domestic septic tanks up to standard.
With regard to the dredging at Waterford Port, a foreshore Licence was granted to the Port of Waterford Company for the purposes of carrying out maintenance dredging at various locations around the Waterford Estuary. The Licence covers the period 18 September 2020 to 31 December 2025. As part of the foreshore consenting process the potential environmental impacts of the maintenance dredging activities were assessed. Also, a Dumping at Sea Permit was granted to the Port by the EPA and will remain in force until 31 December 2025. As part of their consenting process, the EPA assessed the Port’s application for potential environmental impacts.
730. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the efforts being made to avoid a repeat of the Killarney National Park fire; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40676/21]
View answerSince the tragic fires in Killarney National Park earlier this year there has been significant work undertaken. The National Partks and Wildlife Sevice (NPWS), of my Department, has been working tirelessly to properly assess the damage and deal with the long term impacts. The NPWS have used the best available data and imagery (satellite and standard aerial) to map and assess the exact footprint of the burn area.
Using high resolution satellite imagery coupled with on the ground mapping, NPWS has determined the areas worst affected in terms of severity and intensity of the burns in the recent fires. All of the areas affected have been mapped in detail and a comprehensive GIS mapping layer has been built up. NPWS in conjunction with their sister park, Glacier National Park Montana have compiled a detailed map to contrast the satellite imagery available to both institutions and have worked on shared experiences to maximise the results for best interpretation.
Local management staff in Killarney, with input from the NPWS scientific unit, have also commissioned a suite of ecological surveys to assess the impacts of the fires on species and habitats. The outcome of these longer term surveys will aid management in dealing with the impact of this fire and will also establish a detailed base line for both habitats and species impacted as a result of fires in general and inform management of the sites into the future.
I announced in April of this year my intention to accelerate the recruitment of 60 new Conservation Ranger posts nationwide. The first 20 of these new rangers are currently being assigned to locations around Ireland, including Kerry. In addition, I have begun the process of creating, for the first time, a dedicated Wildlife Crime Unit in the NPWS' Headquarters. This Unit will support and enhance the law-enforcement work of our regional staff. I have also launched a protocol of cooperation and collaboration between the NPWS of this Department and An Garda Síochána for the purpose of combatting wildlife crime. This protocol will lead to much closer cooperation between both enforcement bodies, especially in the areas of communications, intelligence sharing and joint operations.
Ultimately though, when it comes to preventing these tragic events it needs to be underlined that wildland fires do not occur naturally in Ireland. The main cause of such conflagrations is thought to be the deliberate starting of fires without concern for the emergency services, the local wildlife, habitat, communities or even private property close by. The key message is that every member of society has a duty of care to themselves, their neighbours and the wider community to exercise great care when contemplating any burning, but particularly burning out of doors. Even planned and/or "controlled" burning can get out of hand very quickly so it is critically important that every member of society realises the damage that can be caused. Notwithstanding the ecological costs, setting fires during this time of national emergency is particularly reckless and places an unnecessary burden on our emergency services.
The issue of these fires cannot be seen as just a matter for my Department or the Department of Agriculture or Government; but rather as a matter for all citizens. The principle challenge here is to encourage members of the public, (including landowners, farmers and recreational users of publicly accessible land), to act responsibly at all times, to be mindful of their own safety and the safety of others, to be mindful of the need to protect property, both publicly owned and privately owned and to appreciate the value of our natural heritage, particularly in our National Parks, Nature Reserves and Designated (Natura 2000) Sites.
731. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has carried out any analysis on the increase in timber prices as a result of licencing difficulties in the forestry sector; the impact which this is having on housing construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40689/21]
View answerIncreasing the supply of housing is a priority for the Government and for my Department in particular.
I am 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. Domestically, delays are being experienced in relation to the licensing of forestry operations. My colleague, the Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine is currently implementing measures to address this issue.
Across Europe, supply issues have been affecting the price of timber due to increased demand. This is an international issue and other construction materials, such as steel, concrete and plastics have also been affected and these developments are being monitored closely. Throughout this period, colleagues across Government have engaged with representatives from across the construction sector.
