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Thursday, 11 Nov 2021

Written Answers Nos. 37-56

Local Authorities

Questions (37)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

37. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the development of a biodiversity officer programme pursuant to the Programme for Government; the analysis his Department carried out in 2021 to ensure that all 31 local authorities have a sufficient number of biodiversity and heritage officers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55192/21]

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Written answers

My Department is responsible for the implementation of a range of legislation and policy relating to biodiversity in Ireland, this does not include the employment of biodiversity officers, which falls under the remit of each local authority. Currently there are five biodiversity officers employed in the following local authorities: Fingal County Council; Wexford County Council; Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council; Dublin City Council; and Kerry County Council.

The Heritage Officer Network Programme, run in partnership between the Heritage Council and local authorities, employs twenty-nine heritage officers. Heritage Officers work with other sections within the local authorities to develop policies and projects which highlight the importance of natural and built heritage when planning for the future. They co-ordinate and implement County Heritage Plans and work with local environmental and community groups to organise events.

The Programme for Government outlines our ambition to tackle the biodiversity crisis and provides a framework for meeting the challenges that we face in doing so. Local authorities are uniquely positioned, within their own biodiversity plans and working with communities, to help halt biodiversity loss. Biodiversity officers are a key part of this and are crucial to the implementation of actions for biodiversity at local and regional level.

My Department is committed to supporting local authorities in the important role they play in the implementation of actions contained in the National Biodiversity Action Plan. Officials in my Department are working on a programme to facilitate the roll-out of biodiversity officers within local authorities nationwide. My Department’s investment in the biodiversity officer programme, through support of local authorities, will enhance their efforts to deliver benefits for biodiversity. In that context, I have allocated €600,000 in 2022 towards the programme.

Housing Provision

Questions (38)

Matt Carthy

Question:

38. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of families with housing need currently in County Monaghan. [55049/21]

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Written answers

Details 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. The total number of households qualified in Monaghan in November 2020 was 413, representing a decrease of 117 households (-22.1%) between June 2019 and November 2020.

Below is the link to the summary report for 2020 which includes breakdowns by each local authority across a range of categories.

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.   

It should also 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.  

Water Pollution

Questions (39)

Ivana Bacik

Question:

39. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the role his Department plays in preventing pollution in Dublin Bay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53538/21]

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Written answers

Primary responsibility for the monitoring, management, protection and improvement of water quality is assigned to local authorities under the Local Government (Water Pollution) Acts and related legislation. 

Since 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local level, including investment in waste water treatment plants and returning waste water safely to the environment in an efficient and sustainable manner.

The EPA is the key statutory body for investigating complaints of pollution and for the enforcement, both directly and through oversight of Irish Water and local authorities, of environmental legislation in Ireland, including compliance in relation to licensed urban waste water discharges.

As part of Budget 2022, I secured funding of over €1.57 billion to support water services. This includes €1.459 billion (Current €629m and Capital €830m) in respect of domestic water services provision by Irish Water.

The overall investment will deliver significant improvements in our public water and waste water services, support improved water supplies right across Ireland, including rural Ireland, 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 (UWWTD).

In respect of Dublin Bay, the Ringsend wastewater treatment plant was originally designed and built to treat wastewater for a population equivalent of 1.64 million and is now overloaded. In response, Irish Water is currently undertaking a major upgrade of the plant. This upgrade will increase the capacity of the plant to cater for the growing population of the Greater Dublin Area and will address compliance with EU law.  Planning permission was granted for the project in April 2019, and the project is currently underway. 

In addition, my officials are currently examining the most suitable options to provide for safe bathing water during the winter months, and improve the dissemination of information around bathing water quality, particularly in the Dublin bay area. Both Minister Noonan and I have met with a number local interest groups for the Dublin Bay area, including the Dublin Bay SOS Group, and I am committed to developing a solution that will allow flexibility around the bathing season and the protection of those people who swim throughout the year.

Ongoing work by the Dublin Bay Task Group, chaired by Dublin City Council is aimed at improving bathing water quality all year round. The work of this group, and the welcome commitment from Irish Water to operate its ultraviolet filter at Ringsend for a period outside of the bathing season are already providing improved protection for bathers, while also improving our knowledge of the quality of our bathing waters outside of the defined season.  

The Programme for Government commits to funding Irish Water's capital investment plan for drinking water and waste water infrastructure on a multi-annual basis and delivery of the funding package committed to in Project Ireland 2040. The National Development Plan (NDP) 2021-2030 (published on 4 October 2021) commits to almost €6bn capital investment to be undertaken by Irish Water in the period from 2021-2025 of which over €4.5 billion will be Voted Exchequer funded in respect of domestic water services also referenced under Housing for All.  This substantial and sustained investment will build on improvements in recent years to deliver enhanced environment conditions in our rivers, estuaries, lakes and coastal waters.

