Written Answers Nos. 1-36
7. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of vacant properties and houses across the State as of 2021; and the number of vacant properties that are State-owned. [54715/21]
View answerAddressing vacancy and maximising the use of existing housing stock is a primary concern of this Government, as demonstrated by one of the four pathways dedicated solely to this priority area in the new Housing for All strategy. The most recent figures available from Census 2016 indicate that there were 183,000 vacant homes nationwide, a 20% reduction on figures reported in Census 2011 (230,000).
However, work is underway by the Department of Finance through the current Local Property Tax returns to assess the present vacancy situation and once collated and analysed this data will contribute to a number of policy initiatives outlined in Housing for All, including:
- A new local authority-led programme to help Local Authorities buy or compulsory purchase 2,500 vacant homes in their areas which can then be sold on the open market will ensure homes don’t lie vacant.
- Reform of the Fair Deal Scheme to remove disincentives to selling or renting unused homes.
- The Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund will be delivered by local authorities for the provision of serviced sites for housing, to attract people to build their own homes and to support the refurbishment of vacant properties, enabling people to live in small towns and villages, in a sustainable way.
- A new Town Centre First policy, which will include approaches to utilising existing stock and new financial incentive mechanisms.
These measures are in addition to the vacant property tax consideration being pursued by the Department of Finance.
Statistics in relation to social housing stock, at a point in time, are published by the National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC) in their Annual Reports on Performance Indicators in Local Authorities. These reports provide a range of information in relation to social housing stock, including levels of vacancy in local authority owned properties. The most recent report, relating to 2020, is available on the NOAC website.
11. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the issue of local councils being unable to enforce a ban on short-term lets in rent pressure zones given that they are powerless to gather the landlord contact information or property ID required to bring about a prosecution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55156/21]
View answerLegislative reforms to regulate the short-term letting sector through the planning code, in areas designated as “rent pressure zones” (RPZs), were introduced under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (Exempted Development) (No. 2) Regulations 2019 which came into effect on 1 July 2019.
Notwithstanding the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, significant work on the implementation and enforcement of the Regulations has been undertaken by planning authorities since they came into effect. In data returns submitted to the Department, planning authorities have reported 6,121 instances of properties potentially in breach of the short-term letting legislation since its introduction, resulting in the commencement of almost 3,000 investigations and the issuing of 2,300 warning letters. Of these, 806 individual cases have been resolved to the satisfaction of planning authorities through the registration of properties, obtaining planning permission, or the ceasing of short-term letting operations.
Housing for All contains a specific action - (Action 20.4) - to “develop new regulatory controls requiring short-term and holiday lets to register with Fáilte Ireland with a view to ensuring that houses are used to best effect in areas of housing need”. I have engaged with my colleague Minister Catherine Martin on this matter, and a number of meetings have been held between my Department and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, and with Fáilte Ireland and further engagement will take place in the near future.
Significant progress has been made on these proposals, which are being led by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media. Funding has been allocated in Budget 2022 and Fáilte Ireland will be commencing shortly with recruitment of staff to manage the design and infrastructure for a short term lettings registration system. Work has also begun on scoping the legal changes which will be required and are expected to be legislated for by Q2 2022.
12. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason that public housing land in the remit of South Dublin County Council was recently sold to a private developer; the reason there is also a proposal to sell similar land in Dublin County Council, in view of the establishment of the Land Development Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55042/21]
View answerThe Housing for All strategy was published on 2 September and provides the funding and the targets for the social housing and affordable housing schemes. This is the most ambitious housing plan in the history of our State, backed up by an unprecedented financial commitment of 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 new build 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, as well as through a strategic partnership between the State and retail banks.
The enactment of the Land Development Agency Act, 2021, establishing the LDA as a commercial State Agency, marks an historic move to use all lands available to the State to provide for housing supply and affordability needs and represents a crucial lever in terms of reaching a sustainable housing market. However, it was not intended to delay or interrupt projects/ housing schemes already in-flight or at an advanced stage of planning.
I understand the Deputy is referring to sites in both the South Dublin County Council and Dublin City Council areas. In relation to a recent sale of a site in South Dublin, I understand that the Members of the Council recently approved the disposal of lands to the preferred Economic Operator to build 372 affordable homes and 123 private residential units at Killinarden. The Council members agreed in March 2020 to progress the procurement process and proceed to land disposal under the relevant legislation to accelerate the delivery of much needed affordable homes in the area. In addition, 125 social homes will be delivered as part of this development. The land associated with these social homes is not included in the approved disposal.
