Written Answers Nos. 337-359
337. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the net benefit if any to the Exchequer in discounted terms of part V agreements concluded between 2012 to date compared with traditional provision of social housing by local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42145/21]
View answerPart V of the Planning and Development Acts 2000 to 2020 allows a local authority to purchase a percentage of land (currently up to 10%) at existing use value and to use this land for the provision of social housing support. Existing use value is the value of the land without the benefit of planning permission and is generally less than the market value, particularly for greenfield sites.
The purpose of Part V is to achieve a housing mix rather than having housing estates of a mono tenure. It ensures that all applicable housing developments contain some social housing as well as owner occupied and potentially also private rented housing. The exclusion of developer profit and land value planning gain from the price payable for Part V units means that they can be acquired at less than their open market value.
A local authority’s options under Part V to capture the 10% of net monetary value are -
- the transfer of ownership of land, subject to the planning permission application, to a local authority for the provision of social housing (the default option);
- the building and transfer of ownership to the local authority, or persons nominated, of completed social homes on the site subject to the planning permission;
- the transfer of ownership to the local authority, or persons nominated, of completed social housing homes on other land;
- the long term leasing of social housing homes; and
- a combination of the options above.
My Department records Part V unit data based on the expenditure recouped by the local authorities. However, local authorities may take land as part of the Part V agreement and we don’t have sight of this until the LA develops a proposal to build units on that land, which may not be for a number of years. It is therefore not possible to provide complete details of the net benefit to the Exchequer in discounted terms of Part V agreements concluded between 2012 to date, compared with traditional provision of social housing by local authorities.
However, I am setting out below data comparing the cost of Part V units acquired by local authorities with tendered costs for local authority-led construction of social homes, for each of the years 2017 to 2020. The construction costs vary depending on design, type of units (e.g. bedroom numbers, apartment/house), and on the level of abnormal cost requirements for each scheme, such as site conditions, demolitions, service diversions and site access requirements. The costs below relate to the construction element only of the all-in delivery cost. Other items that make up the all-in delivery cost, but which are excluded from the figures shown, include the following:
- Design/technical fees : Design fees vary from project to project, depending on the location, size and complexity of a scheme (and depending on whether design services are provided by a local authority in-house or via external appointment). As a guideline/indicator, design fee generally range between 7.5% and 12.5% of construction costs:
- Land cost : Land costs can vary significantly from project to project, depending on location and ownership status (e.g. land costs could vary from existing local authority land with no cost to land purchased at market value).
- Utilities : Connection fees for Irish Water, ESB, gas, etc. As a guideline/indicator, utility connection costs are generally in the order of €7k per unit.
- Other Costs : Other elements that can make up the all-in delivery cost can include site investigations/ surveys, archaeological requirements, Percent for Art contributions - and will vary from scheme to scheme.
|
- |
Average Cost Per Unit – LA Construction (excluding items listed above) |
Average Cost Per Unit – Part V |
|
2017 |
185,935 |
184,971 |
|
2018 |
222,085 |
215,915 |
|
2019 |
239,837 |
224,514 |
|
2020 |
205,111 |
234,373 |
338. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if persons with a disability are eligible to apply for a Rebuilding Ireland home loan; the number of persons with disabilities who have been granted an loan to date since the scheme’s introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42172/21]
View answerPersons who have a disablity and are eligible for a Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan may apply for a Loan.
The final decision on loan approval is a matter for the relevant local authority and its credit committee on a case-by-case basis. Decisions on all housing loan applications must be made in accordance with the statutory credit policy that underpins the scheme, in order to ensure prudence and consistency in approaches in the best interests of both borrowers and the lending local authorities.
My Department does not collect data on the number of persons with disabilities who have been granted a Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan.
340. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current number of unfinished developments by each county or local authority in tabular form; the number that are fully unoccupied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42238/21]
View answer341. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the initiatives that are in place to assist in completing unfinished developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42239/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 340 and 341 together.
My Department conducted Unfinished Housing Developments surveys with assistance from all local authorities between 2010 and 2017. A Progress Report was prepared each year based on the data and analysis from each survey. The most recent reports and auxiliary data are available on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/706ac-unfinished-housing-developments-annual-reports/.
Approximately 3,000 developments were surveyed in 2010. The 2017 survey identified that overall there had been a 91% reduction of ‘unfinished’ developments since 2010 with 256 developments remaining on the ‘unfinished’ list. Of these 256 developments in 2017 only 159 were occupied in some part by residents.
In September 2020 my Department asked local authorities to re-evaluate and assess the remaining 256 developments. These developments were surveyed by the local authorities in September / October 2020 and within this cohort of 256 developments, it was found that there was a 52% reduction in ‘unfinished’ developments since 2017. Of the 256 developments surveyed, the number of developments classified as ‘unfinished’ from the 2017 survey had almost halved to 124 developments nationally, which is a 96% reduction from the initial number of unfinished developments surveyed in 2010. From the 256 developments surveyed:
- 132 of the 256 developments are now being removed from the list of unfinished developments because they are substantially complete and / or active sites that are now finishing. Many of these developments will now progress to being considered for taking in charge by the relevant local authority.
