Written Answers Nos. 297-316
297. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the date on which a new large-scale sport infrastructure fund will open for prospective applicants. [43006/21]
View answerThe National Sports Policy was published in 2018 and provided for the establishment of a Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF); the National Development Plan provided a capital allocation of at least €100m for the Fund over the period to 2027.
The first allocations under the LSSIF were announced in January 2020 and, thus far, approximately €86.4m has been awarded to 33 different proposals. The immediate priority is to advance all of these projects. As it is now approximately 19 months since the first allocations were made, and in view of the issues faced by grantees as a result of the Covid pandemic, it is timely to review progress on all current projects. As part of this review, my Department is also considering the timing of any new call for proposals and it is expected that the review will be completed in the coming months.
298. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of an appeal submitted by Kildare County Council in respect of a grant from the large-scale sport infrastructure fund for a swimming pool in Maynooth, County Kildare. [43007/21]
View answerThe Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) was launched in 2018 to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects, including swimming pools, with at least €100m being made available over the period to 2027.
An application was received from Kildare County Council in respect of the project referred to by the Deputy. All applications under the LSSIF were assessed in accordance with the published scoring criteria. The scores were awarded based on factors such as the priority given to the project by the relevant NGB and/or local authority, the level of funding being provided by the project sponsor and how the project was likely to increase participation. The total funding applied for under the scheme significantly exceeded the amount available to allocate and the project referred to by the Deputy did not score sufficiently highly to be awarded a grant under this first set of allocations.
All unsuccessful applicants were given the opportunity to appeal the Department’s decision if it was felt that an error was made in the assessment process. Six appeals were received including one in respect of the application referred to by the Deputy. The appeal was assessed by officials who were not involved in the initial assessment process. While no significant errors were discovered in the scoring to warrant a grant award in this case, my Department is currently undertaking a review of progress on all existing LSSIF grants. As part of this work my Department is examining, inter alia, progress on all projects awarded funding to date. The scope for awarding new grants to projects which missed out under the first set of allocations is also being considered as part of this review. As part of the review, my Department is also considering the timing of any new call for proposals and it is expected that the review will be completed in the coming months.
299. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of formal and informal roles held by a person (details supplied) in the name of her Department or associated agency in the lifetime of this Government; when they were appointed to same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43044/21]
View answerI am informed that no formal or informal roles were held by the person to whom the Deputy refers, in my Department or Agencies under my remit during the period in question.
300. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she and or her special advisors and or officials use or have used services (details supplied) to communicate in the past 18 months. [43080/21]
View answerThe services to which the Deputy refers have been used on occasion by me and my advisors during the period outlined by the Deputy for general communication purposes.
301. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the role she has in the provision of proper pension provision for RTÉ pensioners; when the last increase was received by RTÉ pensioners; the level of increase provided; if her attention has been drawn to the actuarial advice stating the RTÉ pension fund is in a strong enough position to provide for an increase and for all future pension and indexation requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43186/21]
View answerAs Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media, I have responsibility for the governance of RTÉ including the legislative and regulatory framework for broadcasting. Section 91 of the Broadcasting Act provides for the RTÉ pension Scheme. In addition, Section 85 of the RTÉ Superannuation Scheme provides that a pension granted, under the provisions of Regulations 48 and 49, may be increased from time to time and this is for determination by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The RTÉ Superannuation Scheme, established under Statute, is sponsored by RTÉ. The Scheme is managed by a Board of Trustees who have responsibility for overseeing the scheme’s operations, including the investment of the scheme’s assets.
The last pension increase granted to pensioners of the RTÉ Superannuation Scheme was on 15th June 2008. The increase was 2.5%.
A proposal for a 2% pension increase was submitted in December 2020, to my Department seeking my approval and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, as required under the legislation that I have outlined.
I can advise that the matter is currently under review, taking into account all actuarial information, and in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. A decision will be made on the matter when the review and consultations have concluded.
302. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are plans to address anomalies in planning regulations (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42367/21]
View answerUnder the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Act), all development, unless specifically exempted under the Act or associated Regulations, requires planning permission.
