Written Answers Nos. 370-391
370. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 348, 349, 350 and 351 of 13 July 2021, if he will provide a copy of the report that was provided to his Department by the chairperson that appears to have enabled his Department to conclude that the recommendations in the interim report are finally agreed. [46603/21]
View answerMy officials will make arrangements to contact the Deputy directly to furnish a copy of the report that was provided by the Chairperson in relation to Interim Report on the Consultative Committee to undertake a review of the issues surrounding the impact of gulls in urban areas.
371. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage if he is satisfied that the correct legal decision threshold is being applied to relevant evidence and submissions when he is deciding whether any given wild bird species should be included or not included on schedule 1 of the declarations with regard to annual State-wide wild bird derogation declarations (public health and safety); if he will set out the specific decision threshold that is being applied; and the specific legal clauses in the 1979 birds directive EU law that the decision threshold being applied in declarations relies upon. [46604/21]
View answerThe Birds Directive (Directive 2009/147/EC) on the conservation of wild birds is implemented in Ireland, inter alia, under the Wildlife Acts. Under the terms of the Directive all Member States of the EU are bound to take measures to protect all wild birds and their habitats. The Directive prohibits, inter alia, the deliberate killing or capture of wild birds by any method, the removal of nests or the taking of eggs.
The annual declarations are made first and foremost under Article 9 of the Birds Directive.
Under Article 9(1) (a) Member States may derogate in the interests of: public health and safety; air safety; and to prevent serious damage to crops, livestock, forests, fisheries and water; and for the protection of flora and fauna.
The annual declarations have traditionally been made only under the European Communities (Wildlife Act, 1976) (Amendment) Regulations 1986 (S.I. No. 254 of 1986), there is also provision under regulation 55 of the European Communities (Birds and Habitats) Directives 2011 (S.I. No. 477 of 2011) in relation to the Article 9 derogations. One key difference between the 1986 Regulations and the 2011 Regulations is that the latter includes a requirement specified in Article 9 of the Birds Directive for there to be “no other satisfactory solution” in the context of derogations.
The 1986 Regulations do not specify that there be “no other satisfactory solution”, however, recent declarations have actually specified this and thus complied with the Article 9 requirement.
My Department, having reviewed the position of the legal basis for the derogations, made the Declarations this year to invoke the powers conferred by both sets of regulations. The use of the 2011 Regulations this year would bring the Declarations more into line with Article 9 of the Birds Directive.
372. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is satisfied that the 2021-2022 declarations are legally compliant with the 1979 birds directive with regard to annual State-wide wild bird derogation declarations (public health and safety); and if, in view of expert legal advices acquired by his Department (details supplied), he is satisfied that the legitimate interests of public health and safety in Article 9.1a of the 1979 Birds Directive are being adequately protected by his Department’s processes and its implementation of the governing legislation. [46605/21]
View answerThe annual declarations are made first and foremost under Article 9 of the Birds Directive.
The annual declarations have traditionally been made only under the European Communities (Wildlife Act, 1976) (Amendment) Regulations 1986 (S.I. No. 254 of 1986), there is also provision under regulation 55 of the European Communities (Birds and Habitats) Regulations 2011 (S.I. No. 477 of 2011) in relation to the Article 9 derogations. One key difference between the 1986 Regulations and the 2011 Regulations is that the latter includes a requirement specified in Article 9 of the Birds Directive for there to be “no other satisfactory solution” in the context of derogations.
My Department, having reviewed the position of the legal basis for the derogations, made the Declarations this year to invoke the powers conferred by both sets of regulations.
373. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing; Local Government and Heritage the issues the legislation to strengthen tenancy will cover; and if he plans to adjust the indexation of rents to harmonised index of consumer prices, HICP, in view of the sharp rise in that indicator. [46665/21]
View answerA number of targeted measures and initiatives are being developed to provide better security of tenure and greater rent certainty for tenants, as well as enhancing the supports and services available to both tenants and landlords through the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) particularly, to facilitate the development of a more vibrant and sustainable rental sector.