Changes in relation to building material costs are monitored and recorded by the Central Statistics Office (Wholesale Price Index for Building & Construction Materials). Issues relating to increases in construction costs generally and measures to address such issues, are matters for the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. 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.
Given my Department’s role in relation to public housing, we of course are concerned with regard to construction costs and recognise that significant material cost increases will likely result in increased tender costs. In this regard, we continually monitor tender cost trends through ongoing engagement with colleagues in local authorities and through engagement with other Departments and the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI). My Department continues to work with each local authority to ensure that projects are developed and progressed in a cost effective manner.
732. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the procedures that should be followed when a local authority is assessing applications under the defective blocks scheme; the information that should be provided to an applicant who is deemed by that local authority to be an unsuccessful applicant; the appeals mechanism for such an applicant; his views on whether there is a need for independent input, that is, independent of the local authority who had made the original decision for the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40699/21]
View answerThe local authority has responsibility for the detailed administration of the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant scheme, as set out under S.I. 25 of 2020. This includes the assessment of applications for eligibility and payment of grants to successful applicants under the specific remediation option approved.
Homeowners may apply to the local authority seeking confirmation of eligibility for the scheme. As part of this application process, an approved engineer's report in accordance with I.S. 465:2018 is required. The report confirms the existence or otherwise of excessive amounts of pyrite or mica in the blockwork which have given rise to defective concrete blocks and is based on a visual inspection, core sampling and laboratory testing which is carried out by the engineer employed by the homeowner.
While an engineer's report informs a local authority's consideration and assessment of a grant application, the final decision on eligibilty for the scheme in accordance with I.S. 465:2018 and the level of funding approved rests with the local authority. In the event that an application is unsuccessful, the applicant may appeal the decision through the relevant local authority within three weeks of the date of the decision. A local authority official who was not involved with the original assessment will then assess this appeal and contact the applicant with the result within six weeks.
In response to concerns being raised by homeowners in relation to the Defective Concrete Block Grant scheme, I established a time-bound working group, with representatives from my Department, the local authorities and homeowner representative groups who are tasked with reviewing the operation of the scheme and providing a report with recommendations by 31 July.
Engagement with the Working Group is on-going and in line with a request of homeowners, it was agreed that the timeline for the submission of a report by the Working Group would be extended to the end of September. This will allow for further research on core aspects of the scheme, such as the 90:10 requirement and cap on allowable costs.
733. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if it will be ensured that in the review of the defective blocks scheme there would be a requirement for the assessing local authority to conduct a physical site visit of each applicant home being assessed under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40700/21]
View answerI am acutely aware of the distress that the issue of defective concrete blocks has caused to the people and families affected. After working with the affected households and local authorities I have established a working group, with representatives from my Department, the local authorities and homeowner representative groups, to quickly review and address any outstanding issues in relation to the operation of the Defective Concrete Block Grant Scheme, and to provide a report with recommendations by 31 July.
Within the terms of reference the Group are examining issues such as grant caps, homeowner contributions, I.S. 465 testing procedures and allowable costs etc. Engagement with the Working Group is on-going and in line with a request from homeowners, it was agreed that the timeline for the submission of a report by the Working Group would be extended to the end of September. This will allow for further research on core aspects of the scheme, such as the homeowner contribution requirement and the cap on allowable costs. I expect that the review will inform any changes or improvements to the scheme as may be required. Following receipt of a report of the working group I will, following consultation with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and the Attorney General, bring proposals in this regard to Government.
734. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the heads of the proposed national monuments and archaeological heritage Bill have been agreed; when they will be published; the timeframe in which the Bill is expected to undergo pre-legislative scrutiny and be brought forward to the Houses of the Oireachtas. [40721/21]
View answerWork on a revised General Scheme for the Monuments and Archaeological Heritage Bill is currently underway in my Department. It is my intention to write to the Chair of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage and formally request pre-legislative scrutiny once all other requirements relating to the procedures governing the introduction of draft legislation have been completed.
I will move to publish the Bill once the Committee has issued its final report and any recommendations contained therein have been given due consideration by Government.
735. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the length of time that has elapsed since his Department was made aware of the illegal infill and annexing of foreshore at the Medieval Old Dock at Galway Port; the actions that have been taken since his attention was drawn to this fact to rectify the matter; the progress made to date to remove the infill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40736/21]
View answerThis issue was first brought to the attention of my Department in April 2014 on foot of a private litigation and legal advice was sought from the Chief State Solicitors Office (CSSO). Since then, there has been ongoing correspondence with the CSSO and the Attorney General’s Office, as well as a site inspection by a qualified marine inspector working in my Department. The property continues to be subject to a circuit Court Litigation between private parties, the outcome of which is awaited before further steps will be considered by the State. My Department is continuing to work with the CSSO to progress this matter and the appropriate next steps will be determined.
736. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a site value is considered as a deposit or proof of savings when applying under the Rebuilding Ireland home loan scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40749/21]
View answerThe Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan Scheme is designed to enable credit worthy first-time buyers to access sustainable mortgage lending to purchase new or second-hand properties. The Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan provides first-time buyers with access to mortgage finance that they may not otherwise have been able to obtain. More details of this are set out in the FAQ's section of the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan and in the link below.
http://rebuildingirelandhomeloan.ie/borrowing/
The maximum loan amount under the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan is limited to 90% of the market value of the property or, in the case of self-build properties, 90% of the overall cost. This means an applicant must raise 10% from their own resources. The site value is not explicitly regarded as a deposit or proof of savings, although, in certain circumstances, such as when the site is owned by the applicant, it can serve to reduce the amount of borrowing required under the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan to complete the house.
For prospective purchasers of newly-built properties, or for self-builds, the availability, through the Revenue Commissioners, of the Help to Buy Initiative for first-time buyers may provide additional assistance to prospective applicants for the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan. Further information is available online at:
www.revenue.ie/en/property/help-to-buy-incentive/index.aspx
737. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the time limited review of the defective block remediation scheme; and the progress to date on issues including covering costs of accommodation, engineering fees and non-construction items in addition to the broader issues of further access to the scheme in circumstances in which more defects arise and the issue of 100% redress. [40767/21]
View answerIn response to concerns being raised by homeowners in relation to the Defective Concrete Block grant scheme, I established a time-bound working group, with representatives from my Department, the local authorities and homeowner representative groups who are tasked with reviewing the operation of the scheme and providing a report with recommendations by 31st July.
The Group has met on six occasions up to and including the 27th of July with continuing interaction with my Department and other members between meetings. At the request of homeowners and in order to afford them more time to consider and respond to key issues under discussion, it was agreed at the meeting held on the 27th July that the timeline for the submission of a report by the Working Group would be extended to the end of September, 2021.
While the work of the group continues it would not be appropriate for me to comment on its deliberations. Following receipt of the report of the Working Group, I will, following consultation with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and the Attorney General, bring proposals to Government.
738. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the forthcoming State architecture policy; the reason for its delay; and if he will consult the Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage before the final policy is published. [40768/21]
View answerThe National Policy on Architecture is at an advanced stage of development. Following analysis of the public consultation submissions, a comprehensive consultation report was prepared during 2020 and early 2021 with the cooperation of the Government Policy on Architecture Advisory Group, which is composed of representatives of my Department along with the Department of Education and Skills; the Office of Public Works; the Health Service Executive; the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland; the schools of architecture, the City and County Architects Association, the Arts Council, the Heritage Council and the Irish Architecture Foundation.
Although there has been a delay from dates previously advised to the deputy, the fast-evolving policy environment at national and European levels last year and this year (arising from Covid-19, the Green Deal and New European Bauhaus) is addressed in the consultation report and will be integral to the implementation programme.
The consultation report, a memo and several appendices were circulated this month (July) to government departments. Responses are now being collated and will inform the final policy report and implementation plan and programme.
I look forward to engaging with the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage at the earliest opportunity.
739. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the review of the National Parks and Wildlife Service. [40769/21]
View answerThe NPWS review is currently underway and is at drafting stage following the extensive research and consultation phase. It is hoped that the final report, which is being prepared by the Independent Chair, Prof Jane Stout of Trinity College Dublin, will be completed in early Autumn.
740. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the work of the working group on defective homes; the reason for the delay in the group meeting the Programme for Government target of reporting within a year of Government formation; if he will address criticisms from members of the group that the working group's independence is being interfered with by Departmental officials; when he expects the work of this group to be concluded; and if some form of redress scheme will be included in Budget 2022 for home owners affected by Celtic tiger building defects. [40770/21]
View answer800. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the Working Group on Defective Homes; if he will request that its recommendations will be retrospective to allow owners of apartments who have carried out works in the recent past access the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41415/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 740 and 800 together.
The Programme for Government sets out a number of commitments in respect of the important policy area of building defects and provides for an examination of defects in housing, having regard to the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing report, "Safe as Houses".
In this context, I established a working group to examine defects in housing. The plenary working group has been meeting monthly since March 2021, in addition to subgroup meetings. The group’s terms of reference were adopted in May 2021 and include:
Examine defects in housing having regard to the recommendations in Item 4 “Addressing the legacy of bad building and poor regulation” in Chapter 4 of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government report - ‘Safe as Houses? A Report on Building Standards, Building Controls and Consumer Protection’.
Establish the nature of significant, wide-spread fire safety, structural safety and water ingress defects in purpose built apartment buildings, including duplexes, constructed between 1991 – 2013 in Ireland through consultation with affected homeowners, homeowner representative organisations, owners’ management companies, relevant managing agents, public representatives, local authorities, product manufacturers, building professionals, industry stakeholders, insurance providers, mortgage providers and other relevant parties. Including such matters as:
- Identification and description of defect,
- Nature of defect – design, product, workmanship,
- Non-compliance with building regulations or actual damage,
- Severity/risk to life or serviceability of dwelling,
- Period of construction affected,
- Type of dwelling affected,
- Location of dwellings affected.
Establish the scale of the issue – estimate number of dwellings affected by the defects identified including those already remediated.
Consider a methodology for the categorisation of defects and the prioritisation of remedial action.
In the case of defects with fire safety implications, consider how the framework for enhancing fire safety in dwellings can be applied to mitigate the risks arising from fire safety defects pending the remediation of defects and the Code of Practice for Fire Safety Assessment of Premises and Buildings, which is currently being developed by National Directorate of Fire and Emergency Management.
Suggest mechanisms for resolving defects, in the context of the legal rights, duties and obligations of developers, builders, building professionals, insurers, mortgage providers, building control authorities, fire authorities, owners’ management companies, owner occupiers, renters and landlords, including:
- Technical options for the remediation of dwellings,
- Efficient means of carrying out work,
- individual dwellings or whole building approach,
- routine maintenance/refurbishment or remediation,
- Structures or delivery channels needed to facilitate resolution – advice and support.
Evaluate the potential cost of technical remediation options.
Pursue options on possible financial solutions to effect a resolution, in line with the Programme for Government commitment to identify options for those impacted by defects to access low-cost, long-term finance.
To report to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage on the Examination of Defects in Housing.
In regard to the working group’s deliberations, the group will seek to engage with a range of interested parties, including homeowners, public representatives, local authorities, product manufacturers, building professionals and industry stakeholders, among others to examine the issue of defects in housing and report to me on the matter. Consultation with the relevant parties has commenced and further arrangements in this regard are currently being put in place by the working group.
I am satisfied that the group is working effectively and efficiently on this complex matter and I look forward to a report in due course following completion of their deliberation. Once I receive the report I will give full consideration to its contents, any further speculation or discussion on the output of the working group is premature at this stage.
741. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of applicants that have been removed from the social housing list as a result of changes to the household means policy issued on 26 March 2021, by county in tabular form. [40852/21]
View answer742. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of applicants that have had a social housing offer revoked as a result of changes to the household means policy issued on 26 March 2021, by county in tabular form. [40853/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 741 and 742 together.
Applications 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 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.
The specific data requested by the Deputy is not held by my Department.