In this regard, Class 31 of Schedule 2 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended, provides that certain classes of development carried out by a statutory undertaker authorised to provide a telecommunications service are, subject to specified conditions, exempted development from the requirement to obtain planning permission. Where the conditions and size thresholds specified in the exemption class are not complied with or are exceeded, planning permission is required.
Exemptions from the requirement to obtain planning permission in respect of specific forms of development are provided for when they are considered to be consistent with proper planning and sustainable development.
These arrangements are considered appropriate for the purpose of supporting the roll-out of a high quality communications service by a statutory undertaker while also taking account of the ongoing technological advances in this area. The legislative provisions are supplemented by planning guidelines entitled the Telecommunications Antennae and Support Structure Guidelines, which originally issued to planning authorities in 1996. In 2012, my Department issued Circular Letter PL07/12 to planning authorities, updating certain sections of these Guidelines. The Guidelines provide advice on appropriate location and siting considerations for telecommunication installations and masts to be considered in the development planning and development management process. The Guidelines, and subsequent Circular Letter, are available at the following links:
www.opr.ie/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/2012-Telecommunications-Antennae-and-Support-Structures-Circular-PL-07-12-1.pdf
and
assets.gov.ie/111242/904beafb-f8f4-4585-954f-c0753072e422.doc
I have no current plans to amend the Regulations in this matter.
303. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the surveys being carried out under the Water Framework Directive in the south-east; the expected timeframe for surveys to be complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43190/21]
View answerThe Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) is a shared service for the local authority sector. Working with State agencies, LAWPRO assists with the development and implementation of river basin management plans, which sets out the actions Ireland will take in order to improve the quality of our aquatic environment and meet the objectives of the EU Water Framework Directive.
As part of Ireland’s second River Basin Management Plan, 190 Priority Areas for Action (PAA) were identified around which LAWPRO’s work is concentrated. These are catchment areas that have been prioritised for focussed scientific assessment to understand the issues affecting water quality. Working with local communities, landowners, business owners and public bodies, LAWPRO then seeks to develop relevant and workable solutions to identified issues. There are 44 PAA’s in the South East region (Laois, Kilkenny, Carlow, Wexford, Waterford, Tipperary, some overlap into Wicklow, Offaly and Limerick).
The first step of LAWPRO’s work in a PAA, is to improve the scientific understanding by gathering and collating all relevant and available data into a Desktop Study Report. This ensures there is a focus on the issues that are significantly affecting water quality and the mitigation actions that should prioritised.
Another important aspect of LAWPRO’s work in the PAA’s is informing and working with local communities. Following their desktop studies and prior to commencing their fieldwork assessments, LAWPRO organises a community information meeting to discuss the water body with local people and interest groups. Local meetings are followed by farmer engagement events organised by advisors from the collaborative Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme, with the support of LAWPRO staff. Work to this stage has been completed for 34 of the PAA’s in the South East region.
Using this and other scientific information, LAWPRO catchment scientists then begin their fieldwork, walking the riverbanks and taking water samples to assess the condition of the river. Once the fieldwork is concluded and analysed, LAWPRO discuss the outcome of the assessment with the relevant implementing bodies or landowners, agreeing timelines for implementation of measures to improve water quality. The advisors from the Agricultural Sustainability Support and Advisory Programme will discuss any agricultural measures with the farmers.
Noting the impact of the COVID emergency on their work, particularly the community meetings and fieldwork elements, to date LAWPRO have completed 11 overall assessments, with fieldwork in 18 PAA’s currently ongoing.
A summary of the PAA’s in the South East Regions is outlined below, with further information available on LAWPRO’s website at awaters.ie/priority-areas-for-action/. Additional information on water quality and the status of waters can also be viewed on www.catchments.ie.
As key commitment in the Programme for Government, my Department is currently preparing a new strengthened River Basin Management Plan for Ireland, to cover the period 2022 – 2027. Further advancing Ireland’s commitment to the implementation of the Water Framework Directive, the new plan will build on the work of the second-cycle, again describing the main pressures and activities affecting water status and setting out the environmental objectives to be achieved up to 2027. The plan will also identify the measures needed to achieve these objectives, including a proposed expansion of the Areas for Action.