National Parks

Questions (40)

Dara Calleary

Question:

40. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if will give further consideration to the strong wishes of communities across County Mayo to retain the name Ballycroy in the name of the National Park; if his attention has been drawn to the anger and disappointment at the dropping of the name; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55072/21]

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Written answers

I wish to thank the Deputy and the communities across County Mayo for their interest in the National Park.  I note the feelings of the local communities and wish to point out that while the name has changed to better represent the areas the National Park encompasses, my Department's commitment to both Ballycroy and the National Park remains unchanged.

Since the expansion of the Park in December 2017,  two thirds of the National Park is located outside the Ballycroy townland.  The name my Department has adopted for the Park is best suited to assist the integration of the original park and the newly acquired land fully into the Nephin Beg mountain range in the North Mayo landscape, to integrate with all the communities in the townlands above and to provide a clearer indication of the location to tourists and reduce confusion, especially in terms of the Nephin Wilderness area.

The official state-of-the-art Visitors’ Centre for the National Park remains in Ballycroy village, and my Department is currently developing proposals in conjunction with Mayo Co Council and Fáilte Ireland to upgrade and invest in this area, including pursuing the potential for a Planetarium and Observatory to complement the National Park’s designation as a gold-tier Dark Sky park. The location of the Visitor facility is in Ballycroy village and the associated walks and educational facilities which attract visitors to Ballycroy will remain on all road signage in the region as we continue to grow the visitor numbers annually into both the parish of Ballycroy and the wider north Mayo region with the support of Mayo Co Council.

The revised name provides a clearer indication and reflection of the entire landscape, which fully represents this unique area on an international platform with IUCN recognition for Ireland’s sixth National Park.

Vacant Properties

Questions (41, 61, 82)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

41. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the incentives he favours to help bring derelict houses back into use as homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54832/21]

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Brendan Griffin

Question:

61. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he plans to introduce new measures to help bring derelict houses back into use as homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54831/21]

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Paul McAuliffe

Question:

82. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the new proposals in Housing for All which relate to the power of local authorities to address abandoned buildings in urban villages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55078/21]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 41, 61 and 82 together.

This Government has recently published Housing for All which outlines in detail our ambitious plan to deliver a sustainable housing system for Ireland. Core to this plan are four pathways, one of which relates to addressing vacancy and the efficient use of housing stock. I have been clear that at a time of such housing need, it is imperative that houses already available throughout the state are fully utilised. This makes sense economically, environmentally and for the benefit of our cities, towns and villages.  

To this end, Housing for All commits to establishing and funding a Towns Centre First policy in conjunction with the Department of Rural and Community Development and aligned to the National Planning Framework. The Town Centre First policy will act as a strategic guide to town centre planning, at the heart of which is the promotion of residential occupancy in towns and villages. 

The new Croi Conaithe (Towns) Fund will provide serviced sites to enable refurbishment of vacant properties and attract new building in the centre of small towns and villages in line with the National Planning Framework. A pathfinder programme in this area aims to make available as many as 2,000 sites for homes by 2025.

We will also launch a Compulsory Purchase Order programme, led by Local Authorities, in order to maximise the opportunity to return vacant properties to productive use. The plan also brings a renewed focus on ensuring that state owned properties are either reactivated or placed on the market.

In addition, more than €1.8bn has been allocated across the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) and Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) programmes towards projects to regenerate metropolitan areas and towns across the country.

Finally, the Government has committed in Housing for All to examine the introduction of sanctions, possibly through the introduction of a Vacant Sites Tax, for non-use of residential property. The Local Property Tax returns currently underway will provide important data to inform these policy decisions moving forward.

Wastewater Treatment

Questions (42)

Denis Naughten

Question:

42. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to support the development and operation of small sewerage schemes in villages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54973/21]

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Written answers

My Department builds its strategic water policy and infrastructure delivery programmes around the National Planning Framework 2018-2040 and the National Development Plan 2021-2030. Investment is primarily delivered through Irish Water, while my Department operates the Rural Water Programme directly.

Since 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels. Irish Water 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.

Irish Water continues to improve water services for customers, through the delivery of its capital investment programmes.  As part of Budget 2022, I have secured funding of over €1.5 billion to support water services. This includes €1.4 billion in respect of domestic water services provision by Irish Water. In addition, the Programme for Government supports the uptake of Irish Water's Small Towns and Villages Growth Programme 2020-2024, which will provide water and waste water growth capacity in smaller settlements that would otherwise not be provided for in Irish Water's capital investment plan.

