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Tuesday, 30 Nov 2021

Written Answers Nos. 217-241

Public Sector Staff

Questions (217)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

217. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the timeframe in which issues facing public sector employees during Covid-19 will be rectified (details supplied). [58939/21]

View answer

Written answers

My Department developed Guidance and FAQs on working arrangements and temporary assignments during COVID-19 for civil and public service employers. This Guidance and FAQs document has been continually updated to reflect public health and Government policy throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

The FAQs have been prepared to assist employees and management in the Civil and Public Service to understand the process, rules and expectations associated with work arrangements during the COVID-19. For full details please see the link to the Guidance: www.gov.ie/en/news/092fff-update-on-working-arrangements-and-leave-associated-with-covid-19-fo/

The organisation referred to in the details supplied is a commercial state body which is a body under the remit of the Department of Transport, and as such it is a matter for that Department. As per the FAQS, individual employers will need to identify which employees fall into the category of public service employees.

Departmental Properties

Questions (218)

Carol Nolan

Question:

218. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 306 of 28 September 2021, the status of the review that is being carried out; the actions that have been taken as part of the review; if the organisation is still availing of rent- free space at Bow Street; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58953/21]

View answer

Written answers

I am advised by the Commissioners of Public Works (OPW) that they have been in contact with the organisation referred to and will continue to engage with them in relation to their office accommodation.

The position in relation to the occupancy of this body in the property at Bow Street has not changed since the previous parliamentary question.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (219)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

219. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to provide guidance to the live entertainment sector in circumstances in which further Covid-19 restrictions could result in the cancellation of performances and events during the Christmas period (details supplied) in which businesses and event organisers have already made significant financial investment. [58382/21]

View answer

Written answers

Live entertainment reopened in October and as recently as that Government had been planning for events to be able to run at 100% capacity, with no expectation of a need for further restrictions. However, as the Deputy will be aware, the situation has deteriorated in the meantime, with the epidemiological conditions such that the advice is that parents assess overall levels of socialisation of their children and to prioritise accordingly in line with the advice to adults to reduce contacts.

I am very conscious that this is having a detrimental impact on consumer confidence and ticket sales across the sector. Just last week I announced €2m in funding to support large-scale seasonal musical theatre and pantomimes. This funding is part of the Live Performance Support Scheme which was developed to assist the live performance sector to create employment opportunities in 2021 for artists, performers, technicians and support staff.

The Government is committed to continuing supports for those sectors which continue to be impacted by the pandemic and we will continue to be agile in this regard. I am currently examining the supports required for 2022 in conjunction with stakeholders, in order to stabilise the sector and to help underpin the recovery of those businesses in 2022.

In relation to the guidance prepared by my Department for the live entertainment sector, this is a living document and is updated in the event of any changes in public health advice.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (220)

Claire Kerrane

Question:

220. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if weddings that were scheduled ahead of the most recent updates to public health guidelines but fall after this date, will be exempted from the midnight curfew on hospitality and nightlife; the mechanisms that are in place to ensure those couples that have scheduled their weddings in line with guidance at that time experience as little disruption as possible while complying with public health advice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58870/21]

View answer

Written answers

Following public health advice, the government agreed a range of measures aimed at interrupting the spread of COVID-19 in the community. These measures include midnight closing time which, as set out on Gov.ie, applies equally to all on-licensed premises and all functions therein, including weddings, irrespective of when they were first planned or booked.

Housing Schemes

Questions (221)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

221. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when a wording for charging orders will be put in place to facilitate mortgage applicants who wish to buy affordable homes through affordable housing schemes such as at Dun Emer, Lusk, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58272/21]

View answer

Written answers

The delivery of affordable housing for purchase by local authorities is provided for under Part 2 of the Affordable Housing Act 2021 which I commenced in September of this year. It is intended the Regulations governing the operation of these provisions will be put in place over the coming weeks.

The first homes to be made available for sale under the scheme will be in Boherboy Cork in Q1 2022. I am advised that the first homes to be made available in Dun Emer Lusk by Fingal County Council will be later in 2022. My Department is currently engaged with a Senior Counsel and in the final stages of developing the ‘Affordable Dwelling Purchase Arrangement’ which will set out the conditions attached to the sale of homes under the scheme and will in effect act as a contract between the purchaser and the local authority. The affordable dwelling purchase arrangement shall be registerable in the Registry of Deeds as an act of the homeowner affecting the dwelling and, as the case may be, in the Land Registry as a burden on an folio in which the affordable dwelling is registered. Subject to engagement with the Law Society and senior mortgage providers, it is anticipated that the pro forma Affordable Dwelling Purchase Arrangement will be utilised by all local authorities nationally from 2022.