A draft plan is due to be published shortly for a 6 month public consultation, so I would urge everyone to please engage in this process once the consultation is launched.
PAA Progress Summary for the South East Region:
|
Area for action |
County |
Catchment |
Progress status |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aherlow |
Tipperary/Limerick |
Suir |
Fieldwork underway |
|
Ara |
Tipperary |
Suir |
Fieldwork underway |
|
Athy Stream |
Kildare/Laois |
Barrow |
Fieldwork completed |
|
Ballyfinboy (Upper) |
Offaly/Tipperary |
Lower Shannon |
Not commenced yet |
|
Ballyroan |
Laois |
Nore |
Not commenced yet |
|
Bannow |
Wexford |
Ballyteighe-Bannow |
Fieldwork underway |
|
Blackwater (Wexford) |
Wexford |
Owenavorragh |
Not commenced yet |
|
Borrisoleigh |
Tipperary |
Lower Shannon |
Not commenced yet |
|
Bregagh (Kilkenny) |
Kilkenny |
Nore |
Initial Public Engagement completed |
|
Brownstown (Pococke) |
Kilkenny |
Nore |
Not commenced yet |
|
Bunow |
Tipperary |
Lower Shannon |
Initial Public Engagement completed |
|
Burren |
Carlow |
Barrow |
Fieldwork underway |
|
Clashawley |
Tipperary |
Suir |
LCA report completed |
|
Clodiagh (Portlaw) |
Waterford |
Suir |
Fieldwork completed |
|
Colligan-Brickey |
Waterford |
Colligan-Mahon |
Fieldwork underway |
|
Dead & Cauteen |
Limerick/Tipperary |
Lower Shannon |
Fieldwork completed |
|
Derreen & Douglas (Kiltegan) |
Carlow/Wicklow |
Slaney & Wexford Harbour |
Fieldwork underway |
|
Derry-Coolboy-Rossnastraw |
Wicklow |
Slaney & Wexford Harbour |
Initial Public Engagement completed |
|
Dinin (south, main and muckalee) |
Carlow/Kilkenny/Laois |
Nore |
Fieldwork completed |
|
Duiske & Powerstown Stream |
Kilkenny |
Barrow |
Fieldwork completed |
|
Dunhill |
Waterford |
Colligan-Mahon |
Fieldwork underway |
|
Erkina |
Laois |
Nore |
Fieldwork underway |
|
Glenaboy |
Waterford |
Blackwater Munster |
Fieldwork underway |
|
Graney-Lerr |
Kildare/Carlow |
Barrow |
Initial Public Engagement completed |
|
Inch (Bilboa) |
Tipperary |
Lower Shannon |
Fieldwork underway |
|
Johns |
Waterford |
Suir |
Fieldwork underway |
|
Licky |
Waterford |
Blackwater Munster |
Not commenced yet |
|
Little Brosna |
Tipperary/Offaly |
Lower Shannon |
Not commenced yet |
|
Lingaun |
Tipperary/Kilkenny |
Suir |
Initial Public Engagement completed |
|
Lorrha Stream |
Tipperary |
Lower Shannon |
Fieldwork underway |
|
Lower Nenagh & Clareen |
Tipperary |
Lower Shannon |
Fieldwork underway |
|
Mountain |
Carlow |
Barrow |
Fieldwork completed |
|
Nuenna |
Kilkenny/Laois |
Nore |
Fieldwork completed |
|
Owenavorragh |
Wexford |
Owenavorragh |
Initial Public Engagement completed |
|
Owveg (Nore) |
Laois |
Nore |
Fieldwork completed |
|
Portarlington |
Laois |
Barrow |
Initial Public Engagement completed |
|
Slaney |
Carlow/Wicklow |
Slaney & Wexford Harbour |
Fieldwork underway |
|
Sow |
Wexford |
Slaney & Wexford Harbour |
Fieldwork underway |
|
Tay |
Waterford |
Colligan-Mahon |
Fieldwork completed |
|
Toem & Cappawhite |
Limerick/Tipperary |
Lower Shannon |
Fieldwork underway |
|
Urrin |
Wexford |
Slaney |
Fieldwork completed |
|
Waterford Harbour |
Wexford |
Ballyteighe-Bannow |
Fieldwork underway |
|
Wexford Coastal Lagoons |
Wexford |
Ballyteighe-Bannow |
Fieldwork underway |
|
Wexford Harbour |
Wexford |
Slaney & Wexford Harbour |
Not commenced yet |
304. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if consideration will be given to a review of the income housing thresholds for housing waiting lists within local authorities, specifically in terms of greater degree of disregard specifically in circumstances in which there are children with severe disabilities in the household. [41441/21]
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 a 2.5% allowance 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.