- 124 developments remain ‘unfinished’.
Of the 124 unfinished developments, 326 houses and 13 apartments were vacant at the time of survey in 2020. The table below outlines the breakdown by county, including those that were fully unoccupied.
Unfinished Developments by County, September 2020
|
LA |
Total Developments |
Total Unoccupied |
|
Carlow |
6 |
1 |
|
Cavan |
5 |
4 |
|
Clare |
4 |
1 |
|
Cork County |
7 |
4 |
|
Donegal |
17 |
7 |
|
Dublin City |
1 |
1 |
|
Fingal |
5 |
0 |
|
Galway County |
4 |
2 |
|
Kerry |
2 |
2 |
|
Kilkenny |
3 |
1 |
|
Laois |
3 |
3 |
|
Leitrim |
9 |
5 |
|
Limerick |
6 |
4 |
|
Longford |
1 |
1 |
|
Louth |
4 |
0 |
|
Mayo |
3 |
2 |
|
Monaghan |
1 |
1 |
|
Offaly |
3 |
0 |
|
Roscommon |
14 |
7 |
|
Sligo |
3 |
1 |
|
Tipperary |
10 |
4 |
|
Waterford |
3 |
0 |
|
Wexford |
9 |
5 |
|
Wicklow |
1 |
1 |
|
|
124 |
57 |
A list of unfinished housing estates can be found under the ‘unfinished’ tab layer on the MyPlan website available at the following link: www.myplan.ie.
In the line with the commitment in Housing for All, local authorities will continue to assess the best options for resolution of unfinished developments and/or developments that are to be taken in charge.
Question No. 341 answered with Question No. 340.
342. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when a person (details supplied) will receive a payment under the turf cutting compensation scheme for 2021. [42240/21]
View answerI am advised that the annual payment for 2021 under the cessation of turf cutting compensation scheme issued to the applicant referred to in the Deputy’s question on 31 August 2021.
Annual payments under the scheme for qualifying applicants are generally made from the second quarter of each year in order to facilitate applicants in the provision of fuel for the following winter period.
343. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on the pyrite remediation scheme; if he will consider properties in County Tipperary for inclusion in the pyrite remediation scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42241/21]
View answerThe regulations for the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant scheme came into operation on 31 January 2020. The Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks in Construction (Remediation) (Financial Assistance) Regulations 2020 provide for a grant scheme of financial assistance to support affected homeowners in the counties of Donegal and Mayo only, to carry out the necessary remediation works to dwellings that have been damaged due to the use of defective concrete blocks. The Scheme opened for applications at the end of June 2020.
Significant preparatory work was carried out to investigate and quantify the extent of the problem in both Donegal and Mayo and designing a scheme to address the issue. My Department is in ongoing engagement with local authorities and local action groups that are currently within the scope of the scheme and with the relevant local authorities in respect of discussions on requests for an extension of the scheme to other counties.
My Department informed councils requesting admittance to the scheme that before any extension of the scheme can be considered, the same rigorous analysis as that put in place prior to the rollout of the scheme to the counties of Donegal and Mayo would have to be undertaken. There is an opportunity here for the local authority concerned to take a lead role in determining, in accordance with the IS: 465 protocol, that issues arising in homes in County Tipperary are in fact due to the presence of excessive amounts of deleterious materials (mica or pyrite) in the aggregate used to manufacture the concrete blocks and secondly quantify the likely extent of the problem in the county.
Such analysis will provide the evidential basis necessary for the consideration of any extension of the scheme. Pending the receipt of and consideration of such analysis it would be premature to consider an extension of the scheme.
345. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when a 35-year State property lease pursuant to the State Property Act 1954 (as amended) will issue to a club (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42289/21]
View answerI can confirm that the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has approved the granting of a State Property Lease, pursuant to the State Property Act 1954 (as amended) to Callinafercy Rowing Club for a term of 35 years.
The Chief State Solicitors Office (CSSO) and legal representatives acting on behalf of the Club, are currently finalising the content and terms of the lease. In this regard, I understand the CSSO issued recent correspondence to the Club's legal representatives seeking up to date instructions on certain matters and a response to same is awaited.
Once the process of finalising the lease is complete, the lease can proceed to be executed and exchanged, subject to payment of any funds due thereunder.
346. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a schedule of the amount granted to each local authority in respect of adaptation grants for persons with a disability on an annual basis for the past seven years to date; the amount surrendered back to his Department by each local authority over the same period in unused grant aid; and if he can fund local authorities if they deplete their annual allocations. [42303/21]
View answerMy Department's approach each year is to issue a single full year allocation to each local authority, so they can plan and implement the grants programme. Over the course of the year, my Department works closely with the local authorities to monitor spend and to achieve a full drawdown of the available funding. This means that if underspends arise on the part of some local authorities, they can be redistributed to other authorities which have higher levels of grant activity. My Department will give due consideration to any request received from Local Authorities for additional Exchequer funding in this regard.
Details in relation to allocations and funding draw down is available in the following table;
|
LOCAL AUTHORITY |
2014 Allocation |
2014 Drawdown |
|
2015 Allocation |
2015 Drawdown |
|
2016 Allocation |
2016 Drawdown |
|
2017 Allocation |
2017 Drawdown |
|
2018 Allocation |
2018 Drawdown |
|
2019 Allocation |
2019 Drawdown |
|
2020 Allocation |
2020 Drawdown |
|
2021 Allocation |
|
Carlow |
€658,359 |
€1,183,816 |
|
€658,359 |
€1,107,589 |
|
€1,187,817 |
€1,055,680 |
|
€1,221,227 |
€1,393,499 |
|
€1,247,317 |
€1,547,564 |
|
€1,271,518 |
€1,337,450 |
|
€1,278,068 |
€1,218,411.20 |
|
€1,284,618 |
|
Cavan |
€914,395 |
€1,047,377 |
|
€914,395 |
€975,509 |
|
€1,086,368 |
€962,265 |
|
€1,132,455 |
€1,277,717 |
|
€1,166,371 |
€1,317,748 |
|
€1,197,834 |
€992,380 |
|
€1,206,584 |
€601,631.00 |
|
€1,215,334 |
|
Clare |
€1,291,810 |
€1,372,261 |
|
€291,810 |
€1,403,902 |
|
€1,583,412 |
€1,690,338 |
|
€1,658,270 |
€2,264,394 |
|
€1,713,277 |
€2,418,331 |
|
€1,764,304 |
€2,399,552 |
|
€1,778,004 |
€2,218,988.00 |
|
€1,791,704 |
|
Cork City |
€1,552,805 |
€1,256,038 |
|
€1,552,805 |
€845,939 |
|
€1,048,186 |
€951,345 |
|
€1,129,708 |
€960,451 |
|
€1,401,645 |
€844,875 |
|
€1,595,005 |
€1,020,317.40 |
|
€1,747,783 |
€752,938.00 |
|
€1,809,344 |
|
Cork County |
€3,925,585 |
€3,609,052 |
|
€410,585 |
€3,381,896 |
|
€3,747,575 |
€3,902,496 |
|
€3,992,861 |
€3,603,532 |
|
€4,493,924 |
€3,357,994 |
|
€4,663,506 |
€4,285,389 |
|
€4,698,206 |
€3,042,329.00 |
|
€4,732,906 |
|
Donegal |
€780,000 |
€321,602 |
|
€899,632 |
€271,728 |
|
€527,854 |
€574,281 |
|
€631,127 |
€812,497 |
|
€948,886 |
€985,808 |
|
€1,175,055 |
€1,333,144 |
|
€1,340,100 |
€1,613,899.58 |
|
€1,406,604 |
|
Dublin City |
€4,656,977 |
€3,030,446 |
|
€287,697 |
€4,623,017 |
|
€5,438,120 |
€4,406,898 |
|
€5,765,100 |
€5,730,745 |
|
€6,021,427 |
€6,876,145 |
|
€6,765,242 |
€7,395,112.64 |
|
€6,817,442 |
€5,811,413.04 |
|
€6,869,642 |
|
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown |
€844,147 |
€648,114 |
|
€265,164 |
€731,525 |
|
€1,074,116 |
€899,195 |
|
€1,216,545 |
€1,004,178 |
|
€1,634,669 |
€789,409 |
|
€1,932,462 |
€1,159,572 |
|
€2,079,292 |
€774,534.60 |
|
€2,138,457 |
|
Fingal |
€1,561,049 |
€1,077,562 |
|
€257,474 |
€1,448,195 |
|
€1,780,937 |
€1,486,267 |
|
€1,929,633 |
€1,639,514 |
|
€2,380,985 |
€1,917,100 |
|
€2,702,222 |
€2,043,228 |
|
€2,722,672 |
€1,471,386.00 |
|
€2,743,122 |
|
Galway City |
€448,222 |
€653,333 |
|
€45,634 |
€702,398 |
|
€803,904 |
€526,346 |
|
€847,130 |
€639,971 |
|
€880,299 |
€1,031,061 |
|
€911,069 |
€807,776.97 |
|
€917,069 |
€716,699.00 |
|
€923,069 |
|