Complementary to that Programme, my Department is also currently examining waste water requirements in the context of villages and similar settlements that do not have access to public waste water infrastructure. I have instructed the relevant officials in my Department to prepare a report on this topic at a national level.  This process is at an advanced stage, and I will be in a position to consider the matter once I have received the final report.

In addition, my Department’s Multi-annual Rural Water Programme provides capital funding under a number of measures relevant to the Deputy's enquiry on the development of small waste water collection networks that are connected to the Irish Water system.  Information on the scope of capital grants and their amounts under the current multi-annual programme were provided to local authorities as part of the bids process under Circular L1/19 on 8 February 2019. The Circular, including the Framework for the Programme, can be found on my Department’s website at this link.

The operation by community-based groups of their own waste water treatment facilities, which are technically more complex than group water scheme treatment facilities, has never been included under the Rural Water Programme. This is because of the difficulties for voluntary groups in managing and maintaining such facilities in the long-term.

In addition, my Department has recently appointed an external consultant to prepare a report on the provision of research and information, to support a review of the wider investment needs relating to the Rural Water Sector. The complete report, which is scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2021, will focus on the governance, supervision, funding and wider investment needs relating to the Rural Water Sector.  The report will be used by the Rural Water Working Group, in its considerations of the wider long term objectives and needs of the Sector.

Vacant Sites

Questions (43)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

43. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of demands and the value of same for the vacant site levy issued by Galway City Council and Galway County Council in each of the years 2017 to 2020 and to date in 2021; the amount of the vacant site levy collected by Galway City Council and Galway County Council in each of the years 2017 to 2020 and to date in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55191/21]

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Written answers

Under the vacant site levy provisions in the Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015, planning authorities were empowered to apply a vacant site levy of 3% of the market valuation of relevant properties which were listed on local authority vacant site registers in 2018, which relevant owners were liable to pay in January 2019. The rate of the levy increased to 7% for sites listed on local authority vacant sites registers from 2019 onwards which site owners became liable to pay in January 2020.

My Department proactively engages with local authorities with a view to ensuring that the vacant site levy achieves its full potential in terms of bringing concerned sites into productive use. In this regard, my Department issued Circular Letter PL 03/2021 on 8 March 2021 requesting the submission of a progress report on the collection of the levy by each local authority. This return included the data requested and is provided in the attached spreadsheet.

It should be noted that the vacant site levy is collected in arrears. The levy due in respect of 2020 is collected in 2021. Local authorities are still issuing demands in respect of 2020. A number of local authorities noted delays in issuing payment demands in respect of 2020 due to COVID-19. Local authorities can continue to issue demands for payment of the levy in respect of 2021.

All levies due on an individual site will remain a charge on the land concerned until all outstanding levies due are paid. Accordingly, under the vacant site levy provisions, there will be a cumulative effect associated with not activating a site for development purposes for each year that a site remains vacant or idle and in respect of which levy liability is not paid.

Vacant Site Levy

Housing Provision

Questions (44)

Alan Farrell

Question:

44. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the impact the reduced interest rate for local authority mortgages under the Rebuilding Ireland home loan has had since its introduction in September 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55110/21]

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Written answers

As part of Housing for All, I announced a reformed successor to the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan Scheme (RIHL), the 'Local Authority Home Loan'. On 10 September 2021, I also announced a reduction of the mortgage interest rate for new borrowers of the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan by 0.25%. This lower rate will be retained for mortgages issued under the forthcoming Local Authority Home Loan scheme.

This rate reduction makes repayments for new borrowers more affordable and is expected to increase the uptake of Local Authority mortgages over time. While it is too early yet to determine the impact of the interest rate reduction, my officials will keep this under review.

Housing Schemes

Questions (45)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

45. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when a new amended tenant purchase housing scheme will be finalised and local authority tenants can apply for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54328/21]

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Written answers

The Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme came into operation on 1 January 2016. The Scheme is open to eligible tenants, including joint tenants, of local authority houses that are available for sale under the Scheme. To be eligible, tenants must meet certain criteria, including having a minimum reckonable income of €15,000 per annum and having been in receipt of social housing support for at least one year.

A review of the first 12 months of the Scheme’s operation has been undertaken. In addition, Housing for All, A New Housing Plan for Ireland, commits to maintain the right of social housing tenants to purchase their own home with some changes to eligibility. The review and the commitments in Housing for All are being examined as part of the work on the broader social housing reform agenda. I expect to be in a position to finalise changes to the Scheme once the work on these reform measures is complete.