I understand that it is proposed to dispose of two sites owned by Dublin City Council (DCC), Oscar Traynor Road and O'Devaney Gardens, through the Housing Land Initiative competitive dialogue process to the preferred Economic Operator under Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001. These schemes combined will deliver over 1,800 homes, including over 500 new social homes, and between 400 and 900 cost rental and affordable purchase homes. The plans for Oscar Traynor Road and O'Devaney Gardens predate the establishment of the LDA and going back to the drawing board now would result in an inordinate delay (DCC advise this could be up to five years) in the delivery of vital homes.
14. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the judicial review Bill; when this Bill is likely to be enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54846/21]
View answerThe General Scheme of the Housing and Planning and Development Bill 2019 now referred to as the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill in the Legislative Programme Autumn Session 2021, was published in late 2019. The General Scheme was the subject of a public consultation process which ended in January 2020. The General Scheme sets out an initial outline of proposed revisions to the judicial review provisions in sections 50 to 50B of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended.
My Officials are engaging with the Joint Oireachtas Committee (JOC) on Housing, Local Government and Heritage as the General Scheme of the Bill will be undergoing pre-legislative scrutiny before the JOC prior to the commencement of legislative drafting. The appearance before the JOC is now expected to be scheduled early in 2022, once my Departments current legislative files are concluded. It is intended that drafting of the Bill will commence shortly after the appearance before the JOC with the introduction of the new legislation in Q2 2022 and that the new reforms will come into effect on the establishment of the Environmental and Planning Law Court which is also committed to in the Programme for Government.
16. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the housing first scheme will be extended given the figures for homelessness have not reduced over the past two-year period (details supplied) and the fact the very first housing first property has just been rolled out in County Clare; the additional funding that will be available for homeless services in County Clare, for example, for wetroom facilities and an expansion of emergency accommodation through budget 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55131/21]
View answerHousing First enables homeless individuals with high levels of complex needs to obtain permanent secure accommodation with intensive housing and health supports. The programme is a joint initiative of my Department, the Department of Health, the HSE and local authorities, in conjunction with NGO partners.
A total of 695 tenancies have been achieved under the current National Implementation Plan which ends this year, surpassing the target of 663. Housing for All commits to an expansion by 1,200 additional tenancies over the next five years. A new National Implementation Plan is to be published before the end of 2021.
My Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the statutory role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at local level.
The administration of homeless services is organised on a regional basis with a lead authority in place for each region. Clare County Council is included in the Mid-West region along with Limerick City and County Council, which acts as the regional lead authority.
Some €9.18m was provided in Exchequer funding to the Mid-West Region in 2020 with €7.1m in funding recouped to date in 2021, with further payments to be made. It is a matter for each housing authority to bring forward proposals to my Department for 2022 to meet the needs of homeless individuals in their administrative area and the funding requirements will be considered in this context.
19. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the criteria set out in the Housing for All plan for the development of affordable housing will result in affordable houses being delivered in County Clare. [54771/21]
View answerThe Housing for All Strategy delivers on the Programme for Government commitment to put affordability at the heart of the housing system. Over €4 billion in funding is provided annually, representing the highest ever level of Government investment in building social and affordable housing.
54,000 affordable homes interventions will be delivered nationally between now and 2030 to be facilitated through a range of measures by local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies, the Land Development Agency and through a strategic partnership between the State and retail banks.
Delivery of affordable housing, in accordance with the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme established in Part 2 of the Affordable Housing Act 2021 will be underpinned by the preparation by local authorities of Housing Delivery Action Plans.
Local authorities will be submitting their Plans to me, to include social and affordable housing, before the end of December 2021. This will allow each Local Authority, including Clare County Council, to determine any affordability constraint in their area based on the Housing Need and Demand Assessment and plan the provision of affordable homes accordingly.
Additionally, Part 4 of the Affordable Housing Act provides for the First Home Affordable Purchase Shared Equity scheme, which will commence in 2022 and will be available in all counties.
In addition the Help to Buy Scheme and the Local Authority Home loan scheme remain available nationally and make housing more affordable to purchasers.
20. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to provide a social housing passport in order that persons can move for work, family reasons and so on, to different local authority areas without losing any time on the housing list. [54640/21]
View answerThe Programme for Government provides for a package of social housing reforms, including the introduction of a social housing passport to allow households move from one local authority waiting list to another.
There is already a degree of flexibility with regard to waiting lists. The four Dublin local authorities already co-operate in arrangements that enable social housing applicants to apply for housing in one or two of the other Dublin authorities simultaneously. The household can therefore be eligible to receive offers of a social housing dwelling from any of the three authorities. Similar arrangements apply in the two Cork and two Galway local authorities.
It is also already possible for households to move and relocate between housing authority areas under the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) Scheme where there is agreement between the two housing authorities concerned and where the household income is within the appropriate income limits.
The issue of providing for wider mobility is being examined and further consultation with the local authority sector will be carried out. To date local authorities have indicated that the demand for such a scheme is likely to be low and that the operation of such a scheme would present significant administrative issues for the sector.
I will look at proposals in relation to such wider movement in due course along with the other reform package measures.
21. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will support measures to reduce rents given the crisis caused by rising rent costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54653/21]
View answerThe solution to dealing with the rental market challenges is to provide for increased supply of homes. Housing for All – A New Housing Plan for Ireland does that through a range of interventions and unprecedented investment with in excess of €20 billion in funding over the next five years.
Housing for All lays the foundation for an entirely new housing tenure in Ireland, Cost Rental, which will be a game changer for rent affordability. Approximately 18,000 Cost Rental homes will be delivered by Local Authorities, Approved Housing Bodies and the Land Development Agency between now and 2030. In building to this scale, with an average of 2,000 Cost Rental homes per year, the State will provide certain focused funding supports to help delivery partners provide rental homes that target affordable rents at levels in the order of 25% below market rents. Delivery of Cost Rental at scale will have a stabilising effect on the wider rental market.
The Residential Tenancies (No. 2) Act 2021 introduced measures in July 2021 to better protect tenants with affordability challenges by extending the operation of Rent Pressure Zones (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).
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.
To address the rent affordability challenges building on foot of the fast rising inflation rate, as recorded by HICP (CSO preliminary data for October 2021 shows HICP inflation of 5.1% p.a.), I secured Government approval on 4 November to introduce a cap on rent increases in RPZs of no more than 2% per annum pro rata. In effect, this will mean that rents may only increase by HICP inflation or 2%, whichever is the lower. The Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Bill 2021 will be published shortly and is intended for priority enactment as soon as possible in December.
22. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the protocol with regard to those living in homeless accommodation provided by a local authority in cases in which the income levels of persons change to an extent that it puts them over the income threshold for social housing; if they can remain on the housing list with no penalties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54639/21]
View answerUnder the Housing Act 1988 it is a matter for each local authority to determine whether a person is regarded as homeless; section 2 of the Act sets out the requirements in this regard. When a household has been assessed as homeless, section 10 of the 1988 Act provides that a local authority may provide accommodation and related services to that household. This allows the local authority to provide an immediate response to ensure that those who are homeless are provided with the emergency accommodation required. The ultimate aim however is to work with households to exit homelessness to homes in the shortest timeframe possible utilising the various social housing supports available.
Applications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended.
Under Regulation 28 of the Assessment Regulations, a household’s qualification for support may be reviewed at the discretion of a local authority and Regulation 29 provides that the household’s qualification for support shall be reassessed at the point of allocation of support. If upon review, a household is found to exceed the limits on income eligibility grounds, for example, they would be removed from the list. Furthermore, authorities are also required, when directed by the Minister, to undertake a statutory Summary of Social Housing Assessments (SSHA) to count the number of households on the waiting list for social housing supports whose need has not yet been met. The SSHA process requires all local authorities to review those households who are on their housing list but who are not currently in receipt of housing support.
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.
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.
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. However, with the exception of the specific payments listed in the Household Means Policy as being disregarded, all income from social insurance and social assistance payments, allowances and benefits is assessable.
The determination of whether an applicant household meets the income criteria is based on a calculation of their preceding 12 months’ net average income prior to the date of receipt of application. This ensures that the most comprehensive picture of a household’s current and previous income is available at the point of carrying out the assessment.