Energy Conservation

Questions (222)

Joan Collins

Question:

222. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if €80 million was allocated to Dublin City Council in 2019 for it's housing retrofit scheme; if this €80 million been allocated to date; and the amount that was allocated in 2020 and 2021. [58299/21]

View answer

Written answers

My Department has provided funding support to local authorities for energy efficiency retrofitting works under the Social Housing Energy Efficiency Retrofitting Programme since 2013 and under the Voids Programme over the period 2014 – 2019. Since the programme commenced in 2013 over 73,500 units of social housing stock have been retrofitted with a total exchequer spend of €161 million under the scheme.

The newly revised ten year Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme launched in 2021 is designed around the Programme for Government commitment to retrofit 500,000 homes to a B2/Cost Optimal BER standard by 2030, of which approximately 36,500 of those homes are expected to be local authority homes. A target of 2,400 social homes for upgrade works has been set for 2021, 750 of which relate to the Midlands Retrofit Pilot. The newly revised programme involves a move from a 'shallow' to a 'deeper' retrofit of local authority homes.

The €65 million Budget support provided in 2021 has been allocated to local authorities, with €20 million allocated under the Midlands Retrofit Pilot as part of the 'Just Transition' programme, and the balance of €45 million under the 2021 Energy Efficiency Retrofitting Programme.

The table attached sets out the funding provided to Dublin City Council for 2019 and 2020 as requested along with the 2021 allocation.

Local authorities have undertaken a lot of preparatory work on the Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme in 2021 bringing their targeted units to tender and commencement stage, however the programme has experienced significant delays due to the effects of COVID-19, and other issues including the supply chain particularly concerning Heat Pumps, Windows & Doors and Insulation.

Dublin City Council Energy Retrofit Funding

Year

Energy Efficiency Programme €

Voids Programme €

Total €

2019 Drawdown

€9,863,296

€2,805,332

€12,668,628

2020 Drawdown

€1,890,851

€10,606,565

€12,497,416

2021 Allocation

€7,699,139

€5,821,000

€13,520,139

Housing Provision

Questions (223, 224, 225)

Emer Higgins

Question:

223. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of housing commencements in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58305/21]

View answer

Emer Higgins

Question:

224. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of housing completions in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58306/21]

View answer

Emer Higgins

Question:

225. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on the projected housing output new build in the Housing for All Strategy; his views on whether the 2022 figure is likely to be met or exceeded based on the most recent data; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58307/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 223 to 225, inclusive, together.

Housing 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. Over 300,000 new homes will be built by the end of 2030, including a projected 90,000 social homes, 36,000 affordable purchase homes and 18,000 cost rental homes.

The Plan is backed by historic levels of investment with in excess of €20bn through the Exchequer, the Land Development Agency and the Housing Finance Agency over the next 5 years. This will provide the sector with the stability and certainty it needs.

Indications of increased construction activity are becoming evident which will support increased supply which is critical to making home ownership more affordable. Latest figures for housing completions and for building commencements indicate strong construction activity and increased housing supply, which is critical to meeting our housing needs.

There is a strong supply pipeline, with latest Commencement Notices data showing that in the year to October 2021, 30,947 residential units were commenced, up 48.6% year-on-year, when compared to the same period to September 2020.

The CSO’s Quarter 3 2021 New Dwellings Completion Report shows the number of new homes becoming available for use in the year was 24,156: a 7% increase when compared to the year to Q3 2020 (22,585).

In addition, 11,150 units were granted planning permission in Q2 2021, a 16.6% increase compared with pre-pandemic levels in Q2 2019 (9,566).

The Housing for All statistics dashboard, which is updated on an a regular basis, can be viewed on the Housing for All campaign page at the following weblink: www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/dfc50-housing-for-all/

Question No. 224 answered with Question No. 223.
Question No. 225 answered with Question No. 223.

