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Thursday, 16 Dec 2021

Written Answers Nos. 328-350

Departmental Funding

Questions (331)

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

331. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 436 of 8 September 2020, if the funding allocated to an organisation (details supplied) is Housing Assistance Payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62632/21]

View answer

Written answers

I refer to the reply to Question No. 436 of 8 September 2020 regarding the funding provided by my Department to the Sue Ryder Foundation.

The funding details in the previous reply related to funding provided to the approved housing body (AHB) through individual local authorities. Funding is provided by my Department directly to local authorities, who in turn, advance the funding to AHBs, as appropriate. The funding detailed did not include any funding under the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP).

In respect of the provision of HAP funding, Limerick City and County Council provides a HAP transactional shared service on behalf of all local authorities. This HAP Shared Services Centre (SSC) manages all HAP related rental transactions for the tenant, local authority and landlord. Accordingly, my Department does not recoup individual local authorities in respect of HAP rental payments in their administrative areas but, rather, recoups all landlord costs via the HAP SSC. An analysis of payments made through the SSC has been undertaken and I can confirm that the Sue Ryder Foundation received funding of €26,077 in respect of two HAP tenancies from 2018 to date.

Commercial Rates

Questions (332)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

332. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when commercial rates are applied to empty commercial units that have never been tenanted; the average length of time it takes to put a rateable value on commercial units that have never been occupied; the measures that are being taken to ensure that rates are applied and charged to commercial units that have never been occupied to combat vacancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62635/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the exercise of his functions under the Valuation Acts 2001 to 2020. The making of valuations for rating purposes is the sole responsibility of the Commissioner and I, as Minister, have no function in decisions in this regard.

Local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on any property used for commercial purposes in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by the Commissioner of Valuation under the Valuation Acts 2001 to 2020.

Under Irish law there is a distinct separation of function between valuation of rateable property and the levying and collection of commercial rates. The amount of rates payable in any calendar year is a product of the valuation set by the Commissioner, multiplied by the Annual Rate on Valuation (ARV) decided annually by the elected members of each local authority.

Valuation lists comprising all rateable properties in the State are maintained using two statutory valuation processes known as “revaluation” and “revision”.

Firstly, revaluation is a process where all rateable properties in a Local Authority area are valued periodically by reference to a single valuation date. Following the first revaluation, subsequent revaluations of each rating authority area will then be carried out on a cyclical basis no sooner than five years and no later than ten years after the first revaluation (Section 25 of the Valuation Act 2001).

Secondly, revision is a process to reflect structural changes to individual properties or the addition to the valuation lists of new properties between revaluations. It is a function of a local authority to apply to the Commissioner of Valuation for the appointment by the Commissioner of an officer of the Commissioner to carry out a revision of valuation under Part 6 of the Valuation Acts 2001 (as amended by the Act of 2015).

In line with best international practice, the valuation element of the rating system should have both a comprehensive revaluation and revision programme running in tandem. Further information about these processes is available at www.valoff.ie/en/

New rateable properties are added to the valuation lists on foot of revision applications made by the relevant Local Authority to the Commissioner of Valuation. Once a new rateable properties is capable of beneficial occupation it can be valued and entered on the valuation list whether it is occupied or vacant. Section 28(5) of the Valuation Acts 2001 to 2020 provides that once a valuer had been assigned a revision application the property referenced in the application should be valued and entered on the valuation list within 6 months.

While the average length of time it takes to put a rateable valuation on a new rateable property that has never been occupied is not available it is important to note that valuing a new rateable property involves a number of statutory steps. The process usually begins with an inspection of the property which is followed with the issue of a proposed valuation certificate to the owner or occupier of the property. The owner or occupier may within 40 days of the issue of the proposed valuation certificate make representations to the Valuation Office. Any representations received must then be considered before the valuation is determined and a final valuation certificate is issued. The Valuations Acts provide for the valuation list to be amended seven days after the issue of the final valuation certificate.

Where a property is newly entered onto the valuation list by the Commissioner of Valuation during a financial year it is not subject to rates in that year, however, it is subject to an Entry Year Property Levy under section 7 of the Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Act 2006. The Entry Year Property Levy effectively imposes rates on properties with effect from the date of their entry on valuation lists. It is a charge that applies until such time as the property can be charged rates. A commercial property is liable for rates in the normal way in the financial year immediately following its entry onto the valuation list.