Galway County |
€1,519,824 |
€1,029,813 |
|
€1,645,963 |
€1,172,339 |
|
€1,442,398 |
€1,384,277 |
|
€1,554,085 |
€1,387,390 |
|
€1,887,048 |
€1,879,152 |
|
€2,124,130 |
€1,695,312 |
|
€2,275,421 |
€1,684,192.40 |
|
€2,336,383 |
|
Kerry |
€1,431,022 |
€1,487,432 |
|
€1,431,022 |
€1,435,627 |
|
€1,676,840 |
€1,549,894 |
|
€1,776,783 |
€1,266,312 |
|
€1,849,603 |
€2,176,206 |
|
€1,917,155 |
€2,549,136 |
|
€2,054,692 |
€1,999,428.00 |
|
€2,110,112 |
|
Kildare |
€1,819,830 |
€1,676,952 |
|
€960,200 |
€1,940,678 |
|
€2,204,809 |
€1,743,266 |
|
€2,320,352 |
€2,826,118 |
|
€2,409,776 |
€2,410,241 |
|
€2,492,730 |
€2,497,750 |
|
€2,511,280 |
€1,761,279.00 |
|
€2,529,830 |
|
Kilkenny |
€1,234,891 |
€1,239,168 |
|
€1,234,891 |
€1,243,667 |
|
€1,389,013 |
€1,547,504 |
|
€1,449,989 |
€1,469,456 |
|
€1,495,704 |
€1,351,885 |
|
€1,538,111 |
€1,526,314 |
|
€1,549,061 |
€1,240,085.82 |
|
€1,560,011 |
|
Laois |
€418,656 |
€704,566 |
|
€470,871 |
€590,871 |
|
€702,661 |
€505,120 |
|
€749,383 |
€746,284 |
|
€888,104 |
€795,664 |
|
€921,818 |
€820,976 |
|
€985,382 |
€733,608.00 |
|
€1,010,995 |
|
Leitrim |
€246,032 |
€241,428 |
|
€270,992 |
€274,320 |
|
€327,756 |
€332,171 |
|
€349,389 |
€295,989 |
|
€391,994 |
€202,021 |
|
€406,786 |
€154,738 |
|
€439,498 |
€266,238.82 |
|
€452,679 |
|
Limerick City and County |
€2,289,239 |
€2,349,429 |
|
€2,289,239 |
€2,091,661 |
|
€2,382,717 |
€2,154,910 |
|
€2,502,070 |
€2,047,560 |
|
€2,595,051 |
€2,405,573 |
|
€2,681,304 |
€2,659,000 |
|
€2,708,100 |
€2,007,666.33 |
|
€2,754,000 |
|
Longford |
€595,574 |
€547,571 |
|
€595,580 |
€531,343 |
|
€591,398 |
€592,550 |
|
€616,592 |
€623,523 |
|
€635,936 |
€706,057 |
|
€653,881 |
€575,984 |
|
€658,881 |
€429,564.00 |
|
€663,881 |
|
Louth |
€1,016,769 |
€709,547 |
|
€1,099,655 |
€711,943 |
|
€889,398 |
€656,639 |
|
€963,743 |
€1,502,030 |
|
€1,198,454 |
€1,151,753 |
|
€1,365,441 |
€1,176,836 |
|
€1,469,895 |
€1,462,805.54 |
|
€1,511,984 |
|
Mayo |
€2,227,225 |
€1,984,326 |
|
€2,227,225 |
€2,112,491 |
|
€2,333,297 |
€1,731,798 |
|
€2,423,365 |
€1,583,257 |
|
€2,488,973 |
€1,489,723 |
|
€2,549,833 |
€1,853,661 |
|
€2,568,483 |
€1,441,857.41 |
|
€2,587,133 |
|
Meath |
€572,776 |
€865,687 |
|
€185,804 |
€963,656 |
|
€1,205,643 |
€1,381,138 |
|
€1,310,253 |
€1,602,051 |
|
€1,628,559 |
€1,852,738 |
|
€1,855,111 |
€2,000,215 |
|
€1,982,240 |
€1,408,527.00 |
|
€2,033,466 |
|
Monaghan |
€739,703 |
€1,195,039 |
|
€739,703 |
€833,046 |
|
€925,485 |
€662,472 |
|
€962,946 |
€1,394,539 |
|
€989,940 |
€1,515,111 |
|
€1,014,980 |
€1,451,430 |
|
€1,021,980 |
€1,472,110.19 |
|
€1,028,980 |
|
Offaly |
€586,105 |
€596,559 |
|
€639,265 |
€765,524 |
|
€879,336 |
€895,358 |
|
€926,239 |
€1,161,247 |
|
€962,407 |
€1,160,555 |
|
€995,958 |
€1,294,412 |
|
€1,066,585 |
€1,077,197.00 |
|
€1,095,044 |
|
Roscommon |
€649,019 |
€649,018 |
|
€649,019 |
€649,019 |
|
€756,154 |
€732,764 |
|
€799,390 |
€785,515 |
|
€831,647 |
€761,397 |
|
€861,571 |
€1,075,381 |
|
€926,251 |
€792,844.26 |
|
€952,314 |
|
Sligo |
€375,351 |
€523,901 |
|
€424,850 |
€912,217 |
|
€1,018,193 |
€906,817 |
|
€1,061,459 |
€1,079,857 |
|
€1,094,027 |
€1,279,660 |
|
€1,124,238 |
€1,162,243 |
|
€1,132,338 |
€1,134,036.00 |
|
€1,140,438 |
|
South Dublin |
€1,333,635 |
€1,096,506 |
|
€227,115 |
€757,531 |
|
€1,103,252 |
€914,013 |
|
€1,255,472 |
€1,408,521 |
|
€1,734,920 |
€1,398,239 |
|
€2,076,021 |
€1,785,306 |
|
€2,264,484 |
€1,897,513.28 |
|
€2,340,425 |
|
Tipperary |
€1,631,646 |
€1,754,212 |
|
€1,631,646 |
€2,071,531 |
|
€2,324,123 |
€1,514,318 |
|
€2,426,185 |
€2,475,542 |
|
€2,504,130 |
€2,923,977 |
|
€2,576,436 |
€2,944,856 |
|
€2,596,936 |
€2,363,910.60 |
|
€2,617,436 |
|
Waterford City and County |