Housing Policy

Questions (226)

Emer Higgins

Question:

226. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the Town Centre First Initiative; and when he envisages making an announcement in this regard. [58308/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Programme for Government (PFG) committed to the development of a Town Centre First (TCF) policy. With a view to giving effect to this commitment and the actions outlined in the PFG, a TCF Inter-Departmental Group (IDG) was established in November 2020 to consider the regeneration of our towns and villages. The IDG is jointly chaired by my Department and the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD). The IDG has met five times since its inaugural meeting in November.

In parallel with the IDG, a Town Centre First Advisory Group was also established to enable the experiences of a broader group of stakeholders to be brought to bear in informing the process of policy development, and to support the work of the IDG. The Group, which I chair, comprises individual representatives from a broad range of sectors to ensure effective and diverse representation with the capacity and experience to contribute in a meaningful way to the preparation and implementation of a practical TCF framework. The work of the Advisory Group has been advanced primarily through written submissions and bi-lateral meetings with the Co-chairs of the IDG and also the chairs of three IDG working groups that were also established to further inform and underpin the work of the Advisory Group and the IDG.

Following the initial development stages through the forum of the IDG and Advisory Group, both my and Minister Humphrey's Departments have collaborated in progressing a draft policy. Following a meeting of the Inter-Departmental Group on November 22, 2021, this document is currently being finalised for publication. I expect the TCF policy to be brought to Cabinet in the coming weeks and to be announced prior to the end of 2021.

Rental Sector

Questions (227)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

227. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the liquidation of a company (details supplied) that has left a significant number of persons without their deposits being refunded; the steps he will take in relation to the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58326/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2021 regulate the landlord-tenant relationship in the private rented residential sector and set out the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants. The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) was established as an independent statutory body under the Acts to operate a national tenancy registration system and to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants in a quasi-judicial manner.

Due to the quasi-judicial nature of work of the RTB, it would be inappropriate for me as Minister or this Department to comment on, or to intervene in the specifics of any individual cases.

The Deputy may wish to contact the RTB directly at OireachtasMembersQueries@rtb.ie to establish the extent to which it may hold the information sought.

Section 7 of the Residential Tenancies (No. 2) Act 2021 inserts a new section 19B into the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 which applies to tenancies created on or after 9 August 2021, to restrict the total amount that a tenant is required to pay to a landlord by way of a deposit or an advance rent payment to secure a tenancy to no more than the equivalent of 2 months’ rent (i.e. any deposit cannot exceed 1 month’s rent and any advance rent payment cannot exceed 1 month’s rent). A restriction of the equivalent of 1 month’s rent is also placed on the amount that a tenant is obliged to pay as a regular advance rent payment to a landlord during a tenancy.

Housing Provision

Questions (228)

Joe Carey

Question:

228. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the case of a person (details supplied) will be examined; if a response will issue to their query; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58329/21]

View answer

Written answers

The allocation of suitable housing to tenants on Clare County Council's social housing waiting list is a matter for the Council and one in which I as Minister have no role.

The Council will have a range of options for the provision of housing solutions including properties that the Council owns, that are leased, rented or contracted to the Council and properties owned and provided by Approved Housing Bodies. This includes, for example, the 51 recently completed homes at Shannon. However in the decisions to allocate available social homes, the local authorities must have regard to their waiting list and their allocation scheme/order of priorities. Again these are matters that are the responsibility of the Council and my Department has no role in determining their priority for allocations.

As a general approach, I have asked local authorities to focus their efforts and resources on new construction and to rely to a significantly lesser degree on acquiring second hand properties. This is particularly important given the risk that private purchasers including first time buyers, could be disadvantaged in competing against Councils for acquisitions.

Housing Provision

Questions (229)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

229. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the way in which the housing needs demands assessment is being used to determine the level of need for affordable housing in each local authority area in tabular form; and the affordability challenge for each local authority area as determined by the HNDA tool. [58423/21]

View answer

Written answers

Objective 37 of the National Planning Framework provides for a Housing Needs Demand Assessment (HDNA) by local authorities to ensure their respective long-term strategic housing needs are met. The HNDA is a standardised methodology which quantifies current and projected housing needs of local authority areas, including requirements for different tenures.