Inter alia, these initiatives include:
- the recent extension of Rent Pressure Zone (RPZ) protections to the end of 2024 and the prohibition on rent increases exceeding any general inflation, as recorded by the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), which will be re-examined in the light of prevailing inflation rate;
- the bringing forward of legislation to address long- term security of tenure including by providing for tenancies of indefinite duration, subject to legal advice;
- to enhance tenancy protections for those living in dwellings that are affected by a receivership situation;
- amending the Residential Tenancies Acts to provide for default conciliation as the first step in the RTB’s dispute resolution process;
- increasing enforcement of registration of tenancies by RTB;
- the development and publication of a standard tenancy agreement by the RTB; and
- reviewing the recommendations of the Working Group on the Tax and Fiscal Treatment of Landlords, which was chaired by the Department of Finance.
The necessary legislative change will be progressed through the Housing and Residential Tenancies Bill 2021, which I intend to bring forward before the end of this Dáil term.
The Residential Tenancies (No. 2) Act 2021 introduced measures in July 2021 to better protect tenants with affordability challenges by extending the operation of RPZs until the end of 2024 and prohibiting any necessary rent increase in a RPZ from exceeding general inflation, as recorded by the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP). This measure significantly reduced the level of permissible rent increases for the estimated 74% of all tenancies which are in RPZs. The linkage with HICP aims to safeguard continued investment in the sector by existing and new landlords to deliver the much needed supply of high-quality rental accommodation while protecting against a significant increase in rental inflation in the coming years.
When introducing these measures, I was very clear on the need to carefully monitor inflation. At that time, HICP inflation averaged 0.73% p.a. over the previous 3 years but had risen to 1.6% p.a. in the year ending June 2021. I needed to revise the RPZ rent control relatively quickly in July, on a basis that could be independently verified. The Residential Tenancies (No. 2) Act 2021 also provides that an index, other than HICP, may be prescribed for the purposes of restricting rent increases in RPZs. Given the continuing rise in HICP inflation, up to 3% p.a. in August, I will consider all the legal options available to me to ensure that effective rent controls are legally in force in RPZs to cap the rate of any rent increase where the general inflation rate is too high. Any necessary provision relating to rent control in RPZs will be considered in the context of the impending Housing and Residential Tenancies Bill 2021.
My Department is currently examining this matter and the advices of the Office of the Attorney General will inform any changes in this area.
374. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the Land Development Agency will be able to apply for either the cost rental equity loan or the affordable housing fund for the provision of affordable housing. [46679/21]
View answerThe Land Development Agency (LDA) was established on an interim basis in September 2018, by way of an Establishment Order made under the Local Government Services (Corporate Bodies) Act 1971. The Land Development Agency Act was recently signed in law and, on enactment, the LDA will be established as a commercial State agency.
The LDA Commercial Agency will be funded by way of a €1.25 billion equity investment from the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) as well as borrowing capacity up to €1.25 billion. As such, it is not intended that the LDA will avail of the Cost Rental Equity Loan Scheme or the Affordable Housing Fund in delivering homes for affordable purchase or cost rental on its own lands. In situations where the LDA is providing services to local authorities to develop housing projects under Section 15 of the LDA Act on local authority land, it is open to the relevant local authority to avail of relevant funds and schemes for these local authority projects.
375. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the criteria that will be used to assess whether an organisation can be designated a cost rental provider under the Affordable Housing Act 2021 and related secondary legislation. [46680/21]
View answerThe Affordable Housing Act 2021 was enacted 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, and brought into operation the Cost Rental elements of the Act.
On 19 August 2021, I made the Affordable Housing Act 2021 (Cost Rental Designation) Regulations 2021. These Regulations govern the process by which the owners of dwellings may obtain the designation of their properties as Cost Rental dwellings, provided they commit at the outset to the property remaining in the Cost Rental sector for a certain minimum period.
Applications for designation of a property as Cost Rental will be accepted from any applicant who is the legal owner of the property, provided they have the appropriate consents from any incumbrancers, such as lenders, to apply for this designation and to have the resulting legal burden placed on the property.
It is anticipated that in the initial years of the development of this new sector, Cost Rental homes will be primarily provided directly by Local Authorities, the Land Development Agency (LDA) and the Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), initially funded by State lending from the Housing Agency and Housing Finance Agency.
376. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the categories of organisations that will be eligible to apply for the cost rental equity loan and the affordable housing fund (details supplied). [46681/21]
View answerThe implementation of Cost Rental is being supported by the new Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL) scheme, under which Government loans to Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) on favourable terms will finance up to 30% of the capital costs of new homes for Cost Rental. CREL was allocated €35m under Budget 2021. The Housing Finance Agency also made available €100m to AHBs in very competitive commercial debt funding, to cover the remaining capital costs of CREL-approved projects in the first tranche. At present, CREL funding is exclusively available to AHBs.
The Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) will provide Exchequer funding support to Local Authorities to assist in the delivery of affordable housing for sale or cost rent, under the provisions of the Affordable Housing Act 2021. Whilst eligibility for the Affordable Housing Fund is specific to local authorities, under Section 6 of the Act, a housing authority may make dwellings available for the purposes of sale to eligible applicants under affordable purchase dwelling arrangements. A housing authority may enter into arrangements with the following bodies for this purpose;
- arrangements with an approved housing body;
- arrangements with a community led organisation, a housing co-operative or a community land trust;
- arrangements with the land development agency; and
- public private partnership arrangements.
As such, the provisions allow local authority led partnership arrangements between housing authorities and these bodies for the provision of homes under the affordable purchase dwelling arrangements.
377. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the actions taken by his Department or public bodies under his remit to inspect and regulate the premises and working practices of wildlife rehabilitation organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46738/21]
View answerThe Wildlife Licensing Unit (WLU) of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department issues licences under Section 22 (9) g & h and 23 (6) c & d of the Wildlife Act to retain and possess injured animals/birds.
In order to obtain a licence one must follow a significant and rigorous application process. All rehabilitation organisations are subject to this process.
In order to obtain a licence under these sections of the Wildlife Act, individuals/organisations must first fill in the appropriate application form and forward to the WLU.
All application forms are forwarded to relevant divisional staff for review, including visitation to premises that will house animals/birds during the course of their rehabilitation. Once cleared, the application form is reverted back to WLU, who then issue the licence.
This process includes the WLU sending the application to a local ranger/conservation officer for their observations. Local staff do inspect potential sites as part of the application process to ensure premises are suitable for the rehabilitation of animals and birds. Licences are only issued once this observation is complete and submitted back to the WLU.
378. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of new houses provided in the past 12 months through direct local authority build, affordable housing or Part 5; the number expected to be built in the coming year in each category by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46754/21]
View answer381. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of housing starts recorded in each of the past 12 months to date in the private sector, whether affordable or otherwise; the projection for the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46758/21]
View answer382. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of local authority housing starts recorded in each of the past 12 months to date; the projection for the next 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46759/21]
View answer391. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will ensure that each local authority is given a target in respect of the provision of local authority houses, affordable housing and access to local authority sourced loans in order to ensure greater urgency to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46768/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 378, 381, 382 and 391 together.
The recently published Housing for All strategy is the Government’s plan to increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 per year over the next decade. The annual targets are for the delivery of a total of 88,400 new build social homes, 53,800 new affordable homes and 170,000 private homes in the period 2022-2030. Housing for All is supported by an investment package of over €4bn per annum, through an overall combination of €12bn in direct Exchequer funding, €3.5bn in funding through the Land Development Agency (LDA) and €5bn funding through the Housing Finance Agency.
Details on social housing delivery for each local authority, across a range of delivery mechanisms, are included in social housing statistics published by my Department. This data is available to the end of Quarter 2 2021 and is available on the statistics page of my Department’s website, at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/
A detailed Social Housing Construction Status Report is also published each quarter which provides scheme level detail on new build activity. The most recent publication covers the period up to the end of Quarter 2 2021 and is available on my Department's website at www.gov.ie/en/publication/d7709-social-housing-construction-projects-status-report-q2-2021/. This data includes information for each local authority and includes a list of the individual projects that make up the new build programme for that local authority.
My Department also publishes data on Commencement Notice statistics. A Commencement Notice is required to give notice to Building Control Authorities of the erection of buildings, or classes of buildings, or the carrying out of works, or classes of works, as may be specified in the regulations. Data on residential unit commencement notices are published on my Department's website at www.gov.ie/en/publication/a5cb1-construction-activity-starts/
The Housing for All Strategy delivers on the Programme for Government commitment to put affordability at the heart of the housing system. It is the largest State-led building programme in our history, backed up by an unprecedented financial commitment in excess of €4bn per annum. In terms of interventions that improve affordability, at a national level this includes 36,000 affordable purchase homes and 18,000 cost rental homes. These homes will be provided by local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies, the Land Development Agency (LDA), as well as through a strategic partnership between the State and retail banks.