Finally, the National Housing Strategy for People with a Disability 2011-2016 was extended to the end of 2021 and a review of the priority actions outlined within the strategy is being undertaken this year. A period of research and consultation is taking place to inform the development of a new Housing Strategy. The second round of consultation on the new Strategy is due to get underway in the Autumn and the new Strategy will be published by the end of the year.
305. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 600 of 15 June 2021, when the internal working group established to consider a long-term strategy for unsold affordable housing units last met; the current members of the internal working group; when he expects the working group to meet again; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41468/21]
View answerAs of Q4 2020, a total of 2,039 unsold affordable units have been identified across 19 local authorities.
These units are available for social housing and currently occupied by social housing tenants. These properties have provided homes for these tenants dating from 2009 when my Department issued guidance to local authorities on the use of unsold affordable properties as a means to meet social housing need.
In September 2020, I convened a working group to examine the issues around these units in detail. This working group comprises members of the Local Government Management Agency, Housing Finance Agency, Housing Agency, Approved Housing Bodies through the Irish Council of Social Housing and my Department.
The group last met in November 2020. The next meeting is planned for September 2021.
306. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide more funding to local authorities to maintain beaches and coastal communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41469/21]
View answerThe maintenance of beaches and coastal communities is achieved by a range of programmes provided by local authorities, as well as across Government. As the Minister responsible for marine environmental policy maintaining our beaches and coast is a key priority for me.
In addition to providing core local government funding, my Department funds and supports the "Clean Coasts" range of programmes and the "Blue Flag Awards" operated by An Taisce in which local authorities and communities are engaged in managing and protecting local beaches and the coastal environment.
Clean Coasts currently has 1,540 groups with approximately 30,000 volunteers including individuals, local communities, schools, residents associations, sports clubs, universities, youth groups, tourist attractions, and businesses.
My Department continues to keep these programmes under review.
307. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of homeless persons who have died in the State in each of the past five years and to date in 2021. [41509/21]
View answerThere have been a number of deaths of people who had been sleeping rough or accessing homeless services over the last number of years. Each of these deaths is a tragedy and I extend my sympathies to the families concerned. The deaths of people availing of homeless services are a concern and are being taken very seriously. It is important that we establish the facts concerning the circumstances involved, and that we base our response on the best knowledge and evidence available.
While the information requested in respect of the number of deaths of homeless service users is not compiled in my Department, a feasibility study on data collection of homeless deaths nationally is being undertaken by the Health Research Board on behalf of the Department of Health. This is due to be completed by the end of 2021. The research is applying the methodology used to compile the National Drug Related Deaths Index, which is a census of drug-related deaths and deaths among drug users and those who are alcohol dependent in Ireland. The data collection for 2019 deaths, including deaths among people who were homeless, is reviewing approximately 17,000 files from all Coroner districts.
A review of homeless deaths was undertaken on behalf of the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) by Dr. Austin O’Carroll, the HSE appointed Clinical Lead for Covid-19 and Homelessness in Dublin. The review analysed the available data concerning deaths in homeless services for 2020 to identify learning for homeless and health services that could help tailor the provision of care to homeless people. This ‘Interim Report on Mortality in Single Homeless Population 2020’ was completed in June 2021. Owing to certain data limitations, including Covid-19 restrictions limiting access to coroner’s reports, the report will be subject to revision when further data becomes available. I have met with Dr. O’Carroll to discuss his Report and its recommendations.
It is vital that we continue to deliver the appropriate measures to ensure that all individuals experiencing homelessness are supported to exit into permanent housing solutions and that those with complex health and mental health needs are provided with the supports they need. My Department is working closely with the Department of Health, the HSE and local authorities in respect of these issues.