The documentation required with regard to proof of income is set out in the social housing application form. A degree of discretion is permitted to the local authorities as to the extent of documentation the authority deems necessary to ascertain a household’s average income over the preceding 12 months in order to satisfy themselves of the household’s true income pattern.
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.
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. As set out in Housing for All - a New Housing Plan for Ireland, the efficiency of the banding model and its application to local authorities will be considered. Equivalisation as between singles and families will also be considered. The review will also have regard to new initiatives being brought forward in terms of affordability and Cost Rental housing. I intend that the review will be completed this year.
23. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on whether a service (details supplied) and the housing assistance payment limits are fit for purpose considering the national policy of preventing homelessness; the new measures he plans to put in place to ensure that the number of persons in homelessness does not continue to increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55040/21]
View answerSupporting individuals and families at risk of homelessness is a key Government priority. ‘Housing for All - a New Housing Plan for Ireland’, sets an ambitious objective of working to eradicate homelessness by 2030 and outlines details on how the Government is approaching this challenge.
Housing for All commits to taking action to prevent entries into homelessness in the first instance and to help those experiencing homelessness to exit into secure and sustained tenancies. The overriding objective of Government is to provide homes through the various social housing supports available. If a household has been deemed eligible for social housing support, it is a matter for the local authority to examine the suite of social housing supports available, including the HAP scheme, to determine the most appropriate form of social housing support for that household in the administrative area of that local authority.
Each local authority has statutory discretion to agree to a HAP payment up to 20% above the prescribed maximum rent limit to secure appropriate accommodation for a household that requires it, or up to 50% in the case of homeless households in the Dublin region. It is a matter for the local authority to determine, on a case by case basis, whether, and to what extent, the application of the flexibility is warranted.
Additionally, households at risk of homelessness may be eligible for additional supports. To qualify for specific additional supports available to homeless households, a household must have been determined by the relevant local authority to be homeless within the meaning of section 2 of the Housing Act 1988. This is a targeted support for homeless households, who are finding it difficult to secure HAP tenancies, which provides all local authorities with the option to pay deposits and advance rental payments for any households in emergency homeless accommodation, or at risk of entering same, in order to secure accommodation through the HAP Scheme. The operation of local homeless services, including the Place Finder Service, is a matter for each local authority.
The Programme for Government commits to ensuring that HAP levels are adequate to support vulnerable households, while we increase the supply of social housing. My Department continues to keep the operation of the HAP scheme under review. Under Housing for All, my Department will undertake an analytical exercise to examine whether an increase in the level of discretion available to Local Authorities under HAP is required, in order to maintain adequate levels of HAP support.
The Homeless HAP Place Finder service is an important aid for homeless households or households who are at risk of homelessness. The Place Finder service has proven effective, with HAP accounting for approximately 72% of the exits from homelessness recorded so far in 2021.
24. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he plans to announce the new income limits for social housing; if he will review the new requirement in social housing assessment regulations that means that the income of the past 12 months of the applicant is taken into account rather than the current income (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55035/21]
View answer51. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding income thresholds for those trying to avail of social housing; the discussions his Department has had on raising the threshold; his plans to have these limits raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54747/21]
View answer65. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the review of income eligibility for social housing supports in each local authority; the details of the new assessment methodology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55221/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 24, 51 and 65 together.
Applications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended.
The 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.
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.
A table setting out the details of the three bands and the limits currently applicable in each local authority area is available on my Department's website on the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/04c69-social-housing-support-table-of-income-limits/
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.
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. As set out in Housing for All - a New Housing Plan for Ireland, the efficiency of the banding model and its application to local authorities will be considered. Equivalisation as between singles and families will also be considered. The review will also have regard to new initiatives being brought forward in terms of affordability and Cost Rental housing. I intend that the review will be completed this year.
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. However, with the exception of the specific payments listed in the Household Means Policy as being disregarded, all income from social insurance and social assistance payments, allowances and benefits is assessable.
More detail on what income is assessable and the full list of disregards is also available on my Department's website at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/fb1f2-social-housing-support-household-means-policy/
The determination of whether an applicant household meets the income criteria is based on a calculation of their preceding 12 months’ net average income prior to the date of receipt of application. This ensures that the most comprehensive picture of a household’s current and previous income is available at the point of carrying out the assessment.