€786,946 |
€896,292 |
|
€870,323 |
€1,258,327 |
|
€1,436,833 |
€1,335,271 |
|
€1,510,268 |
€1,371,613 |
|
€1,566,016 |
€911,696 |
|
€1,617,729 |
€1,220,152 |
|
€1,634,300 |
€856,923.92 |
|
€1,662,000 |
|
Westmeath |
€561,000 |
€794,766 |
|
€620,112 |
€779,966 |
|
€906,522 |
€940,336 |
|
€958,391 |
€1,566,350 |
|
€997,888 |
€1,186,162 |
|
€1,034,527 |
€1,043,669 |
|
€1,105,898 |
€844,517.80 |
|
€1,134,657 |
|
Wexford |
€1,138,712 |
€1,311,122 |
|
€1,243,728 |
€1,116,779 |
|
€1,341,615 |
€1,433,306 |
|
€1,435,360 |
€1,495,600 |
|
€1,732,021 |
€1,808,957 |
|
€1,799,449 |
€1,896,870 |
|
€1,943,305 |
€1,375,131.20 |
|
€2,001,272 |
|
Wicklow |
€603,039 |
€600,155 |
|
€280,242 |
€686,866 |
|
€884,269 |
€692,694 |
|
€968,231 |
€992,071 |
|
€1,229,002 |
€792,185 |
|
€1,414,574 |
€1,108,370 |
|
€1,519,771 |
€905,147.64 |
|
€1,562,160 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTALS |
€38,410,343 |
€36,453,090 |
|
€25,321,000 |
€38,391,100 |
|
€45,000,001 |
€40,061,724 |
|
€47,844,001 |
€48,407,325 |
|
€53,000,000 |
€51,244,987 |
|
€57,000,000 |
55,266,533.78 |
|
€59,000,001 |
€45,376,813.63 |
|
€60,000,000 |
347. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the date on which the amounts available to each local authority for adaptation grants for persons with a disability were reviewed; and if he has plans to increase the amount available due to inflation costs in the construction sector. [42304/21]
View answerFunding of €75 million is available nationally in 2021 for the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability Scheme. This funding has increased year on year since 2014. As part of the annual budgetary process, consideration will be given to this funding in future years in line with the Programme for Government commitments and the Policy Statement on Housing Options for Our Ageing Population, which is available on my Department's website at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/ea33c1-housing-options-for-our-ageing-population-policy-statement/
The terms and conditions governing the grants were examined in 2013 by a review group that included representatives of grant beneficiaries and the local authorities. They considered how the benefits of the grants could be spread as widely as possible and to achieve fairness and value for money in the grants process. Arising from the recommendations of the review group, the income requirements, eligibility and maximum grant were revised in 2014 to focus the grants towards those with the greatest need.
As detailed in Housing for All, housing policy objectives 6 and 7 give a commitment to undertaking a review of the range of housing grants available to assist with meeting specific housing needs both for our ageing population and people with a disability. Officials from my Department will begin a review of the existing grant limits and income thresholds applicable to the grant schemes later this year.
348. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide the guidance and or grant aid rules that his Department issue to local authorities in respect of the way in which applications for adaptation grants for persons with a disability are reviewed; if he engages with local authorities regarding the scheme; and his views on whether the scheme is fit for purpose. [42305/21]
View answerHousing Circular 41 of 2019, issued 20 December 2019, provided local authorities with revised guidelines for the operation of the Housing Adaptation Grant for Older People and People with a Disability scheme, in respect of private houses. This circular also included a revised single application form for use by all local authorities.