Nationally, the proportion of households identified by the HNDA with “affordability constraints” is c.12.5% of total demand arising over the next five years. Not all local authority areas have such a high level of affordably constrained demand. In many areas, sufficient housing is available at prices new households can afford to pay and their HNDAs identify demand with an affordability constraint at a low level or at 0%. However, other local authority areas have significantly higher house prices and affordability constraints greater than 20% of total housing demand. Local authorities are currently at various stages in the preparation of their HNDAs.

The Government has committed in Housing for All to deliver 18,000 Cost Rental Homes and 36,000 Affordable Purchase homes by 2030. This will make a real difference to families experiencing affordability issues and is additional to other Government supports helping prospective house buyers meet the cost of purchasing their own homes, including the national First Home Scheme, Help to Buy and Local Authority Home Loans.

Departmental Staff

Questions (230)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

230. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total staff number in his Department in each year from 2016 to 2020 and to date in 2021, by housing, local government and heritage in tabular form; and if he will provide a further breakdown of the housing functions by team. [58424/21]

View answer

Written answers

The following table sets out the full time equivalent number of staff in the Local Government and Housing Divisions of my Department from 2016 to end October 2021. On foot of a Transfer of Functions order, the Heritage Division joined the Department in September 2020 and staff numbers in that Division are provided from the time they were in this Department. Details in relation the housing functions can be found at www.whodoeswhat.gov.ie/root/housing/.

Division

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Oct-21

Local Government

71.16

56.6

54.21

55.91

80.16

80.66

Housing

129.56

155.96

163.27

186.05

188.39

230.4

Heritage

399.13

469.08

Public Sector Staff

Questions (231)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

231. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of staff employed by the Housing Agency in each of the years 2016 to 2020 and to date in 2021; and the breakdown of staff in terms of function in tabular form. [58425/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Housing Agency was established under Statutory Instrument No. 264 of 2012, Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency (Establishment Order) 2012, and Section 7 deals with staffing of the Housing Agency. Details of the number of staff employed by the Housing Agency in each of the years 2016 to 2020 and to date in 2021 and the breakdown of staff in terms of function is set out in the following table.

No. of Staff Employed in Housing Agency

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

Operations including Office of Chief Executive

8

10

11

17

23

26

Delivery

12

20

20

33

43

49

Projects/Procurement & Pyrite

11

11

12

12

15

19

Research & Communications

3

3

5

10

18

15

Regulation

7

8

9

10

12

12**

41

52

57

82

111

121

**The Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority (AHBRA) was set up on a statutory footing during 2021 and 12 staff based in the Voluntary Regulation office in the Housing Agency transferred to AHBRA in July 2021. Regulation staff will no longer be included in Housing Agency staff numbers.

Local Authorities

Questions (232)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

232. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of pending staff requests for housing departments in each local authority in tabular form; and the details of the grades of the pending staff requests and the length of time each request is pending. [58426/21]

View answer

Written answers

Under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authorities for which he or she is responsible. In this regard, it is a matter for each individual Chief Executive to assign staff to specific divisions.

My Department has 48 housing related staff sanction requests pending. Posts that are pending are, in general, awaiting supporting information and my Department is supporting and working with local authorities on the particular issues arising. The requests set out in the table below have been identified as relating to housing by the submitting local authority.

Local Authority

Date of Staffing Request

Title of Post(s)