The documentation required with regard to proof of income is set out in the social housing application form. A degree of discretion is permitted to the local authorities as to the extent of documentation the authority deems necessary to ascertain a household’s average income over the preceding 12 months in order to satisfy themselves of the household’s true income pattern.
Social housing is a long-term housing support. Where an individual has recently lost employment, rent supplement is a short-term income support for people in the private rental sector.
Under the Housing Act 1988 it is a matter for each local authority to determine whether a person is regarded as homeless; section 2 of the Act sets out the requirements in this regard. When a household has been assessed as homeless, section 10 of the 1988 Act, provides that a local authority may provide accommodation and related services to that household. This allows the local authority to provide an immediate response to ensure that those who are homeless are provided with the emergency accommodation required. The ultimate aim however is to work with households to exit homelessness to homes in the shortest timeframe possible utilising the various social housing supports available.
25. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the delivery of housing by the Land Development Agency in Dublin. [55163/21]
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 commencement, the LDA will be established as a commercial State agency.
There is ongoing engagement between the LDA and my Department in relation to the identification of relevant public lands suitable for the delivery of substantial additional housing in locations with a significant housing need. In the table below, are sites for future housing development which the LDA are currently engaged within the Dublin area.
|
- |
Size |
Projected number of units |
Stage of the process/targeted completion date |
Partners |
|
CMH, Dundrum |
28 acres |
1,050 homes (estimated) |
Pre-planning public consultation complete. LDA expects to lodge an application for SHD in Q1 2022. Construction start is projected for Q2 2025. |
OPW site. |
|
Meath Hospital, Dublin 8 |
0.75 acres |
Under review |
Project under review. |
HSE site. |
|
Hackettstown, Skerries |
16.8 acres |
344 homes (estimated) |
Pre-application consultation with Fingal and An Bórd Pleanála completed. Separate S34 roads application being progressed with Fingal Co. Co. SHD application submission expected in Q4 in 2021. |
Housing Agency site. |
|
Castlelands, Balbriggan |
55 acres |
817 homes (estimated) |
Pre-application consultation with An Bórd Pleanála held in May 2021. Separate S34 roads application being progressed with Fingal Co. Co. SHD submission expected in Q4 2021. Full Planning Application lodgement estimated for December 21. |
Housing Agency site. |
|
St. Teresa’s Gardens (Donore Project) |
5.87ha |
c.550 |
Pre-development stage |
In partnership with Dublin City Council |
|
Cherry Orchard |
12.7ha |
c.800-1000 |
Pre-development stage – LDA procuring design team |
In partnership with Dublin City Council |
In addition to the above sites, the Government announced earlier this year that the properties held by the Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA) in the Liberties area of Dublin are to be transferred to the LDA in mid-2022. The LDA intends to prepare a plan for development on the site and will engage with the local community and other stakeholders on other potential civic and community uses in addition to housing.
In partnership with Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, the LDA have also been granted planning permission for the development of 597 homes on a site in Shanganagh. Approximately 34% of the units will be for social housing, 51% will be cost rental and 15% will be for affordable purchase. Work has commenced on the construction tender process.
In addition, under Housing for All, it is planned to transfer additional sites in the Dublin area to the LDA following a due diligence process, which will determine the appropriate residential yield for each site and other issues arising such as relocation of services. These include ESB, CIE and OPW sites in Inchicore, CIE sites in Conyngham Road Garage and Broadstone Garage, Dublin Port sites, Teagasc and Horse Racing Ireland sites in Kinsealy and Carrickmines respectively, and the Defence Forces Site at St. Bricins Hospital.
26. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 154 of 28 September 2021, when he expects all vacant homes officer positions in local authorities to be filled on a full-time basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54984/21]
View answerSince 2018, my Department has provided funding to each local authority of €50,000 per annum to support the work of a Vacant Homes Office including a Vacant Homes Officer. All local authorities have such officers in place, but the data indicates that the majority of these are currently on a part-time basis.
In the context of Housing for All, a range of actions are set out to tackle vacancy in the existing housing stock. This will include the launch of the town centre first policy before the end of the year, which will have a particular focus on tackling vacancy and dereliction and supporting the regeneration of town centres. This will be aided by a number of schemes to support the tackling of vacancy, building and enhancing the current schemes for Buy and Renew and Repair and Lease and introducing a Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund and a scheme to CPO properties to ensure their use for residential purposes.