Defective Building Materials

Questions (46)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

46. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the work of the Independent Working Group to examine defective housing. [55107/21]

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Written answers

The Programme for Government sets out a number of commitments in respect of the important policy area of building defects and provides for an examination of defects in housing, having regard to the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing report, "Safe as Houses".

In this context, I established a working group to examine defects in housing. The plenary working group has been meeting monthly since March 2021 (except for August), in addition to subgroup meetings. The group’s terms of reference were adopted in May 2021 and include:

1. Examine defects in housing having regard to the recommendations in Item 4 “Addressing the legacy of bad building and poor regulation” in Chapter 4 of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government report - ‘Safe as Houses? A Report on Building Standards, Building Controls and Consumer Protection’.

2. Establish the nature of significant, wide-spread fire safety, structural safety and water ingress defects in purpose built apartment buildings, including duplexes, constructed between 1991 – 2013 in Ireland through consultation with affected homeowners, homeowner representative organisations, owners’ management companies, relevant managing agents, public representatives, local authorities, product manufacturers, building professionals, industry stakeholders, insurance providers, mortgage providers and other relevant parties. Including such matters as:

- Identification and description of defect,

- Nature of defect – design, product, workmanship,

- Non-compliance with building regulations or actual damage,

- Severity/risk to life or serviceability of dwelling,

- Period of construction affected,

- Type of dwelling affected,

- Location of dwellings affected.

3. Establish the scale of the issue – estimate number of dwellings affected by the defects identified including those already remediated.

4. Consider a methodology for the categorisation of defects and the prioritisation of remedial action.

- In the case of defects with fire safety implications, consider how the framework for enhancing fire safety in dwellings can be applied to mitigate the risks arising from fire safety defects pending the remediation of defects and the Code of Practice for Fire Safety Assessment of Premises and Buildings, which is currently being developed by National Directorate of Fire and Emergency Management.

5. Suggest mechanisms for resolving defects, in the context of the legal rights, duties and obligations of developers, builders, building professionals, insurers, mortgage providers, building control authorities, fire authorities, owners’ management companies, owner occupiers, renters and landlords, including:

- Technical options for the remediation of dwellings,

- Efficient means of carrying out work,

- individual dwellings or whole building approach,

- routine maintenance/refurbishment or remediation,

- Structures or delivery channels needed to facilitate resolution – advice and support.

6. Evaluate the potential cost of technical remediation options.

7. Pursue options on possible financial solutions to effect a resolution, in line with the Programme for Government commitment to identify options for those impacted by defects to access low-cost, long-term finance.

8. To report to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage on the Examination of Defects in Housing.

In regard to the working group’s deliberations, the group will seek to engage with a range of interested parties, including homeowners, public representatives, local authorities, product manufacturers, building professionals and industry stakeholders, among others to examine the issue of defects in housing and report to me on the matter. Consultation with the relevant parties has commenced and further arrangements in this regard are currently being put in place by the working group.

I am satisfied that the group is working effectively and efficiently on this complex matter and I look forward to a report in due course following completion of their deliberation. Once I receive the report I will give full consideration to its contents.

Local Authorities

Questions (47)

Alan Dillon

Question:

47. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department plans to reimburse local authorities for the significant income they have lost out on due to Covid-19 in particular reduced incomes from parking charges or decreased revenues from commercial rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55195/21]

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Written answers

My Department continues to engage with representatives of the local government sector and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on the financial challenges facing local authorities as a direct consequence of the pandemic, both in terms of additional costs incurred as part of the local government response and declines in local authority income streams, including the loss of income from commercial rates and parking charges. 

€131m was recouped to local authorities in 2020 to offset the loss of income and additional expenditure incurred by local authorities due to the pandemic. The Government recouped €729m to local authorities to fund the cost of a rates waiver in 2020.  This meant that for eligible businesses their commercial rates were funded by Government for nine months of 2020.  €480m was allocated by Government to fund the cost of the nine month waiver this year.  These are unprecedented measures, which offer support to businesses and financial certainty to local authorities. 

The Government, in Budget 2022, announced a more targeted commercial rates waiver for Q4 2021 to cover the hospitality and tourism sectors and €62.3m has been allocated by Government for this purpose. The waiver will have a positive impact for businesses, communities and for jobs. It will also ensure that local authorities receive funding in respect of commercial rates, which is critical in order for the local government sector to deliver for the communities and citizens they serve.

Local authorities continue to capture all related costs in their financial systems to aid financial analysis of the impact of Covid-19 on the local government sector. My Department continues to keep local authority income, expenditure and cash flow under review and will continue to work with all local authorities, both collectively and individually, on issues arising.