The new form and guidelines cover the operation of the three grant schemes available, namely the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People Grant, and came into effect from 1 February 2020.
The schemes are means tested and operate on a sliding scale with the highest percentage grants available to those with the lowest incomes and vice versa. Grant assistance is available to applicants whose household income, after disregards and deductions, does not exceed €60,000 per annum. Local authorities must adhere to the income thresholds set down by the regulations, so that the funding is focused on those households that need it most.
Local authorities, in administering the scheme, should always work with qualifying applicants to ensure they get the most beneficial outcome possible in line with their financial circumstances. Engagement with the Local Authorities throughout the year is on-going and my Department provides individual workshops to Local Authorities to offer advice and ensure the scheme is being administered optimally.
The Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability make a very significant contribution to improving comfort levels within the home for older persons and persons with a disability and this in turn reduces the potential numbers requiring admittance to long term care facilities. In 2019, across all 31 local authorities areas, a total of 10,023 applicants benefited from assistance under the 3 grant schemes.
Funding of €75 million is available nationally in 2021 for the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability Scheme. This funding has increased year on year since 2014. As detailed in Housing for All, housing policy objective 6 and 7 give a commitment to undertaking a review of the range of housing grants available to assist with meeting specific housing needs both for our ageing population and people with a disability.
349. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when funding under the historic structures fund will be allocated to a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42336/21]
View answerMy Department provides financial support for the protection of eligible heritage buildings and historic structures through two grant schemes, which are in the main, administered by the local authorities. These are the Historic Structures Fund (HSF) and the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS). The HSF is for conservation and enhancement to heritage structures and historic buildings, in both private and public ownership, for the benefit of communities and the public. The BHIS is a scheme for the repair and conservation of structures on the local authority Record of Protected Structures (RPS). It is designed to leverage private capital for investment in small-scale conservation projects across the country and to support the employment of skilled conservation professionals.
In relation to the particular building you mentioned I am pleased to say that funding has been allocated this year under the Historic Structures Fund and that funding may be drawn down on completion of works towards the end of the year.
The BHIS has been allocated €3m this year, up 20% on 2020. The HSF has also been allocated €3m this year. Details of the projects to be funded under both schemes were announced earlier this year and are available on my Department’s website. Details of the 2022 schemes will be made available later this year including details of how to apply for funding.
350. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if local authorities are permitted to provide housing grants made through the persons with a disability scheme which are either completed or in construction in a retroactive manner; the guidelines regarding such situations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42342/21]
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. The detailed administration of this scheme including assessment, approval and prioritisation, is the responsibility of individual local authorities. Local authorities receive an overall allocation, with the responsibility for the apportionment between the three schemes being a matter for each authority given their knowledge of local need.
The framework for the operation of the scheme is laid down in statutory regulations, namely the Housing (Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability) Regulations 2007, and the Housing (Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability) (Amendment) Regulations 2014. A grant may be paid under these regulations where, in the opinion of the local authority, it considers the works reasonably necessary to facilitate the needs of the applicant.
In order for the relevant local authority to determine whether the works are reasonably necessary, a completed application must be submitted by an applicant prior to the commencement of any works, to allow the relevant local authority to inspect the property and confirm that the works are eligible for grant funding. In exceptional cases my Department recognises that there may be an urgency to commence works prior to formal grant approval issuing. In such circumstances, where a local authority has been afforded the opportunity to inspect the property prior to any works commencing, grant approval may, at the discretion of the local authority, issue retrospectively where they are satisfied that the works were necessary and that they needed to be carried out as a matter of urgency.
Local authorities, in administering the grant schemes, should always work with qualifying applicants to ensure they get the most beneficial outcome possible under the terms of the schemes.
352. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans for planning reform within Gaeltacht areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42371/21]
View answerThe ongoing implementation of the language planning process has a statutory footing under the Gaeltacht Act 2012, which is the primary driver in support of the commitment to the achievement of the objectives set out in the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010 to 2030.
The National Planning Framework (NPF) reflects this commitment and includes Objective 29 which “supports the implementation of language plans in Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas, Gaeltacht Service Towns and Irish Language Networks”.
Separately, the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended, sets out mandatory objectives for local authorities, which must be addressed in the drafting of their County Development Plan governing local development policies. Section 10(2) of the Planning and Development Act includes a requirement that, where there is a Gaeltacht area within the planning authority’s territory, the development plan must include provisions and objectives for “the protection of the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Gaeltacht including the promotion of Irish as the community language”.