In this context, Housing for All commits to ensuring that vacant homes officers who will play a key role in implementing these programmes are full-time officers. This will ensure a dedicated focus on tackling vacancy and dereliction with a view to increasing the opportunities for residential development. This will include options for social housing and for affordable housing in many town centres.
My Department will be communicating with local authorities before the end of the year around the future process to ensure that a member of staff is assigned to these tasks on a full-time basis.
27. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the additional support and finance that will be put in place for Irish Water to remedy the ongoing issues with the waste treatment systems in 34 towns and villages as outlined in the EPA report on Urban Waste Water Treatment in 2020. [55103/21]
View answerSince 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 takes a strategic, nationwide approach to asset planning and investment, and meeting customer requirements. The prioritisation and progression of individual projects and programmes is a matter for determination by Irish Water.
The Programme for Government commits to funding Irish Water's capital investment plan for water infrastructure on a multi-annual basis. The National Development Plan 2021-2030 commits to almost €6bn capital investment by Irish Water in the period 2021-2025 of which over €4.5 billion of which will be Voted Exchequer funding in respect of domestic water services.
In Budget 2022, I secured over €1.57 billion to support water services. This includes €1.459 billion for domestic water services provision by Irish Water. The investment will deliver significant improvements in our public water and waste water services, and support a range of programmes delivering improved water quality in our rivers, lakes and marine area. It is key to addressing Ireland's shortcomings in water and waste water infrastructure, including compliance with the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive.
28. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity will convene; and the discussions he has had with his Ministerial colleagues in relation to same. [51084/21]
View answerThe convening of a Citizens' Assembly on Biodiversity is under discussion at a senior level between the Department of the Taoiseach and my Department. The timing and scheduling of the Assembly will depend on the outcome of these discussions and is ultimately a matter for the Department of the Taoiseach, under whose aegis Citizen Assemblies are held.
There are a number of external factors which need to be considered before the scope and terms of the Assembly are framed.
In this regard, work is currently underway in my Department on putting a consultation in place to ensure the views of stakeholders, such as youth, are included in the process. I consider it crucial that the views of our young people are properly and carefully considered in determining how we approach the biodiversity crisis in the coming years. In this regard, I have held discussions with my colleague Roderic O'Gorman, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
I hope to be in a position to launch the consultation before the end of the year.
29. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of his work to establish the Electoral Commission. [55203/21]
View answerThe Programme for Government - Our Shared Future commits to the establishment of a statutory, independent Electoral Commission. The legislative provisions for the Electoral Commission are being progressed as part of an Electoral Reform Bill, which also provides for the modernisation of the electoral registration process, the regulation of online political advertising during election periods and provisions which are aimed at assisting with the holding of electoral events where Covid-19 restrictions are in place.
Following Government approval of the drafting of an Electoral Reform Bill, the Bill's General Scheme was circulated to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage in January for pre-legislative consideration. The General Scheme is available on my Department's website at www.gov.ie/en/publication/34cf6-general-scheme-of-the-electoral-reform-bill-2020. The Joint Oireachtas Committee carried out a thorough pre-legislative scrutiny process, taking in the views of a wide range of stakeholders and policy experts over seven sessions between January and August of this year. The committee's pre-legislative scrutiny report was published in August and is available from the Oireachtas website at www.oireachtas.ie/en/committees/33/housing-local-government-and-heritage/. The recommendations in the report are currently being considered by my Department. My Department is continuing to work with the Attorney General's Office on the drafting of the Electoral Reform Bill and good progress is being made. The Bill is on the list of priority legislation for publication in the autumn legislation programme.
In addition to the legislative work that is being advanced, progress is also being made in respect of the practicalities of the Commission's establishment. In this regard, a team was put in place earlier in the year and is working on the preparatory institutional and administrative arrangements for the Electoral Commission, pending its formal establishment.
30. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to reform the local authority maintenance programme to reduce void turnaround times. [55076/21]
View answerThere are approximately 140,000 local authority owned social housing properties in the State which have an estimated market value of €25 billion. It is fundamental that a management and maintenance system be established to ensure these homes comply with the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations, 2019, that they provide good comfort levels for their occupants and that vacancy and turnaround times are kept to a minimum.