Housing Provision

Questions (48)

Martin Browne

Question:

48. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on the joint report of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission and the Economic and Social Research Institute on adequate housing; his views on the disadvantages experienced by young people, migrants, persons with disabilities and Travellers as outlined in the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48677/21]

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Written answers

I am determined to ensure that housing policy must address the needs of all those who experience social exclusion in our society.  To this end, my Department is working to put in place the structures at local and national level to underpin this policy.

The Government continues to support the Traveller and Roma Strategy, and in that context, in accordance with the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998, housing authorities have statutory responsibility for the assessment of the accommodation needs of Travellers and the preparation, adoption and implementation of multi-annual Traveller Accommodation Programmes in their areas. My Department’s role is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist the authorities in providing such accommodation, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding and we are working consistently to improve these in collaboration with all stakeholders.  

We also continue to support the National Housing Strategy for People with a Disability (NHSPWD) 2011-2021 which provides for the housing of people with disabilities in the community and moving from congregated settings. Over the period of the Strategy structures have been put in place at national and local level to ensure that local authorities plan and set targets for the housing of people with disabilities.  A review of the current Strategy is underway and a new Strategy will be put in place from January 2022.

To provide for the specific housing needs of younger persons leaving the care system my Department provides funding to Approved Housing Bodies for the provision of housing for this group. In the case of migrants who are non-EU citizens their eligibility for social housing is determined by their legal status with regard to residence in Ireland. In the case of programme refugees these are accommodated by local authorities under the International Refugee Protection Programme and asylum seekers are accommodated under the Direct Provision System which will be replaced by a new accommodation system by 2024.

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. All eligible households are entitled to access all of the housing support mechanisms on an equal basis with all other citizens and local authorities work to ensure that all persons are treated with dignity and consideration regardless of age or ethnicity.

To ensure maximum delivery of homes for those who need them, particularly marginalised groups, I and my Department, have ongoing and extensive engagement with all local authorities across all delivery streams. We meet regularly with local authorities to progress social housing and I know that they are deeply committed to ensuring that such housing is provided to all eligible applicants as speedily as possible and that the support needs of all applicants are appropriately assessed. In addition to these meetings, targeted sessions have been held between my Department and local authority senior management to specifically discuss all aspects of social housing delivery. 

Homeless Accommodation

Questions (49, 88, 92, 102)

Pa Daly

Question:

49. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on his plans to tackle the increase in demand on homeless services due to evictions from private rentals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54568/21]

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Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

88. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the action he plans to take to address the alarming increase in homelessness as reported by his Department’s monthly reports. [55105/21]

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Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

92. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the immediate and urgent actions that will be taken to reverse the month-on-month increases in homelessness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54971/21]

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Cormac Devlin

Question:

102. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of his work to tackle homelessness in Dublin. [55164/21]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 49, 88, 92 and 102 together.

Supporting individuals and families facing homelessness is a key Government priority. ‘Housing for All - a New Housing Plan for Ireland’, the Government’s strategic housing plan to 2030, sets an ambitious overarching objective of working to eradicate homelessness by 2030 and outlines details on how the Government is approaching this challenge.

Through Housing for All, the Government is committed 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.  It also includes measures targeted specifically at those experiencing homelessness with complex needs. It commits to the continued expansion of the Housing First programme, and, importantly, ensuring that health and mental health supports are provided for homeless persons.

Housing for All includes 18 distinct actions tailored to eliminate homelessness. €4 billion in capital funding is being invested annually on social and affordable housing. This is the biggest such programme in the history of the State. There will be an increase in supply across all tenure types, with over 90,000 social homes, 36,000 affordable homes and 18,000 cost rental homes to be delivered by 2030.

The most recently published data on homelessness, for September 2021, showed that there were 8,475 individuals comprising 6,131 adults, 1,005 families and 2,344 child dependants in emergency accommodation.  There was an increase of 263 individuals overall on the total for August 2021.  The year on year position is that September 2021 showed a decrease of 181 individuals, or 2.1%, on the 8,656 total recorded in September 2020.  Since its highest level in October 2019 the numbers of individuals in emergency accommodation has decreased by 2,039, or 19%, from 10,514.

The increase in homelessness seen in recent months is a serious concern for Government. While we have made significant improvements on the situation we were facing two years ago when homelessness was at its highest, there is still a lot of work to be done.

Recognising some weeks ago that there were increased numbers of households presenting to homeless services, I convened meetings with senior officials from the local authorities where homelessness is most prevalent. The meetings took place on the 7th October last and were attended by officials from Dublin City Council, South Dublin, Fingal, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, Meath, Kildare, Cork City, Limerick City and County, Galway City and Waterford City and County Councils. I convened these meetings to discuss solutions, and to prioritise measures around homelessness preventions and exits.