Number

Clare Co

13/10/2021

Clerk of Works

1

Cork City

14/07/2021

Executive Engineer

2

Cork City

14/07/2021

Senior Executive Engineer

1

Cork City

14/07/2021

Senior Staff Officer

1

Donegal Co

22/11/2021

Senior Engineer

1

Donegal Co

22/11/2021

Senior Executive Engineer

2

Donegal Co

22/11/2021

Executive Engineer

2

Donegal Co

22/11/2021

Building Inspector / Clerk of Works

1

Donegal Co

22/11/2021

Staff Officer

1

Donegal Co

22/11/2021

Clerical Officer

1

Donegal Co

22/11/2021

Housing for All Senior Engineer

1

Donegal Co

22/11/2021

Housing for All Senior Executive Engineer

1

Dublin City

05/08/2020

Staff Officer

5

Dublin City

25/02/2021

Executive Engineer

1

Dublin City

05/10/2021

Administrative Officer

1

Galway Co

24/06/2020

Assistant Staff Officer

1

Galway Co

24/06/2020

Executive Technician

3

Galway Co

23/09/2021

Executive Engineer

1

Kerry Co

06/08/2020

Senior Executive Engineer

2

Laois Co

22/10/2021

Clerical Officer

1

Laois Co

22/10/2021

Clerical Officer

1

Laois Co

22/10/2021

Staff Officer

1

Limerick City & Co

07/12/2020

Assistant Architect

1

Limerick City & Co

14/04/2021

Staff Officer

1

Limerick City & Co

14/04/2021

Social Worker

1

Louth Co

01/10/2020

Senior Executive Officer

1

Roscommon Co

18/11/2020

Senior Executive Officer

1

Tipperary Co

04/10/2021

Senior Executive Architect

1

Waterford

30/10/2019

Clerical Officers

2

Waterford

30/10/2019

Staff Officer

1

Waterford

20/09/2021

Traveller Tenant Community Officer

1

Westmeath Co  

23/08/2021

Vacant Homes Officer

1

Westmeath Co

15/11/2021

Administrative Officer

1

Westmeath Co

15/11/2021

Clerical Officer

3

Wexford Co

23/11/2021

Clerk of Works

1

Credit Unions

Questions (233)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

233. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of efforts to see credit union lending for social and affordable housing. [58427/21]

View answer

Written answers

Following engagement with the Credit Union sector on proposals for credit unions to provide funding for the provision of social housing, the Central Bank undertook a review of the relevant investment framework in 2017.

On foot of this review, revised Regulations commenced on 1 March 2018. These revised Regulations included the addition of investments in Tier 3 Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), as a permitted investment class for credit unions. Accordingly, since 1 March 2018, credit unions are permitted to provide funding, through a regulated investment vehicle, to Tier 3 AHBs for the provision of social housing.

In mid-September 2021, it was announced that two credit union backed funds had received regulatory approval from the Central Bank to lend to AHBs for the purposes of delivering social and affordable housing. These are the Credit Union Approved Housing Body Fund and the Credit Union Development Association (CUDA) backed Approved Housing Body Fund.

In parallel, my Department referred the Credit Union representative bodies to the Irish Council for Social Housing (ICSH) with a view to both sectors sharing, as far as practical, the benefits of their respective work in this area, including the work undertaken by the ICSH on the development of special purpose vehicles for social housing financing purposes. The work of the ICSH was supported by grant funding from my Department.

The ICSH, along with six Tier 3 AHBs, have worked with specialist financial advisors to establish a funding mechanism or vehicle which would identify suitable sources of non-state finance to fund the delivery of social housing by AHBs, based on best value for money. Market testing undertaken revealed good interest in lending to the AHB sector from various lenders including banks, institutional investors and the Credit Union sector. So far, one AHB has set up an SPV and several AHBs have sourced finance from private institutions. As such, the work in this area is ongoing and has led to individual AHBs establishing SPVs for financing social housing.

The Credit Union sector is one potential funder whose terms are assessed as part of the process of market testing to establish best value for money and optimum terms and conditions from lenders. While my Department will continue to be available to provide any clarifications that may be required in relation to the delivery of social and affordable housing, it falls to the relevant parties, i.e. the AHBs, on the one hand, and potential investors on the other, to agree a workable and mutually acceptable approach in order to bring potential investment possibilities to a successful conclusion.

Harbours and Piers

Questions (234)

Thomas Pringle

Question:

234. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he intends responding to the application submitted by Donegal County Council in January 2021 in relation to the delay in dredging at Magheroarty Pier, County Donegal; if compensation will be offered to local fishermen (details supplied) due to the delay in dredging at Magheroarty Pier, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58438/21]

View answer

Written answers

My Department has no remit in relation to considering compensation claims by local fishermen in the circumstances referred to by the Deputy.

I refer to the reply to Question No. 219 of 6 July 2021 which sets out the general position on the matter of the foreshore licence application for dredging works at Magheraroarty Pier, Co. Donegal, which is currently pending with my Department. This application is currently the subject of a public consultation on Appropriate Assessment until December 24th 2021 in accordance with Regulation 42(13) of the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 following my recent determination that an Appropriate Assessment is required in respect of the proposed works. Full details of this public consultation can be viewed on my Department’s website at www.gov.ie/en/consultation/9e903-fs007084-donegal-county-council-dredging-and-beach-nourishment-at-magheraroarty-pier-co-donegal/

Rental Sector

Questions (235, 236)

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

235. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to classify more LEAs in Galway and across the west as rent pressure zones given that rents are increasing at a rapid rate in coastal areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58441/21]

View answer

Mairéad Farrell

Question:

236. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps that are being taken to curb large rent increases in Conamara and across the west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58442/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 235 and 236 together.