‘Housing for All - a New Housing Plan for Ireland’ is the Government’s strategic housing plan to 2030. It includes measures targeted specifically at those experiencing homelessness with complex needs. It commits to the continued expansion of Housing First, and, importantly, ensuring that health and mental health supports are provided. An individual health care plan will be provided for all homeless individuals that need one.
In particular, engaging with rough sleepers is vital. This engagement is first and foremost to encourage those rough sleeping to avail of shelter. But critically, it also allows their health needs to be assessed and provided for.
308. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the scope of the purchasing activity he envisages under section 8 of the Affordable Housing Act 2021; and the provisions it is planned to put into regulations under that section. [41514/21]
View answerThe Affordable Housing Act 2021 was signed into law by the President on 21 July 2021. On 18 August, I signed the Affordable Housing Act 2021 (Commencement) (Parts 1 and 3) Order 2021, which commenced Parts 1 and 3 of the Act from 19 August. This brought into operation the Cost Rental element of the Act. The text of the Order is available at: www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2021/si/424/made/en/print.
On 19 August 2021 I made the Affordable Housing Act 2021 (Cost Rental Designation) Regulations 2021, which came into effect that day. These Regulations govern the process by which the owners of dwellings may obtain the designation of their properties as Cost Rental dwellings. The text of the Regulations is available online at: www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2021/si/425/made/en/print.
On 2 September 2021 I signed the Affordable Housing Act 2021 (Commencement of Certain Provisions) Order 2021, which commenced Part 2 (other than subsections (2)(c), (6), and (7) of section 6) and Parts 4, 6, 7, and 8 of the Act from 3 September. The text of the Order is available at: www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2021/si/450/made/en/print.
With the relevant elements of the Act now commenced, it is my intention to make further Regulations governing Local Authority Affordable Purchase and Cost Rental housing.
309. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current policy regarding the employment of persons with disabilities in his Department and in each State and semi-State body under the aegis of his Department; the disability quota of his Department at present; if there is an active campaign to increase the disability workforce from the current target of 3% to a minimum of 6% by 2024; if this quota has now been exceeded; if so, the details of same; if there has been an advertised competition in relation to the quota; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41597/21]
View answerMy Department complies with all central policy and guidance, in relation to equality of opportunity in all of our employment practices. The vast majority of external recruitment for my Department is carried out by the Public Appointments Service and any additional recruitment undertaken by my Department is done in compliance with the terms of the recruitment licence issued to us by the Commission for Public Service Appointments.
Under the Disability Act 2005, public service bodies have a duty to promote and support the employment of people with disabilities and to ensure that at least 3% of their employees are people with disabilities. In addition, the Department has a statutory requirement to maintain accurate records on the number of staff with disabilities. To meet this requirement, on an annual basis, staff are requested to declare, confidentially, if they have a disability. In 2020 the percentage of staff working in my Department with a declared disability was 6%.
Some specific measures to support the employment of people with disabilities within my Department include:
Participation in the Willing Able Mentoring (WAM) programme since 2018 offering graduates with disabilities a 6 month work placement within the Department. This programme is a collaboration between the Irish Civil Service and AHEAD (Association for Higher Education Access and Disability).
Support for the Job Shadow Day initiative on an annual basis, as part of the national project which brings people with disabilities and local employers together for one day; for the last number of years my Department has teamed with the Walkinstown Association for People with an Intellectual Disability (WALK). Due to Covid-19 we were not asked to participate in 2020.
In 2020 my Department introduced its Universal Design and Accessibility Policy and Action Plan, which aims to demonstrate the Department’s commitment to accessibility, the principles of Universal Design and reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities.
During 2020 and 2021, my Department ran Disability Awareness Training and Autism Awareness Training, supporting our commitments under the National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021.
My Department has a Disability Liaison Officer who provides additional support to staff with disabilities on an ongoing basis, providing reasonable accommodations as appropriate. We also have a mentoring programme open to all staff.