I also convened a meeting of the Task Force on Homelessness in recent weeks. This Group’s members comprise the Dublin Region Homeless Executive, the Peter McVerry Trust, Dublin Simon Community, Focus Ireland, Threshold, DePaul, Crosscare and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul as well as senior officials from my Department. The significant focus was on the common effort needed to prevent homelessness wherever possible, and to exit those in emergency accommodation into homes.

The challenges in addressing homelessness are complex and require meaningful cross-departmental and interagency engagement. To this end. I intend to establish a National Homeless Action Committee that will bring together all key State Departments, agencies and authorities. The role of the Committee will be to drive delivery of interagency actions in Housing for All and to work together in a collaborative manner in bringing forward solutions to address homelessness.

Rental Sector

Questions (50, 63)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

50. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider immediate measures to support renters in the private rental market including a ban on rent increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54426/21]

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Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

63. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider proper rent controls that would see rent pegged to average incomes and set by a rent authority considering the constant increase of rents despite RPZ legislation and amendments to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55037/21]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 50 and 63 together.

The Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016 introduced the Rent Predictability Measure to moderate rent increases in those parts of the country where rents are highest and rising fastest. A rent increase limit of 4% per annum initially applied in Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) . The introduction of the rent increase restriction in RPZs had regard to the constitutionally protected property rights of landlords and takes account of local rental market factors, providing certainty to tenants and landlords with regard to medium-term rent levels. 

Section 24A of the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004, as amended, provides that the Housing Agency, in consultation with housing authorities, may make a proposal to the Minister that an area should be considered as a Rent Pressure Zone.  Following receipt of such a proposal, the Minister requests the Director of the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) to conduct an assessment of the area to establish whether or not it meets the criteria for designation and to report to the Minister on whether the area should be designated as a Rent Pressure Zone (RPZ).

The criteria to be satisfied by an area under section 24A(4) of the Residential Tenancies Act for designation as an RPZ are as follows:

- the information relating to the area, as determined by reference to the information used to compile each RTB Rent Index quarterly report, shows that the annual rate of increase in the average amount of rent for that area is more than 7% in each of at least 4 of the 6 quarters preceding the period immediately prior to the date of the Housing Agency's proposal, and 

- the average rent for the area in the last quarter, as determined by reference to the information used to compile each RTB Rent Index quarterly report, is – 

-  in the case of counties Kildare, Meath and Wicklow or an LEA in any one of those counties, above the average rent in the State, excluding rents in the 4 Dublin Local Authority areas, or  

-  in the case of any LEA outside of the Greater Dublin Area (i.e. Dublin, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow), above the average rent in the State, excluding rents in the Greater Dublin Area.

Each RTB quarterly Rent Index Report includes a summary in Table 9 of the data used to establish whether each Local Electoral Area fulfils the criteria for designation as a Rent Pressure Zone. This ensures transparency in relation to the position of individual areas in terms of average rent levels and increases.

Having regard to the constitutionally protected property rights of landlords, a blanket extension of the RPZ rent predictability measure to rental properties across the entire country or a ban on rent increases is considered legally questionable and highly vulnerable to legal challenge. The Housing Agency and the RTB will continue to monitor national rents and if any LEA meets the designation criteria it will be designated as a RPZ.

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 unexpectedly fast rising inflation rate, as recorded by HICP (CSO preliminary data for October 2021 shows HICP inflation of 5.1% p.a.), I have 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.

Since 1 July 2019, the RTB is empowered under Part 7A – Complaints, Investigations and Sanctions – of the Residential Tenancies Acts to investigate improper conduct by landlords and to impose sanctions, where appropriate. The breaches of rental law that the Investigations & Sanctions (I&S) unit of the RTB can investigate include a contravention of the rent increase restriction and related procedures in Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs). The RTB has the power to impose sanctions if improper conduct by a landlord is found to have occurred, ranging from a formal written caution and/or a fine of up to €15,000 and/or costs up to €15,000.

The Government is fully committed to ensuring that the full protections for tenants provided for in the Residential Tenancies Acts are applied. As of Quarter 2 2021, the RTB has commenced over 400 investigations into improper conducts and to date, almost €260,000 has been refunded to current and former tenants as a direct result of breach of rent setting rules.  

I have formally requested the RTB to escalate its response to non-compliance with the RPZ rent increase restriction, given its extensive investigation and sanction capabilities. An increase of €2M in Current Exchequer Funding was made available to the RTB in 2020, bringing the total amount of funding available to the RTB for operational costs to €9M for 2020. 

An additional €2M in Current Exchequer funding for RTB operational costs was secured in Budget 2021 bringing the total amount available to €11M in 2021.

Question No. 51 answered with Question No. 24.