Individual targets for the delivery of social housing have been provided to each local authority and under Housing for All, each local authority is required to develop a Housing Delivery Action Plan by December 2021. These plans will set out details on how and when local authorities will deliver their housing targets, including the delivery of affordable homes.
Housing for All strategy contains a multi-pronged approach to improving affordability and increasing the supply of social homes. Some measures such as the Local Authority Affordable Homes scheme and the First Home scheme are focused on supporting first-time buyers purchasing newly built homes. Other measures such as Cost Rental will deliver approximately 18,000 homes over the period 2021 to 2030.
The Housing for All strategy also provides for the 'Local Authority Home Loan', which will be in place later in 2021. This is a successor to the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan Scheme, and will include an increase in the income ceiling for single applicants, thus increasing the number of people eligible. The Help to Buy scheme also continues to help purchasers to access homes.
379. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the degree to which it has been possible to monitor the number of affordable houses coming onto the market by county throughout the next year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46756/21]
View answerUnder Action 4.12 of Housing for All, in the period to December 2021 local authorities will be preparing Housing Action Delivery Plans to include social and affordable housing where necessary (affordable purchase and cost rental). This will allow each Local Authority to determine the affordability constraint in their area based on the Housing Need and Demand Assessment.
The Housing for All Strategy delivers on the Programme for Government commitment to put affordability at the heart of the housing system. It is the largest State-led building programme in our history, backed up by an unprecedented financial commitment in excess of €4bn per annum.
At a national level, over 300,000 new homes will be built by the end of 2030, including a projected 90,000 social homes, 36,000 affordable purchase homes and 18,000 cost rental homes. These homes will be provided by Local Authorities, Approved Housing Bodies, the Land Development Agency (LDA), as well as through a strategic partnership between the State and retail banks.
The Housing for All strategy also provides for the 'Local Authority Home Loan', which will be in place later in 2021. The Local Authority Home Loan is a successor to the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan Scheme, and will include an increase in the income ceiling for single applicants, thus increasing the number of people eligible. From 10 September 2021, I have already implemented a reduction of the mortgage interest rate by 0.25% for new borrowers under the existing Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan (RIHL). This lower rate will also apply to loans issued under the forthcoming Local Authority Home Loan. The Help to Buy scheme is also currently available to help purchasers in accessing newly constructed homes.
380. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the degree to which he expects the Housing for All strategy to be implemented fully in the short-term; the number of house buyers who are likely to be facilitated throughout; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46757/21]
View answerHousing for All: A New Housing Plan for Ireland is a whole-of-Government plan that will require a deep level of collaboration throughout its lifetime. The implementation of Housing for All has already begun. There are 213 objectives in this plan, all of which will be delivered according to the dates outlined in the plan itself. The first progress report on Q3 2021 actions is currently being prepared for publication.
Not only will there be oversight and direction at the highest level through the Cabinet Committee on Housing (chaired by the Taoiseach), and the Secretary General Delivery Group (chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach), there will also be dedicated Workstreams, led by the relevant Secretaries General, on i) investment, ii) industry capability, and iii) public service delivery. These Workstreams are tasked with drilling down into the priority actions, to identify any blockages, take appropriate action, and ensure a rigorous monitoring system is in place to ensure delivery.
To keep us on track, the actions in Housing for All will be updated on an annual basis, including timelines, to sustain momentum on delivery during the lifetime of the Plan.
Housing for All is a radical plan that sets out four pathways to a sustainable housing system. Affordability and the chance to own a home is at the heart of this government’s housing policy. It recognises that significant new supports are needed so that those who want to own their own home can do so, and that those who wish to rent are able to do so at an affordable rate. Pathway 1 ‘Supporting homeownership and increasing affordability ' addresses this issue and sets out a number of key actions in this regard.
The objective is to supply 300,000 new homes by 2030, meaning an annual average of at least 33,000 homes per year. This includes an average of 10,000 social homes and 6,000 affordable homes made available each year for purchase or rent up to 2030. This will have a dramatic impact on the provision of housing and will significantly help facilitate house buyers.
Specifically, regarding middle-income families wishing to buy homes, Housing for All contains a multi-pronged approach to supply and improving affordability.