To provide further guidance in preparing appropriate policies, my Department published ‘Development Plans, Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ in 2007 which address this mandatory objective of the Planning and Development Act. These guidelines refer to linguistic and cultural heritage and the needs of the community in land-use terms for housing, community facilities, employment, tourism and design, including advertising and signage. Individual development plans may also oblige applicants for planning permission to submit certain particulars or information to accompany development proposals in Gaeltacht areas, such as assessments of the linguistic impact of the proposed development, in order for it to be assessed against relevant policies of the development plan.
My Department recently published a revised and updated Draft Development Plan Guidelines which re-confirm the obligations of planning authorities to the development of the Gaeltacht.
Since April 2019, the assessment of all local authority development plans and local area plans is undertaken by the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR). The oversight role of the OPR includes ensuring consistency with relevant national or regional policies, including those set out in the NPF and addressing all relevant mandatory objectives for County Development Plans set out in the Planning and Development Act, including the provision of Gaeltacht-specific objectives, where required.
In relation to planning applications for development, a planning authority must notify the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media and Údarás na Gaeltachta, to invite their views in relation to planning applications for developments which, in the opinion of the authority “might materially affect the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Gaeltacht, including the promotion of Irish as the community language” in accordance with Article 28 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 (as amended). The decision to grant or refuse planning permission in such cases, and to assign conditions, including conditions relating to language where appropriate, to a grant of planning permission, is ultimately a matter for the relevant planning authority or An Bord Pleanála, as appropriate.
I am of the view that considering the unique spatial and linguistic circumstances relating to each of our Gaeltacht areas, with local variation between communities and the contexts in which the Irish Language is spoken, that the relevant planning authorities are best placed to implement the planning framework of legislation, policy and guidance as set out above. I am also satisfied that there are appropriate planning oversight mechanisms and safeguards in place, which include the Office of the Planning Regulator and An Bord Pleanála.
A number of Irish language groups, including Conradh na Gaeilge, raised matters with a view to improving the practical implementation of the Irish language provisions in Gaeltacht areas. On foot of the proposals put forward by Conradh na Gaeilge, my Department convened a working group during the summer to examine various aspects of the planning process in all Gaeltacht areas. Membership of this group is made up of representatives from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Údarás na Gaeltachta and relevant local authorities. My Department is committed to working with the relevant stakeholders in the coming months with a view to agreeing practical improvements and best practice processes that will support and enhance the important policy and legislative provisions that are in place.
353. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on whether the RTB website should be used to make rental histories of properties public, without tenant details, allowing persons search via address and thus allowing tenants to research illegal increases without the involvement of landlords or estate agents; and if his Department will take steps to implement this.. [42440/21]
View answerThe Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2021 regulates the landlord-tenant relationship in the rented residential sector and sets out the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants. The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) was established as an independent statutory body under the Act to operate a national tenancy registration system and to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants.
From 1 July 2019, the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2019 empowers the RTB, on its own volition or on foot of a complaint, to investigate and sanction landlords who engage in improper conduct including a contravention of the rent setting laws in Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs). The RTB can impose a sanction of up to €30,000 and publish any sanction imposed on its website – www.rtb.ie. All residential tenancy dispute determination orders are also published on its website.
When registering a tenancy, a landlord is required to inform the RTB of the rent amount and again if there is an update to that rent amount. In setting a rent, a landlord cannot exceed the market rent. In general, a rent in respect of a dwelling cannot be reviewed more frequently than annually in a RPZ, or bi-annually outside of a RPZ. In reviewing a rent, a landlord must complete the Notice of Rent Review (available on the RTB’s website) which must be served on the tenant at least 90 days before the new rent becomes payable and requires details of the rent last set for the dwelling and, if the dwelling is in an RPZ, comply with procedures providing for the rent increase restriction and use the Rent Pressure Zone calculator to ensure compliance with the rent setting laws.
A landlord can identify the application of an exemption from the RPZ laws in respect of a particular dwelling in the Notice of Rent Review, if relevant. A landlord must include details of 3 comparable rents in the Notice of Rent Review.
Section 12 of the Residential Tenancies Acts obliges a landlord, in the case of a tenancy of a dwelling in a RPZ, furnish the tenant, in writing, with the following information at the commencement of the tenancy:
(i) the amount of rent that was last set under a tenancy for the dwelling;
(ii) the date the rent was last set under a tenancy for the dwelling;
(iii) a statement as to how the rent set under the tenancy of the dwelling has been calculated having regard to section 19 (setting of rent above the market rent prohibited) of the Acts.
A tenant can refer a dispute with regard to rent setting to the RTB for resolution under section 78 of the Residential Tenancies Acts, with a landlord potentially liable to pay damages of up to €20,000. Comprehensive information on rent setting procedures is available on the RTB’s website.