The details requested in relation to bodies under the aegis of my Department are a matter for the individual bodies concerned. Arrangements have been put in place by each Agency to facilitate the provision of information by State Bodies directly to members of the Oireachtas. The contact email addresses for each agency are set out in the table below.
|
- |
|
|
State Body |
Contact E-mails |
|
An Bord Pleanála |
oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie |
|
An Fóram Uisce (the Water Forum) |
info@nationalwaterforum.ie |
|
Docklands Oversight and Consultative Forum |
infodocklands@dublincity.ie |
|
Ervia |
oireachtas@ervia.ie |
|
Gas Networks Ireland |
oireachtas@ervia.ie |
|
Heritage Council |
oireachtas@heritagecouncil.ie |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
oireachtas.enquiries@hfa.ie |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
publicreps@housingagency.ie |
|
Irish Water |
oireachtasmembers@water.ie |
|
Land Development Agency |
oireachtas@lda.ie |
|
Local Government Management Agency |
corporate@lgma.ie |
|
National Oversight and Audit Commission |
info@noac.ie |
|
National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee |
ntacc@housing.gov.ie |
|
Office of the Planning Regulator |
oireachtas@opr.ie |
|
Ordnance Survey Ireland |
Oireachtas@osi.ie |
|
Property Registration Authority |
reps@prai.ie |
|
Pyrite Resolution Board |
oireachtasinfo@pyriteboard.ie |
|
Residential Tenancies Board |
OireachtasMembersQueries@rtb.ie |
|
Valuation Office |
oireachtas.enquiries@VALOFF.ie |
|
Valuation Tribunal |
info@valuationtribunal.ie |
|
Water Advisory Body |
info@wab.gov.ie |
|
Waterways Ireland |
ceoffice@waterwaysireland.org |
310. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will introduce incentives to encourage housing downsizing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41679/21]
View answerThe Government is committed to supporting older people to live in their own homes and communities with dignity and independence for as long as possible, as this leads to the best outcomes both for the individual and for society as a whole.
The housing needs of older people are addressed specifically in seven Actions in the Government's new housing plan for the delivery of social, affordable, cost rental and private homes, Housing for All, which was launched last week. These Actions underpin the development of policy options in support of a range of housing and accommodation alternatives for older people including supported housing/housing with care in accordance with the principles of the Joint Policy Statement, "Housing Options for Our Ageing Population". This policy statement was published by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and the Department of Health in 2019 and implementation of its 40 Actions will be supported by the provisions of Housing for All. A number of these are concerned with rightsizing and work is ongoing in relation to these.
The final report of the Implementation Group on the Housing Options for Our Ageing Population Policy Statement will be published by the end of 2021.
311. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total amount of funding for Traveller specific accommodation that was drawn down by each local authority since 2014; the amount drawn down to date in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41806/21]
View answerIn accordance with the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998, the role of my Department is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist housing authorities in providing accommodation for Travellers, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding.
The funding drawn down by local authorities for each of the years 2014 – 2020 and up to the 31 July 2021 are set out in the table below:
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
County Council |
Drawdown |
Drawdown |
Drawdown |
Drawdown |
Drawdown |
Drawdown |
Drawdown |
Drawdown |
|
|
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
31 July 2021 |
|