Existing commercial rates legislation provides for a refund of rates paid on vacant commercial properties in certain circumstances. The Local Government Act 1946, provides that where a property is unoccupied on the date of the making of the rate, the owner becomes liable for rates. However, the owner is entitled to a refund if the property is vacant for specified purposes, these being if the premises are unoccupied for the purpose of additions, alterations or repairs; where the owner is bona fide unable to obtain a suitable tenant at a reasonable rent; and where the premises are vacant pending redevelopment. The collection of rates and the determination of eligibility for a refund in this context are matters for each individual local authority. The Local Government Reform Act 2014 gives discretion to the elected members of local authorities to vary the level of rates refunds that apply in individual local electoral areas within the authority’s administrative area. A decision to vary the level of rate refund applying is a reserved function of elected members of a local authority.

The Local Government Rates and Other Matters Act 2019 modernises the legislation governing commercial rates and contains provision for schemes for the abatement of rates on vacant properties (not yet commenced). The Act provides that a local authority may provide a temporary abatement for vacant properties, subject to any maximum relief which may be specified by the Minister, to ensure that all property owners (other than those whose rates liability would be below a de minimis threshold) make some level of payment to the local authority. The Act allows the Minister to prescribe, that the maximum level of relief can be further reduced by individual local authorities. Currently only a portion of the Act has been commenced. Commencement of the remaining elements of the Act, including in relation to rates on vacant property, has been delayed due to the COVID crisis. The revised aim is to achieve the necessary amendments and make prescribed regulations in 2022 so that the legislation would be operational for the planning of local authority 2023 budgets.

Housing Provision

Questions (333)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

333. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of cost rental units he has signed off; when these will be tenanted; the locations they will be delivered in; the size of the units; the number of bedrooms and type that will be delivered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62636/21]

View answer

Written answers

Housing for All commits to the provision of 18,000 Cost Rental homes to 2030, an average of 2,000 per year. These will be delivered in our urban centres where affordability issues arise. They will be provided by Affordable Housing Bodies (AHBs) through Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL) funding, by Local Authorities through the Affordable Housing Fund and by the Land Development Agency (LDA) on their portfolio of sites.

A total of 390 Cost Rental homes were approved under the first tranche of CREL funding in early 2021. These new homes are located in Dublin, the Greater Dublin Area and Cork, with cost-covering rents projected at a minimum of 25% less than comparable open market prices.

The first 25 of Cost Rental homes to be designated in Ireland were completed by the Clúid AHB at Taylor Hill, Balbriggan and the first tenants moved into their new homes at Taylor Hill from 28 August 2021. The cost-covering rents for these homes are approximately 40% below comparable open-market prices in the area, ranging from €935 per month for a two-bed terraced house to €1,150 for a four-bed detached house. Another 40 Cost Rental homes have recently been completed at Barnhall Meadows in Leixlip, County Kildare, where all tenants have recently moved into their new homes. The cost-covering rents for these CREL-funded homes range from €900 per month for the two-bed homes to €1,250 per month for the three-bed homes, which are approximately 42% below market rent. (See tables below for details of both developments).

Taylor Hill Homes

Average Comparable Market Rent

Cost-covering Rent

% Discount from Market Rent

Taylor Hill Homes

Average Comparable Market Rent

Cost-covering Rent

% Discount from Market Rent

2-bed terraces (x7) (77.8- 88.6m2)

€1,467

€935

36.26%

3-bed terraces, semi-detached and detached (x17) (102-120m2)

€1,729

€1,100

36.38%

4-bed detached (x1) (149.4m2)

€2,050

€1,150

43.9%

Barnhall Meadows

Average Comparable Market Rent

Cost-covering Rent

% Discount from Market Rent

Barnhall Meadows

Average Comparable Market Rent

Cost-covering Rent

% Discount from Market Rent

2-bed house (x6) (86m2)

€1,600

€900

43.75%

3-bed house (x34)(109-121m2)

€2,150

€1,250

41.86%

The necessary financial and commercial arrangements in relation to the other projects approved under the first call for proposals under CREL are being completed by the AHBs concerned. When these arrangements are concluded, details of the other projects, including specific locations, housing typologies and cost-covering rents, will be made public.