My Department is committed to the introduction of proper management and maintenance of local authority owned social housing properties and is currently working with the local authorities on the introduction of a stock condition survey roadmap to enable local authorities to transition from a largely response based maintenance approach to a more strategic and informed planned maintenance approach to stock maintenance.
A national standardised stock condition survey template and ICT system to support asset management have been agreed. The ICT system is currently being procured by the Local Government Management Agency on behalf of the Sector. It is envisaged that stock condition surveys will be completed over a four to five year period and begin once the ICT system to capture the stock condition data is in place. This has been delayed somewhat owing to the Covid pandemic restrictions and it is likely therefore to be 2022 before surveys commence.
A Planned Maintenance Programme will be introduced in 2022 to provide funding support alongside budgetary provisions made by local authority elected members for housing repairs and cyclical maintenance as part of the local authority annual budget process. Funding will remain available under the existing programmes of stock improvement works, such as, Voids, Grants and Remedial Works Scheme during the transition to a planned maintenance approach over the years 2022 and 2023.
31. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the plans for affordable housing in the Dublin Bay south area. [55143/21]
View answerThe Housing for All Strategy delivers on the Programme for Government commitment to step up housing supply and put affordability at the heart of the housing system, with an ambitious target of 300,000 homes over the next decade for social, affordable and cost rental, private rental and private ownership housing.
Measures to deliver this housing are supported by over €4 billion in funding annually, representing the highest ever level of Government investment in building social and affordable housing. 54,000 affordable homes interventions will be delivered between now and 2030 to be facilitated by local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies, the Land Development Agency and through a strategic partnership between the State and retail banks. From this figure, there will be 36,000 affordable purchase and 18,000 Cost Rental homes.
The delivery of affordable housing, in accordance with the schemes set out in the Affordable Housing Act, 2021 and the funding being made available, will be underpinned by local authorities' Housing Delivery Action Plans. Local authorities, including Dublin City Council, will be submitting their Plans to me, to include social and affordable housing before the end of December 2021. This will allow each local authority to assess the level of demand with affordability constraint in their area based on the Housing Need and Demand Assessment and plan provision accordingly.
Funding to support local authority delivery of affordable housing was made available through the Serviced Sites Fund (SSF). Following the Programme for Government commitment to extend the SSF, a progress review of SSF projects was undertaken. Considering feedback from local authorities, significant improvements to the scheme, now named the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF), have been agreed and communicated to local authorities by Circular in June 2021.
In relation to the scheme governing the affordable purchase of local authority provided or arranged affordable housing, it is intended that regulations regarding income eligibility in respect of the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme will be in place shortly.
32. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the expenditure each year for the past ten years, including to date in 2021, on Traveller-specific housing; the total number of Travellers on housing lists across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54327/21]
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 total funding recouped to local authorities for expenditure on the provision of Traveller specific accommodation for the last ten years including 2021 to date is set out in tabular from below.
|
Year |
Amount |
|
2011 |
€9,314,909 |
|
2012 |
€4,000,000 |
|
2013 |
€4,142,933 |
|
2014 |
€3,163,688 |
|
2015 |
€4,074,630 |
|
2016 |
€4,627,831 |
|
2017 |
€4,834,636 |
|
2018 |
€6,264,345 |
|
2019 |
€8,657,652 |
|
2020 |
€14,497,653 |
|
2021 (year to date) |
€7,881,048 |
|
Total |
€71,459, 329 |
There is no figure for the total number of traveller families on local authority housing lists throughout the country as people are not required to identify their ethnicity when applying for social housing assessment.
One of the recommendations of the Traveller Accommodation Expert Review report, commissioned in 2018 by the then Minister of State, is to amend the assessment regulations governing the Social Housing Support application form to allow for a Traveller 'ethnic' identifier so that Traveller applicants for housing supports can be identified and have their housing needs planned for.
A Programme Board has been established by my Department to drive implementation of the recommendations. One of the recommendations being considered in the 2021 work programme is the inclusion of a Traveller identifier on the Social Housing Support application form.
In the 2020 Summary of Social Housing Assessments produced by the Housing Agency and published by my Department in March 2021, a total of 1,047 households (or 1.7% of the overall total of applicants) nationwide expressed an interest in Traveller specific accommodation. However, this cannot be read as the total number of Traveller families on the housing lists list as many Travellers express a preference for standard social housing.
33. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of new build social homes that will be delivered in County Mayo in 2021 and 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55199/21]
View answerHousing for All is the Government’s plan to increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 per year over the next decade. Under Housing for All, the Government will deliver 47,600 new build social homes in the period 2022-2026. Individual targets for the delivery of social housing from 2022 -2026 have been provided to each local authority.
Details on social housing delivery for each local authority, across a range of delivery mechanisms, are included in the 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.
In the first six months of 2021, Mayo delivered 11 new build social homes and 31 leased homes. The construction shutdown due to Covid has had an impact on delivery but I have asked all local authorities to engage with developers, contractors and AHB delivery partners to take all possible measures to maximise delivery for the remainder of the year.
In 2022, Mayo has been set a target to deliver 90 new build social homes. 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 for the period 2022 - 2026.
34. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has engaged in discussions regarding a repeal of the competitive tax advantages of REITs within the housing market. [54716/21]
View answerI have no function in the matter raised in the question. Taxation is a matter for the Minister for Finance and is outside the remit of my Department.
The Finance Act 2013 introduced the regime for the operation of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) in Ireland. The function of the REIT framework is not to provide an overall tax exemption but rather to facilitate collective investment in rental property by removing a double layer of taxation which would otherwise apply on property investment via a corporate vehicle.
REITs are required to distribute 85% of all property income profits annually to investors. Dividend Withholding Tax (DWT) at a rate of 25% must be applied to these distributions, other than those distributed to certain limited classes of investors such as pensions and charities as they are more generally exempt from tax.
I understand that a number of amendments were made to the taxation of REITs as part of Finance Act 2019, to ensure the regime operates as intended and further details on these amendments can be found at www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-finance/.
35. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the way the capital assistance scheme has been used to support the provision of emergency accommodation to victims of domestic violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55150/21]
View answerWhile the responsibility for the development and provision of services to support victims of domestic violence rests with my colleague the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, my Department provides capital funding to local authorities via the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS) which is available to Approved Housing Bodies in the development of new refuges.
Through CAS, local organisations have had funding support for refuges in recent years in Galway City, Louth and South Dublin and proposals from a number of other areas are at various stages of advancement. CAS funding remains available to support refuges and in that regard, I expect that the publication by Tusla soon of its Review of the provision of Accommodation for Victims of Domestic Violence, will assist in developing a plan to address refuge provision and related matters. The recommendations of this review are to be considered as part of the third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence that is currently being developed under the leadership of the Minister for Justice.
36. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on discussions he has had with those campaigning for full mica redress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54654/21]
View answerI met with persons and representatives of persons, whose properties have been affected by the use of defective concrete blocks in County Donegal, on three occasions. The first was at the launch of the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant scheme, which took place in Buncrana on 6 August 2020. The second meeting was held virtually on 4 February 2021. The third meeting was also held virtually on 20 May 2021.
In response to concerns being raised by homeowners in relation to the Defective Concrete Block grant scheme, I established a time-bound working group, with representatives from my Department, the local authorities and homeowner representative groups who were tasked with reviewing the operation of the scheme and providing a report with recommendations originally by 31st July, 2021.
I attended the first meeting of this group which took place virtually on the 30th June 2021 where issues such as the terms of reference of the group, presentations on both the DCB scheme and Pyrite Remediation Scheme, contributions from the homeowner representatives and various other items were discussed.
At the request of homeowners and in order to afford them more time to consider and respond to key issues under discussion, it was agreed at the meeting held on the 27th July that the timeline for the submission of a report by the Working Group would be extended to the end of September, 2021.
Both officials from my Department and the Housing agency continued to engage with homeowner representatives throughout the month of August and a further meeting of the working group took place on the 17th of September, 2021.
I was also in attendance at the final meeting of the working group which took place on the 29th of September at which the homeowners had an opportunity to present and discuss their “final position paper”.
I received the final report of the Working Group on Defective Concrete Blocks in early October and have been in consultations since the publication of this report with various stakeholders and Government colleagues.
I intend in the near term to bring a memorandum to Government setting out proposals for improvements to the existing scheme, it’s future administration and various other matters raised in the report of the working group.