Carlow |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€71,450 |
€0 |
€381,898 |
€206,986 |
€38,587 |
|
Cavan |
€0 |
€0 |
€9,398 |
€13,729 |
€0 |
€94,500 |
€13,114 |
€36,400 |
|
Clare |
€250,613 |
€0 |
€0 |
€42,444 |
€13,250 |
€669,389 |
€174,032 |
€13,879 |
|
Cork City |
€206,913 |
€427,304 |
€301,796 |
€97,000 |
€180,250 |
€42,319 |
€1,504,850 |
€206,941 |
|
Cork County |
€15,322 |
€0 |
€0 |
€93,156 |
€0 |
€184,745 |
€133,684 |
€0 |
|
Donegal |
€3,175 |
€4,750 |
€74,532 |
€15,100 |
€52,775 |
€0 |
€245,498 |
€48,717 |
|
Dublin City |
€481,693 |
€99,162 |
€762,342 |
€734,209 |
€744,400 |
€895,197 |
€2,066,977 |
€239,066 |
|
Dun Laoghaire / Rathdown |
€23,986 |
€1,592,429 |
€129,552 |
€1,857,313 |
€1,099,940 |
€32,834 |
€747,750 |
€0 |
|
Fingal |
€424,754 |
€1,113,425 |
€0 |
€17,420 |
€886,957 |
€848,957 |
€486,858 |
€63,008 |
|
Galway City |
€72,241 |
€62,150 |
€0 |
€95,102 |
€0 |
€0 |
€861,334 |
€414,645 |
|
Galway County |
€0 |
€0 |
€123,816 |
€0 |
€267,032 |
€670,440 |
€1,107,714 |
€72,091 |
|
Kerry |
€144,415 |
€3,810 |
€255,730 |
€28,566 |
€62,538 |
€75,131 |
€15,773 |
€78,332 |
|
Kildare |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€29,510 |
€360,231 |
€261,110 |
€77,695 |
|
Kilkenny |
€287,239 |
€397,577 |
€431,714 |
€563,040 |
€60,067 |
€408,856 |
€125,638 |
€99,889 |
|
Laois |
€60,262 |
€30,600 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€192,520 |
€103,317 |
|
Leitrim |
€0 |
€65,975 |
€12,794 |
€59,933 |
€54,306 |
€0 |
€375,635 |
€33,537 |
|
Limerick City |
€249,987 |
€68,923 |
€21,209 |
€219,918 |
€470,997 |
€1,424,782 |
€2,370,922 |
€2,025,200 |
|
Longford |
€25,000 |
€88,966 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
|
€278,460 |
|
Louth |
€0 |
€7,620 |
€444,484 |
€220,048 |
€3,810 |
€341,863 |
€287,087 |
€34,074 |
|
Mayo |
€3,810 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€215,951 |
€252,038 |
|
Meath |
€0 |
€0 |
€76,877 |
€5,750 |
€0 |
€91,790 |
€58,845 |
€57,202 |
|
Monaghan |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€54,745 |
€0 |
€423,201 |
€43,991 |
|
Offaly |
€73,760 |
€85,000 |
€37,775 |
€101,616 |
€10,999 |
€692,329 |
€499,833 |
€270,775 |
|
Roscommon |
€96,126 |
€0 |
€10,808 |
€123,191 |
€102,274 |
€73,843 |
€148,168 |
€65,151 |
|
Sligo |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€9,931 |
€282,883 |
€1,131,397 |
€1,193,489 |
€80,997 |
|
South Dublin |
€46,978 |
€0 |
€26,397 |
€0 |
€1,284,101 |
€106,719 |
€284,390 |
€181,528 |
|
Tipperary |
€291,874 |
€23,142 |
€1,399,370 |
€399,337 |
€42,003 |
€0 |
€156,731 |
€191,202 |
|
Waterford |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
€173,817 |
|
Waterford City |
€9,769 |
€0 |
€13,545 |
€22,610 |
€472,726 |
€77,562 |
€14,549 |
€30,666 |
|
Westmeath |
€0 |
€0 |
€48,000 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€114,326 |
€19,897 |
|
Wexford |
€328,733 |
€30,906 |
€87,695 |
€0 |
€0 |
€52,870 |
€30,382 |
€44,858 |
|
Wicklow |
€67,038 |
€27,891 |
€0 |
€43,773 |
€88,783 |
€0 |
€180,305 |
€203,009 |
|
TOTAL |
€3,163,688 |
€4,129,630 |
€4,267,834 |
€4,834,636 |
€6,264,345 |
€8,657,652 |
€14,497,654 |
€5,478,969 |
312. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of persons presenting as homeless in County Mayo each year since 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41807/21]
View answerMy Department publishes a detailed monthly report on homelessness, based on data provided by housing authorities. The Report outlines details of individuals utilising State-funded emergency accommodation arrangements that are overseen by housing authorities. The Reports are available on my Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/80ea8-homelessness-data/
The most recently published data is in respect of July 2021. There were 34 adults in emergency accommodation in Mayo during the July count week. County Mayo is part of the West region for the purposes of homeless reporting, along with counties Galway and Roscommon. The combined West region reported 66 families, with 165 dependants associated with these families, in emergency accommodation in July 2021.