The Local Authority Affordable Homes scheme and the First Home scheme are primarily focused on supporting first-time buyers purchasing newly built homes. Both of these schemes will be targeted at households constrained by the maximum mortgage and deposit available to them. The gap between the market value and what the household can afford (including with the assistance of the ‘Help to Buy’ incentive) will be bridged via the provision of equity support. The equity support can subsequently be redeemed at any time at the home-owners discretion, or remain outstanding until the home is sold or passed on.
The Local Authority Home Loan will be expanded, extending its reach and impact, particularly for single people. From 10 September 2021, I have already implemented a reduction of the mortgage interest rate by 0.25% for new borrowers under the existing Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan (RIHL). This lower rate will also apply to loans issued under the forthcoming Local Authority Home Loan. The Help to Buy incentive is also currently available to help purchasers in accessing homes.
In addition, new higher-rate stamp duty measures and planning permission restrictions have been introduced that will minimise the bulk buying of traditional family homes. I also plan to introduce a new form of ‘Owner-Occupier Guarantee’ which will enable Local Authorities to specify a minimum proportion of the houses in a new development for owner occupiers.
The Croí Cónaithe (Cities) Fund will stimulate the activation of some apartment developments for sale to individual purchasers. The Land Development Agency (LDA), through Project Tosaigh, will intervene in slow or stalled developments with landowners in order to unlock and accelerate the delivery of affordable homes.
Housing for All is backed by historic levels of investment with in excess of €20bn through the Exchequer, the LDA and the Housing Finance Agency over the next 5 years. There is a targeted approach right across the country to supply housing where it is needed most. This is supported by updated planning guidance, additional State land provided for housing, and an increase in funding for Local authorities to acquire new land so that they can deliver social and affordable homes at scale. All of this will help create the environment needed to deliver on the objectives in Housing for All.
I am mindful however that projections for delivery will be heavily influenced by COVID-19 related uncertainties in the earlier years of the Plan. These uncertainties will reduce over time as the impact of the pandemic on the housing backlog is fully established and associated construction related constraints diminish. However, ongoing uncertainties associated with raw material costs and availability, and the sector’s capacity to recover, may also impact on delivery but I am confident that Housing for All and the breadth of measures and reforms therein will remove impediments to progress and provide for the much-needed delivery of homes at scale.
383. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the degree to which his Department continues to monitor house price inflation; the action that is in-hand or likely to be taken to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46760/21]
View answerHouse price inflation is measured in the Residential Property Index compiled by the CSO which is published monthly, and covers all market purchases of houses and apartments by households. My Department reviews this data monthly, along with other market trends.
Housing supply has been impacted by Covid-19. The periods of lockdown since early 2020 have reduced construction activity and placed limitations on the ability to conduct normal sales activity, and this has impacted on house prices. The considerable growth in household savings, related to the public health restrictions which reduced consumption, also seems likely to be contributing to recent price inflation.
The ongoing removal of Covid restrictions will allow for a full reopening of the housing market. CSO data also shows that new dwellings completions for Quarter 2 are increasing and the effects of the periods of lockdown are alleviating. Data on planning permissions and commencements are also showing a significant increase over this period.
The full opening up of the housing market and construction activity, along with the increases in supply that will be delivered by the Government’s Housing for All Plan, will ensure that housing market activity normalises, and supply increases to meet demand as the Plan is implemented.
As a matter of course in the development of housing policy or schemes, account is taken of the intended or potential impacts of the measures under consideration. Furthermore, the governance approach set out in Housing for All, including the Housing for All Delivery Group and my Department will continuously monitor and prioritise delivery of the Plan having regarding to relevant market trends including impacts on house prices, where appropriate.
384. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of local authority housing applicants recorded by each local authority by county; the likely time schedule to meet their accommodation needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46761/21]
View answerDetails on the number of households qualified for social housing support in each local authority administrative area are provided in the annual statutory Summary of Social Housing Assessments (SSHA).
The most recent summary, conducted in November 2020, shows that 61,880 households were assessed as qualified for and being in need of social housing support. This represents a decrease of 6,813 households or 9.9% on the last assessment in June 2019. Since 2016, the numbers have decreased from 91,600 to 61,880, a reduction of 32.4%.
Below is the link to the summary report for 2020 which includes breakdowns by each local authority across a range of categories.
In relation to the specific question posed by the Deputy regarding the likely time schedule to meet a households accommodation needs, allocation of social housing support is a matter for each individual local authority in accordance with its allocation scheme made under Section 22 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, the information sought is not held by my Department.