In addition to these 390 homes, another 50 two bed Cost Rental apartments are currently being constructed at Enniskerry Road, Stepaside, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, by the Respond and Tuath AHBs, alongside 105 social housing units. Construction of these purpose-built Cost Rental homes is due to be completed before the end of the year. The tenant selection process is underway and the new tenants will move into their new homes early in the new year. Proposed rents for these Cost Rental units are show in the table below.

Unit Type

Average Comparable Market Rent

Cost-covering Rent

% Discount from Market Rent

2-bed apartments (x 50)

€2,000 per month

€1,200 per month

40%

Delivery of CREL homes is subject to construction schedules, which, together with housing projects more generally, were impacted by COVID delays at the beginning of this year. The initial timeframes submitted by AHBs were based on all efforts being made to deliver the homes as soon as possible. As AHBs sought to use CREL funding to allow developers to construct homes that may otherwise not have been delivered, the commencement of construction on these specific units was, in most instances, not possible until the lifting of relevant COVID restrictions.

A further €75 million in Exchequer funding has been allocated for 2022. Combined with funds made available by the Housing Finance Agency, this will help to meet the Housing for All target of a further 750 Cost Rental homes. A second Call for Proposals was opened to AHBs under the CREL scheme on Friday 22 October 2021, seeking applications for properties prioritised for delivery in 2022. The closing date for this call expired on Tuesday 30 November. The process to assess these applications is currently ongoing.

Furthermore, it is my intention to issue an Open, Rolling Call under CREL from early 2022. This will facilitate ongoing applications from AHBs as projects present themselves, assist with applications for Cost Rental and social housing (through Capital Advance Leasing Facility CALF) on the same sites and will facilitate longer-term developments where AHBs can purchase land and undertake design and build contracts directly.

Legislative Process

Questions (334)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

334. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the stage at which the monuments and archaeological heritage Bill is in the legislative process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62658/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Revised General Scheme of the Monuments and Archaeological Heritage Bill was approved by Cabinet on 30 November 2021.

I intend to refer the Revised General Scheme to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage over the coming days in order to commence pre-legislative scrutiny.

National Parks and Wildlife Service

Questions (335)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

335. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the National Parks and Wildlife Service expects to provide a decision for works (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62660/21]

View answer

Written answers

The National Parks and Wildlife Service has already provided its views to the Local Authority in respect of this matter and has no further role with regard to the Local Authority's decision making on this project.

Defective Building Materials

Questions (336)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Question:

336. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason the recent sliding-scale redress for homeowners accessing the defective concrete block scheme is not 100% redress given the motion that passed in Dáil Éireann on 15 June 2021 was in favour of 100% redress. [62668/21]

View answer

Written answers

I brought a Memorandum on an enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme to Government on the 30 November 2021 and it included an unprecedented suite of improvements to the current scheme. Government approved the enhanced scheme which it is estimated will cost approximately €2.2Bn. The comprehensive changes include:

- The current 90% maximum grant will be increased to a 100% grant for all remediation options 1-5

- The maximum grant cap for option 1 (demolition and rebuild) will be increased from €247,500 to €420,000

- The grant calculation methodology in respect of option 1 remediation will be based on a cost per square foot with costings to be set by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in consultation with the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI). An indicative rate of €145 per square foot for the first 1,000 sq foot with a sliding scale thereafter has been announced by my Department and this will be subject to review as required in line with construction cost changes. In the case of remediation options 2-5 a similar but necessarily different approach will be taken to inform the appropriate rate for blockwork removal and replacement following consultation with SCSI

- A revised application process will be introduced which will only require the homeowner to submit an initial ‘Building Condition Assessment’ at minimal cost recoupable on entry to the Scheme. The Housing Agency will take over testing, sampling and categorisation of homes on behalf of homeowners and local authorities and will thereafter recommend the appropriate remediation option and grant amount for each home.

- Alternative accommodation and storage costs are to be included, subject to a maximum of €20,000

- In relation to works carried out under remediation options 2-5, a second grant option, will be available for such a home in the future if blockwork which was not removed as part of the initial remediation work subsequently proves defective in accordance with the IS:465 standard

- A new independent appeals process will be introduced

- The Scheme will be extended beyond the current scope of Principal Private Residences only, to also cover Residential Tenancies Board registered rental properties, subject to the introduction of a clawback mechanism upon re-sale within a set time period depending on the remediation option used. Opportunities for the State to acquire such rental properties for social housing purposes will also be examined.