The Residential Tenancies (No. 2) Act 2021 introduced measures in July 2021 to extend the operation of Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) until the end of 2024. The Act also provides that rent reviews outside of RPZs can, until 2025, occur no more frequently than bi-annually. This provides rent certainty for tenants outside of RPZs for a minimum 2 year period at a time.

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). For the purpose of the Act, ‘area’ is defined as either the administrative area of a housing authority or a Local Electoral Area (LEA) within the meaning of section 2 of the Local Government Act 2001. There is no provision for any other type of area to be designated as a Rent Pressure Zone.

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 table 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.

The RTB Rent Index measures rent increases in LEAs using the 2019 boundaries for these LEAs and there is no specific measure to calculate rental increases broken down to any lower level (i.e. part of an LEA).

The Housing Agency and the RTB will continue to monitor national rents and if any LEA (in its entirety) in Galway or elsewhere meets the designation criteria, it will be designated as a RPZ.

The 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.

Question No. 236 answered with Question No. 235.

Sports Organisations

Questions (237, 238)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

237. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the action that has been taken to date to facilitate the return of the quarterly meetings as committed to earlier in 2021 with Face Ireland. [58454/21]

View answer

Sorca Clarke

Question:

238. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the next meeting with an organisation (details supplied) will go ahead given the repeated requests by the organisation to discuss a number of issues; and the status of the request to set up a functioning wildlife advisory council. [58455/21]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 237 and 238 together.

My officials will arrange to meet with the group in question in the coming weeks to discuss the range of issues outlined by the Deputy.

Question No. 238 answered with Question No. 237.

Water Services

Questions (239)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

239. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when an updated memorandum of understanding between Irish Water and each local authority relating to the taking-in-charge of residential developments, standalone infrastructure, water treatment plants and wastewater treatment plants which are excluded from the taking in charge process will be issued (details supplied); when such infrastructure will be included in the taking in charge process; when an agreement will be put in place between local authorities and Irish water in relation to the transfer of this type of infrastructure to enable local authorities to proceed with the taking in charge of estates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58489/21]

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Written answers

I assume that the Deputy is referring to Developer Provided Water Services Infrastructure (DPI) in housing estates.

Housing estates which are not taken-in-charge by local authorities and do not have their water services connected to the public network rely instead on DPI which was provided by the estate developers. The Memorandum of Understanding between Irish Water and local authorities, as referenced in the question, is intended only to address the arrangements necessary for taking in charge of estates which are connected to the public (Irish Water) network. It does not address housing estates which rely on DPI which are a legacy issue.

In terms of reliance on DPI, experience has shown that this infrastructure is often temporary and is not properly maintained. This can lead to environmental and public health risk. Policy in the past had allowed for DPI as an interim solution which would become redundant or partly redundant when a public scheme was constructed.

My Department is currently operating a multi-annual capital investment programme to provide funding for the progressive resolution of housing estates with legacy DPI. However, significant challenges exist in realising solutions for all these problem areas.

On 21 September 2020, I announced allocations under the new multi-annual capital investment programme - the Multi-annual Developer Provided Water Services Infrastructure Resolution Programme 2019-2021 - for the progressive resolution of DPI, to enable the taking in charge of these estates.

The focus of the first multi-annual programme is on estates in towns and villages where the resolution is to connect their water services to the public networks. The programme will also support a number of pilot projects where connection is not feasible in the immediate future. These pilot projects, together with a major study currently being undertaken by Irish Water due for completion in Q2 2022 will inform future policy considerations on resolving sub-standard developer provided infrastructure with sustainable solutions.

Under the approvals in September 2020, local authorities were also asked to examine further estates requiring funding for resolution within their functional areas. Arising from this process, valid bids for estates were received from a number of local authorities. I am awaiting a report from the Expert Panel following their evaluation of these further estates and the pilot projects to be submitted to me early 2022.