Rental Sector

Questions (52)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

52. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason only 28 persons were sanctioned for breaking the rent pressure zone rules in the 12 months to July 2021 given the widespread breaches of the rent pressure zone rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54969/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2021 regulates the landlord-tenant relationship in the rented residential sector and sets out the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants. The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) was established as an independent statutory body under the Act to operate a national tenancy registration system and to facilitate the resolution of disputes between landlords and tenants. 

Since 1 July 2019, the RTB is empowered under Part 7A – Complaints, Investigations and Sanctions – of the Residential Tenancies Acts to investigate improper conduct by landlords and to impose sanctions, where appropriate.

The breaches of rental law that the Investigations & Sanctions (I&S) unit of the RTB can investigate include a contravention of the rent increase restriction and related procedures in Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs). The RTB has the power to impose sanctions if improper conduct by a landlord is found to have occurred, ranging from a formal written caution and/or a fine of up to €15,000 and/or costs up to €15,000.

To date, the RTB has commenced over 400 investigations which are at varying stages in the investigation process. As of the end of Quarter 3 2021, 282 cases are in the investigation process. Over 130 cases have been issued to Decision Makers for Decision. The Decision Makers are legal professionals with extensive decision-making experience.

In over 90 cases, the decision of the Decision Maker has been finalised and has been issued to the relevant landlord. Of the decisions issued to Landlords, to date over 70% of decisions have resulted in a sanction.

Covid-19 greatly impacted the number of court confirmations as the Courts were closed for large parts of 2020/2021. By the end of July 2021, sanctions had been confirmed for 29 cases. These were the first cases to be heard by the Circuit Court under the new processes established by Part 7A of the Residential Tenancies Act.

Since the Court’s reopening after Summer Vacation, a further 8 applications for confirmation have been heard and confirmed (please note that in some of these cases the landlord may still choose to appeal the Circuit Court decision to the High Court should they wish to do so) and it is hoped to have more scheduled for hearing before the end of Quarter 4 2021.

The RTB will continue to work with the Courts Services and will be making applications to relevant Circuit Courts for confirmation of sanctions on an ongoing basis. The RTB expects over 250 cases to be confirmed in 2022 as more cases come through the investigation pipeline, efficiencies in the process develop and access to the Circuit Court returns to pre-Covid operations. The RTB will publish the particulars of sanctions confirmed by the circuit court on its website once all legal and administrative processes have been completed.

Since its inception, the Investigations and Sanctions Unit of the RTB has prioritised investigations into potential breaches of RPZ restrictions and during its first full year of operation in 2020, 92% of investigations related to a breach of RPZ.

The RTB is continuing to use its proactive powers of investigation to identify and investigation potential breaches of RPZ rules.  I have requested that the full powers and resources of the RTB are brought to bear in initiating and executing a robust and thorough campaign to identify non-compliance and breaches of RPZ rent increase restrictions and related procedures, including those related to rent reviews and notification of exemption from the restrictions. In response to this, the RTB will activating a targeted and an incremental campaign over the coming weeks to identify tenancies where higher probabilities of non-compliance exist, to ensure such tenancies are compliant with all relevant legislation.

Planning Issues

Questions (53)

Ruairí Ó Murchú

Question:

53. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the rural housing planning guidelines that are currently being prepared; the expected timeframe for completion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55222/21]

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Written answers

The Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Rural Housing 2005, were issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 and require planning authorities 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.  The Guidelines are available on the Government’s website at the following link:

www.gov.ie/en/publication/23809-sustainable-rural-housing-development-guidelines/.

Since 2018, the National Planning Framework (NPF) is the national planning policy document providing overall strategic policy for the future development of Ireland. National Planning Objective (NPO) 19 aims to ensure that a policy distinction is made between areas experiencing significant ‘overspill’ development pressure from urban areas within the commuter catchment of cities, towns and centres of employment, on the one hand, and remoter rural areas where population levels may be low and or declining, on the other.

NPO 19 is aligned with the established planning approach as per the 2005 Guidelines, 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 certain rural areas under urban influence in order to prevent urban sprawl.

A working group was established to review and, where necessary, recommend changes to the 2005 Guidelines and this group met on five occasions between May 2017 and January 2019.  During this period, in 2018, the National Planning Framework (the NPF) was published and provides an important strategic basis for interpreting the 2005 Guidelines.  National Policy Objective (NPO) 15 of the NPF fully supports the concept of 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 certain areas around cities and towns.

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 prepared in draft before the end of 2021.