Reporting on homelessness began in its current format with the introduction of the Pathway Accommodation & Support System (PASS) in 2014.
All homeless data from January 2019 to date are also published on the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform's open data portal at: data.gov.ie/.
313. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of persons from the Travelling community presenting as homeless each year since 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41808/21]
View answerMy Department currently publishes data on a monthly basis on the number of homeless persons accommodated in emergency accommodation funded and overseen by housing authorities. These reports are based on data provided by housing authorities, produced through the Pathway Accommodation & Support System (PASS). The reports are collated on a regional basis, are published on my Department's website and can be accessed using the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/80ea8-homelessness-data/.
The reports do not provide information on the ethnicity of households accessing emergency accommodation and as such the information requested by the Deputy is not available in my Department.
314. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans on reforming the existing tenant purchase scheme for local authorities as the conditions of the current scheme excludes large cohorts of council tenants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41847/21]
View answerThe Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme came into operation on 1 January 2016. The Scheme is open to eligible tenants, including joint tenants, of local authority houses that are available for sale under the Scheme. To be eligible, tenants must meet certain criteria, including having a minimum reckonable income of €15,000 per annum and having been in receipt of social housing support for at least one year.
A review of the first 12 months of the Scheme’s operation has been undertaken. In addition, the Programme for Government commits to maintaining the right of social housing tenants to purchase their own home with some changes to eligibility. The review and the commitments in the Programme for Government are being examined as part of the work on the broader social housing reform agenda. I expect to be in a position to publish the review and finalise changes to the Scheme once the work on these reform measures is complete.
315. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will address a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41852/21]
View answerThe Unit referred to was originally an information point for the Park. The National Park is now served by a world-class visitor centre at Killarney House, which forms a gateway experience to Killarney National Park. It seeks to educate and encourage exploration and participation, creating a link between the tangible and intangible heritage of the Park.
As previously signalled, if the use of the premises was to be altered in the future, it would need to go through a planning application for change of use. This application could take some period of time, and would also produce a financial commitment. At present, casual trading is not allowed within Killarney National Park. Notwithstanding the above, if it were to proceed to leasing for business, the entire process and award of such a venture would be subject to a tendering process, which would be an open competition.
While consideration could be given in the future to re-purposing the Unit, subject to a change of use application being made under the Planning and Development Acts, it would however require capital funding being re-directed from elsewhere in the Park. Moreover, there exists already significant parking issues at this location and a commercial operation at this site would only exacerbate this problem. Accordingly, the development of this unit is not a priority at present.
316. Deputy Paul Murphy 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 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 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. [41863/21]
View answer318. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to alter planning regulations to reduce the barriers associated with solar panel installation and to allow the installation of solar panels on public buildings, including schools without planning permission; the timeline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41874/21]
View answer319. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if information will be provided on his Department's review of the siting and size conditions for rooftop solar panels on homes and on the 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. [41875/21]
View answer327. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan 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 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 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. [41996/21]
View answer331. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on his Department's review of the siting and size regulations for rooftop solar panels on homes and businesses and the review of exemptions for educational and community buildings as part of the development of interim planning regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42043/21]
View answer332. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will clarify the stated position regarding the need for environmental assessment reporting before the finalisation of interim planning regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42044/21]
View answer333. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the interim planning regulations for the installation of solar panels will be submitted to the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42045/21]
View answer334. Deputy Darren O'Rourke 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 the 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. [42070/21]
View answer339. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of his Department's review of the siting and size conditions for rooftop solar panels on homes and the 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. [42194/21]
View answer344. Deputy Richard Bruton 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 the 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. [42249/21]
View answer351. Deputy Brendan Griffin 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 a 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 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. [42355/21]
View answer383. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of a review of siting and size conditions for rooftop solar panels on homes and a 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. [42895/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 316, 318, 319, 327, 331 to 334, inclusive, 339, 344, 351 and 383 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. The SEA process, involving a public consultation on the proposals, is currently underway and is expected to be completed by mid-December 2021.
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.
Accordingly, 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 early 2022. 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 in early 2022. 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.