The issue of updating the Memorandum of Understanding would be a matter for the parties concerned. However, the sustainable resolution of the infrastructure referred to needs to be dealt with before it can be handed over to Irish Water in the manner set out in the reply.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (240)

Denis Naughten

Question:

240. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if local authority housing has been used to provide isolation accommodation as a result of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58495/21]

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Written answers

My Department's role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of emergency accommodation and related services for homeless persons rests with individual housing authorities. This includes the provision of Covid-19 self-isolation facilities for the use of households in emergency accommodation.

The matter referred to is an operational issue for the relevant housing authorities. However, in the context of the response to Covid-19 my Department is in regular contact with local authorities to ensure the availability of sufficient bed capacity to facilitate the isolation of suspected cases that arise in homeless services. I understand this can include, where it is deemed appropriate based on local circumstances and need, the use of local authority properties temporarily set aside for this purpose.

EU Directives

Questions (241)

Carol Nolan

Question:

241. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if legal action is being pursued against his Department by the European Commission following failure to comply with reporting or other obligations under a European Union directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58507/21]

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Written answers

Where the European Commission believes that there has been a failure by a Member State to comply with the transposition, implementation or reporting requirements of an EU Directive, it can initiate infringement proceedings against that Member State. The Commission has initiated a number of infringement proceedings against the State in areas that fall within the responsibility of my Department. The following table lists the current open cases.

Case Number

Name

Description

Infringement 2017/0368

Transposition of Directive 2014/52/EU (Environmental Impact Assessments)

The 2014 EIA Directive amends the 2011 Directive, necessitating changes in law, regulations and administrative provisions across a range of domestic legislative codes, to update the requirements for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in respect of specified development project types, mostly large-scale, which may have environmental impacts.

Infringement 2007/2238

Transposition of Directive 2000/60/EC (Water Framework Directive)

Alleged weaknesses in the transposition of the Water Framework Directive.

Infringement 2017/4007

Ireland's compliance with Directive 98/83/EC

(Drinking Water Directive)

Elevated levels of Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) in both public and group drinking water supplies.

Infringement 2019/2286

Transposition of Directive 2008/105/EC (environmental quality standards re: Priority Substances in the field of water policy)

Concerning the transposition of Directive 2008/105/EC on environmental quality standards as regards priority substances (pollutants). The Commission alleges a number of areas where Ireland has incorrectly transposed the Directive.

Infringement 2010/2161

EU action against Ireland re Peatlands

Conservation status of peatlands within Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) protected under the EU Habitats Directive as well as the regulation of peatlands outside protected sites.

Infringement 2015/2006

Designation of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and measures for their maintenance and restoration

Ireland’s implementation of the Habitats Directive in respect of 423 Special Areas of Conservation in its territory.

Infringement 2018/2319

Ireland's failure to implement EU IAS Regulation No. 1143/2014 (transposition issue)

Failure to implement regulation with respect to Invasive Alien Species.

Infringement 2021/2015

Ireland’s compliance under IAS Regulation 1143/2014 (Article 13), on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species

This case relates to Article 13 of the EU IAS Regulation (1143/2014) and Ireland’s obligation to establish Priority Pathway Action Plans (PPAPs) for invasive alien species of Union concern.

CJEU Case C418/04

Failure to implement the Birds Directive

Ireland’s compliance with the European Court Judgement in this Case is largely achieved, with a small number of remaining issues being finalised.

Infringement 2020/0201

Failure to transpose amending Directive 2018/844EU concerning Directive 2010/31/EU on the Energy Performance of Buildings

This case relates to Ireland’s failure to transpose amending Directive 2018/844EU concerning Directive 2010/31/EU on the Energy Performance of Buildings.

Infringement 2000/4384 (CJEU Case C261/18)

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for projects in or likely to affect NATURA 2000 sites

This CJEU case relates generally to the validity of retention planning permissions for developments which require environmental impact assessment (EIA), and in particular to the validity of the permission granted for the Derrybrien wind farm in County Galway.

Infringement 2013/2056 (CJEU Case C427/17)

Ireland's compliance with Directive 91/271/EEC concerning urban waste water treatment

The CJEU delivered a judgment in March 2019, finding against Ireland for failures to comply with the requirements of the Directive concerning urban waste water treatment in 28 agglomerations (urban areas) in Ireland

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