Rent data is collected by the RTB in respect of individual rented dwellings through its tenancy registration process and through data exchange agreements under the Residential Tenancies Acts. This data informs the RTB's function to investigate, and potentially sanction, unlawful rent setting. The RTB publishes a Quarterly Rent Index on its website presenting anonymised and aggregated data to safeguard privacy and protect data.
354. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if homeless accommodation is required to allow residents to remain for the entirety of the day given the pandemic situation. [42446/21]
View answerMy Department's role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of homeless services rests with individual housing authorities.
The functioning of homeless accommodation is an operational issue for the relevant housing authorities in consultation with the HSE.
From a strategic perspective, within the context of COVID-19, my Department is in regular contact with local authorities and the HSE to ensure the necessary arrangements are in place to protect individuals and families accessing emergency accommodation. Significant additional accommodation is also in place to support the appropriate levels of social distancing in emergency accommodation and to facilitate the isolation of suspected cases. Placements have been long-term and operated on a 24 hours’ basis, with food being provided on site. This has minimised the need for people to be outdoors and potentially in contact with others.
My Department, local authorities and partners from the NGO sector will continue to work with the HSE to ensure that the arrangements in place for those experiencing homelessness are adequate and consistent with the medical and health and safety advice that is being provided.
355. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the body that inspects the quality of local authority contracted construction. [42447/21]
View answerThe quality of local authority contracted construction is a matter for the contracting parties in the first place, which includes the Builder, Employers Representative, Design and Assigned Certifiers, among others, in addition to the relevant local authority or Client.
Under the Building Control Acts 1990 to 2020, primary responsibility for compliance of works with the requirements of the Building Regulations rests with the owners, designers and builders of buildings.
Since the introduction of Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2014, (BCAR), greater accountability is required in relation to compliance with Building Regulations in the form of statutory certification of design and construction by registered construction professionals and builders, lodgement of compliance documentation, mandatory inspections during construction and validation and registration of certificates. This legislation empowers competence and professionalism in construction projects and establishes a chain of responsibility that begins with the owner.
In addition, under the Building Control Acts 1990 to 2020, Building Control Authorities have strong powers of inspection, enforcement and prosecution and are independent in the use of their statutory powers under the Acts.
In line with the agreed Performance Indicators for Local Government and the Code of Practice for Inspecting and Certifying Buildings and Works, Building Control Authorities are required to carry out a level of inspection equivalent to 12% to 15% of new buildings for which valid commencement notices have been received. The National Oversight & Audit Commission (NOAC) collects and publishes this data. The Performance Indicators in Local Authorities reports are available at noac.ie
356. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the funding that has been drawn down by Mayo County Council for a scheme from 1 January 2019 to 30 August 2021, in tabular form (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42449/21]
View answer357. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the funding returned to his Department by Mayo County Council for a scheme from 1 January 2019 to 30 August 2021, in tabular form (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42450/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 356 and 357 together.
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.
Following a review of the arrangements for the disbursement of funding for the provision and related supports of Traveller specific accommodation a new allocation process was implemented for 2020. My Department has ceased the practice of allocating specific budgets to individual local authorities. Instead, it is open to all local authorities to apply for and drawdown funds at any time throughout the year and this is actively encouraged by my Department. It should be noted that funds are held in the Department and recouped to local authorities on the basis of claims received. Therefore, the return of funds from local authorities to my Department does not arise.
The amount of funding recouped by Mayo County Council for Traveller accommodation between January 2019 and 30 August 2021 is presented below in tabular form.
|
Year |
Drawdown |
|
2019 |
€0 |
|
2020 |
€215,950 |
|
01/01/2021 - 30/08/2021 |
€227,143 |
358. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a rural water well grant will be provided to a family (details supplied) in County Kerry that has a substandard mains water supply with persistent interruptions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42503/21]
View answerMy Department’s Rural Water Programme provides a grant for the improvement of a private water supply to a house (private well).
My Department understands from the local authority that the householder, mentioned in the material supplied, and the adjacent properties are supplied by the public water mains and the issues that arise are matters for Irish Water to resolve. The local authority has also confirmed that the householder mentioned does not, based on the terms and conditions of the grant, qualify for the well grant scheme as they have access to the public water supply.
Since 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels.
Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via email to oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on a dedicated number, 1890 578 578.
359. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to pursue those responsible for supplying detective concrete block containing pyrite and mica; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42544/21]
View answerI have convened a time-bound working group which includes representatives from my Department, local authorities and homeowner representative groups. These working group members are tasked with reviewing the operation of the current scheme. Included within the terms of reference and one of the issues under review is the role of responsible parties and financial institutions.
Full details of the Working Group on the Defective Concrete Blocks Scheme, including its composition and terms of reference, are publicly available on our website at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/acf1f-working-group-on-the-defectvie-concrete-blocks-scheme-agreed-terms-of-reference/
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. The recommendations of this working group will inform any changes or course of action that may be required, which will be bought forward in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Office of the Attorney General.