Housing Provision

Questions (54)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

54. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his objectives and targets in respect of public authority and affordable housing with particular reference to ensuring that families currently renting can have a mechanism whereby they can purchase a home without having to accumulate a deposit which is an impossibility given the cost of renting; if he will consider setting precise targets under this heading; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55073/21]

View answer

Written answers

With regard to issue of mortgage requirements and the assessment by financial institutions of mortgage applications, these requirements are governed by the Central Bank of Ireland which retains independence in the establishment of macro-prudential policy and mortgage measures. 

Information in this regard, including on exemptions and other matters, is available at the following Central Bank links: 

www.centralbank.ie/consumer-hub/explainers/what-are-the-mortgage-measures, 

and 

www.centralbank.ie/financial-system/financial-stability/macro-prudential-policy/mortgage-measures,

I can confirm that Budget 2022 also announced the continuation of the Help to Buy Scheme. This scheme may return tax paid in the previous four years, up to a maximum amount of €30,000, to eligible first-time buyers who can use this amount as a deposit when purchasing a newly constructed home. More information on the Help to Buy scheme is available online at: www.revenue.ie/en/property/help-to-buy-incentive/index.aspx. 

In relation to affordable housing measures more broadly, the 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. 

A multi-faceted approach is being implemented to deliver 54,000 affordable homes interventions between now and 2030.  This will be facilitated by local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies, the Land Development Agency, as well as 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 each local authorities Housing Delivery Action Plan. This will allow each local authority to determine any affordability constraint in their area based on the Housing Need and Demand Assessment and plan the provision of affordable homes accordingly. Local authorities will be submitting their Plans to me, to include social and affordable housing, before the end of December 2021.

Part 4 of the Affordable Housing Act provides for the ‘First Home’ scheme to primarily support affordability-constrained first-time buyers to purchase privately developed new homes. This scheme will commence in 2022 and will be available at a national level.

Part 3 of the Affordable Housing Act provides for the establishment of a Cost Rental sector in Ireland, through the designation by the Minister of Cost Rental dwellings. Budget 2021 allocated €35 million to the Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL) scheme which enabled the first Cost Rental homes to be delivered this year by the Clúid AHB at Taylor Hill, Balbriggan. The tenanting processes for further Cost Rental homes at Enniskerry Road in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and Barnhall, Leixlip, County Kildare, are currently underway. In total, 390 Cost Rental units will be delivered through this funding, with the initial focus being in the Greater Dublin Area and Cork. A further €75 million was allocated in Budget 2022 to help meet the Housing for All target of 750 Cost Rental homes in 2022.

The LDA will deliver both homes for affordable purchase and Cost Rental.  The Housing for All strategy outlined how the Land Development Agency through Project Tosaigh will seek to unlock stalled developments and accelerate the delivery of affordable homes.

The Housing for All strategy also introduced the Local Authority Home Loan as a successor to the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan scheme. This new scheme will include an increase in the income ceiling for single applicants in urban areas, thus increasing the number of people eligible. Additionally, 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. This lower rate will also apply to loans issued under the forthcoming Local Authority Home Loan scheme.   

Collectively, these measures will improve affordability for all families or individuals across society wishing to secure a home.   

Maritime Jurisdiction

Questions (55)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

55. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his input and the input of the NPWS in the Maritime Area Planning Bill 2021 with regards to the biodiversity of Ireland’s seas and nearshore and the plans for increasing the marine protected areas in the interest of protecting the environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55038/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Maritime Area Planning (MAP) Bill sets out proposed procedures for forward planning and project level assessments of specific proposals under the Planning and Development Act.  The National Parks and Wildlife Service is now under the remit of my Department and engagement between officials has been ongoing throughout the development of the MAP Bill text in relation to those procedures.

Any development in the Maritime Area will be subject to full environmental assessment in the context of a particular planning permission application where the specifics of the development and area in question will be considered in detail.

The Programme for Government, published in June 2020, commits to developing comprehensive legislation for the identification, designation, and management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).  This legislation is a priority for my Department. Work to draw up a general scheme of an MPA Bill will commence in the coming weeks.  When drawing up the general scheme, account will be taken of the findings of the  report of the expert advisory group on marine protected areas, published in January 2021,  as well as the outcome of the recent public consultation on the wider MPA process which ran from mid-February to the end of July.

My Department received circa. 2,400 submissions from members of the public and other stakeholders during this consultation process. An independent review and analysis of these responses is currently being carried out. The findings and conclusions from this study will be published in a detailed report that will also inform the development of the proposed MPA legislation.

Electoral Process

Questions (56)

Holly Cairns

Question:

56. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on extending the voting franchise for general elections to all persons who qualify to vote in local elections. [55159/21]

View answer

Written answers

I refer the Deputy to the reply to Question No. 308 of 5 October 2021, which sets out the position in this matter.

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