However, details on the length of time spent on the record of qualified households (waiting lists) can be found at tables 2.8 and A1.8 of the SSHA report.
It should be noted that the SSHA is a point in time snapshot of the demand for social housing support in each local authority area and does not necessarily reflect the dynamic nature of entry to and exit from the housing waiting lists.
SSHA 2020 Report
www.gov.ie/en/publication/970ea-summary-of-social-housing-assessments-2020-key-findings/#:~:text=The%20Summary%20of%20Social%20Housing,is%20not%20currently%20being%20met
385. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent to which he expects to respond to the needs of the indigenous rural population, the families of which are in a position to provide a home for themselves in their native place but are being dissuaded thereby throwing a greater burden onto the housing market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46762/21]
View answer386. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent to which he proposes to address the issue of housing for the indigenous young population of rural Ireland who have access to a building site from a parent or relative and who wish to provide their own housing thereby contributing to the alleviation of the housing crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46763/21]
View answer387. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of indigenous rural applicants for planning permission to provide their own homes who have had their applications refused in the past 12 months; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this places further competition for scarce housing supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46764/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 385 to 387, inclusive, together.
Under the Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Rural Housing 2005, planning authorities are required to frame the planning policies in their development plans in a balanced and measured way that ensures the housing needs of rural communities are met, while avoiding excessive urban-generated housing, particularly in those areas near cities and towns that are under pressure from urban generated development.
The Guidelines identify four rural area types in respect of which planning authorities may formulate policies for ‘urban generated’ and ‘rural generated’ rural housing. Section 3.2.3 of the Guidelines suggests that in areas “under major urban influence”, planning authorities may define “rural generated” housing need for “Persons who are an intrinsic part of the rural community” and for “Persons working full-time or part-time in rural areas”.
Since 2018, the National Planning Framework (NPF) is the national planning policy document providing overall strategic policy for the future development of Ireland through specific National Policy Objectives (NPOs) that aim to support the overall rural and small town pattern of development in Ireland and deliver strengthened and diversified rural communities.
NPO 15 of the NPF fully supports the sustainable development of rural areas by encouraging growth and arresting decline in areas that have experienced low population growth or decline in recent decades, while simultaneously indicating the need to manage the development of certain areas around cities and towns that are under strong urban influence, in order to avoid over-development of those areas.
NPO 15 is supplemented by NPO 19, which aims to ensure that a policy distinction is made between areas experiencing significant overspill development pressure from urban areas, particularly within the commuter catchment of cities, towns and centres of employment, on the one hand, and other remoter and weaker rural areas where population levels may be low and or declining, on the other. NPF Policy NPO19 is aligned with the established approach whereby considerations of social (intrinsic part of the community) or economic (persons working full or part time) need may be applied by planning authorities in rural areas under urban influence.
Updated Rural Housing Planning Guidelines are currently being prepared by my Department to ensure consistency with new requirements and legislation at national and EU level introduced in respect of areas related to rural housing such as environmental protection, the Gaeltacht and climate action. The new guidelines will ensure a more consistent approach between counties and alignment with NPF objectives, and will be published in draft before the end of 2021. In the meantime, the NPF objectives together with the 2005 Guidelines, enable planning authorities to continue to draft and adopt county development plan policies that enable planning applications to be considered and planning permission to be granted for houses in rural areas.
The data requested is not collated by my Department. Planning statistics are compiled by each planning authority on an annual basis for collation and publication on my Department’s website, at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/service/9e4ee-get-planning-statistics/
The data collected relates to the total number of applications and decisions for all developments that require planning permission, broken down by year and planning authority.
In addition, the Central Statistics Office (CSO), as the national statistical office, compiles and makes available detailed data on a number of planning related issues including permissions granted and completions by development type and county. Data is available at the following link on the CSO website: www.cso.ie/en/statistics/construction/planningpermissions/
It is noteworthy that there is strong delivery of new homes in rural areas nationally in recent years – with more than 25,000 rural house planning permissions granted in last 5 years. In the same period, more than 90% of that number of rural homes were built, comprising around one in three houses completed in Ireland between 2016 and 2020.
388. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent to which heritage buildings continue to be protected and preserved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46765/21]
View answerAs advised most recently in my response to Question No. 236 on 24 June 2021 and in many parliamentary replies prior to that, my Department provides financial support for the protection of heritage buildings and historic structures through two grant schemes which are, in the main, administered by the local authorities. These are the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) and the Historic Structures Fund (HSF). This year 562 heritage projects across every county in the country were allocated funding from a combined sum of €6m under these schemes, an increase of nearly 40% on 2020.
My Department also provides financial support through the Community Monuments Fund (CMF) for work relating to monuments. This year funding was allocated to 139 projects across all local authorities to a value of just over €4.2m.
Details of the projects have been published on my Department’s website and on local authority websites, and I would again direct the Deputy to those detailed on line resources.
389. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if it will be possible to front-load expenditure on housing projects, local authority and affordable, in 2021 in order to make a serious head start on the housing issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46766/21]
View answerThe Government’s commitment to increase the supply of public housing was underpinned in Budget 2021, which provided €3.3 billion to deliver housing programmes this year. This funding will support social and affordable housing delivery, along with the continued implementation of a broad range of programmes providing targeted support to meet housing need.
My Department works with local authorities to determine work proposals and related funding requirements. Funding is provided to the local authorities on an ongoing basis as housing projects are progressed and claims fall due for payment. Since 2016 almost €11 billion has been provided to deliver my Department's housing programmes.
The recently published Housing for All strategy is the Government’s plan to increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 per year over the next decade, with targets for the delivery of a total of 88,400 new build social homes and 53,800 new affordable homes in the period 2022-2030.
Housing for All is supported by a multi annual investment package of over €4bn per annum, through an overall combination of €12bn in direct Exchequer funding, €3.5bn in funding through the Land Development Agency (LDA) and €5bn funding through the Housing Finance Agency. The specific exchequer allocations for 2022 are currently being determined in the context of the annual estimates process.
390. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent to which further flexibility can be incorporated in the Housing for All programme with particular reference to applicants who may be marginally excluded from qualification for affordable housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46767/21]
View answer392. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent to which he can foresee a broadening of the regulations to facilitate the accommodation of a greater number of applicants seeking affordable housing at an earlier date rather than later when housing costs are likely to be beyond their affordability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46769/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 390 and 392 together.
The Programme for Government – Our Shared Future – sets out the objective that everybody should have access to sustainable, good quality housing to purchase or rent at an affordable price, built to a high standard, and located close to essential services, offering a high quality of life.
Under Action 4.12 of Housing for All, in the period to December 2021 local authorities will be preparing Housing Action Delivery Plans to include social and affordable housing where necessary (affordable purchase and cost rental). This will allow each Local Authority to determine the affordability constraint in their area based on the Housing Need and Demand Assessment.
The Local Authority Affordable Homes scheme and the First Home scheme are primarily focused on supporting first-time buyers purchasing newly built homes. Both of these schemes will be targeted at households constrained by the maximum mortgage and deposit available to them. The gap between the market value and what the household can afford (including with the assistance of the ‘Help to Buy’ incentive) will be bridged via the provision of equity support. The equity support can subsequently be redeemed at any time at the home-owners discretion, or remain outstanding until the home is sold or passed on.
The detailed design of the First Home scheme is currently progressing, for the scheme’s introduction in early 2022. Price ceilings for eligible homes will be confirmed in advance of the scheme’s operation. Regulations regarding income eligibility in respect of the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme will be put in place by November.
More broadly, the Housing for All Strategy delivers on the Programme for Government commitment to put affordability at the heart of the housing system. It is the largest State-led building programme in our history, backed up by an unprecedented financial commitment in excess of €4bn per annum.
At a national level, over 300,000 new homes will be built by the end of 2030, including a projected 90,000 social homes, 36,000 affordable purchase homes and 18,000 cost rental homes. These homes will be provided by Local Authorities, Approved Housing Bodies, the Land Development Agency (LDA), as well as through a strategic partnership between the State and retail banks.
The Housing for All strategy also provides for the 'Local Authority Home Loan', which will be in place later in 2021. The Local Authority Home Loan is a successor to the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan Scheme, and will include an increase in the income ceiling for single applicants, thus increasing the number of people eligible. From 10 September 2021, I have already implemented a reduction of the mortgage interest rate by 0.25% for new borrowers under the existing Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan (RIHL). This lower rate will also apply to loans issued under the forthcoming Local Authority Home Loan. The Help to Buy scheme is also currently available to help purchasers in accessing newly constructed homes.