Full details in relation to the changes announced are available at the following link:

www.gov.ie/en/press-release/e365e-minister-obrien-announces-enhancements-to-the-defective-concrete-block-scheme/.

Work is ongoing in my Department to bring forward the legislative requirements necessary to provide for the enhanced scheme.

Departmental Reports

Questions (337)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

337. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of reports on residential vacancy that have been commissioned in the past three years; the titles of these reports; the level of vacancy that was reported by area, in tabular form; the recommendations that were made in these reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62718/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Housing Agency, in addition to providing vital supports to local authorities in identifying and reactivating vacant properties, also supports the development of policy designed to tackle residential vacancy through research and analysis.

The Housing Agency published two research reports in 2019 entitled ‘How Vacancy is created and used: Case studies from Scotland, Denmark, and Philadelphia’ and ‘Incentives for the reuse of vacant buildings in town centres for housing and sustainable communities in Scotland, Denmark and France’. Both research reports are available on the Housing Agency website at the links below.

www.housingagency.ie/publications/how-data-vacancy-created-and-used-case-studies-scotland-denmark-and-philadelphia

www.housingagency.ie/publications/incentives-re-use-vacant-buildings-town-centres-housing-and-sustainable-communities

Against the background of research such as this, including Census 2016 which found that there were 183,000 vacant homes nationwide (albeit a 20% reduction on figures reported in Census 2011), Housing for All provides a key pathway to addressing vacancy and efficient use of stock dedicated solely to this priority area supported by actions to enable a sustainable housing system. Among the actions is the work is underway by the Department of Finance through the current Local Property Tax returns to assess the present vacancy situation and once collated and analysed this data will contribute to a number of policy initiatives outlined in Housing for All.

Departmental Reports

Questions (338)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

338. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of reports his Department has that are pending publication; the titles of these reports; the expected publication dates of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62722/21]

View answer

Written answers

Details of reports that are pending publication for my Department are set out in the following table.

Title of Departmental Report

Publication Due

Sceilg Mhichíl Management Plan

Q4 2021

Housing First National Implementation Plan 2022-2026

Q4 2021

National Policy on Architecture

Q1 2022

Review of the Use of Peat in Horticulture

Q1 2022

Heritage Ireland 2030

Q1 2022

Tara Conservation Management Plan

Q1 2022

Progress report on the implementation of the National Peatlands Strategy

Q1 2022

National Marine Planning Framework Consultation Report

Q1 2022

Town Centre First

Q1 2022

Coastal Management Strategy

Q1 2022

2021 Review of the Mortgage to Rent Scheme

Q1 2022

Design Manual for Quality Housing

Q1 2022

Q4 2021 Construction Status Report

Q1 2022

OceanWise reports on Solutions and Sustainable Alternatives to Reduce the Impact of Expanded and Extruded Polystyrene as Marine Litter

Q1 2022

Fire Service

Questions (339)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

339. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will conduct a full review of the retained aspect of the retained members of the State’s provision of firefighters in the context of health and safety in view of the fact that some retainers are on a standby for up to 120 hours per week; and if he has considered the outcomes of the Matzak case in this context. [62765/21]

View answer

Written answers

The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of fire station premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Services Act, 1981. My Department supports fire authorities through setting general policy and progressing legislation, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding support for equipment and priority infrastructural projects.

The prioritisation and effective management of all resources is, in the first instance, a matter for each of the fire authorities based on their assessment of local needs and requirements. In relation to the staffing requirements in each local authority, under the Local Government Act 2001, it is the responsibility of each Chief Executive to employ such staff and to make such staffing, funding, recruitment and organisational arrangements as may be deemed necessary for the purposes of carrying out the functions of their local authority.

The Management Board of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management mandated a small internal project team to undertake a review of the model of local authority ‘retained’ fire services delivery, with an emphasis on the recruitment/ retention of staff and other developments which could have implications for service provision.

The objective of the review is to explore and understand the issues which are impacting on service delivery, to undertake research and analysis and to propose options which will underpin the continuing provision of effective and inclusive local authority fire services into the future. The Project Team will work with and report to the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management Fire Service Operations Committee and may, subject to appropriate approval, seek additional resources or set up relevant sub-group(s) to provide advice or to assist it in the performance of its functions.

The initial engagement element of the review is the gathering of appropriate data and information, to inform the needs analysis and option appraisals for further development. To that end, the project team have secured the services of an independent consultant who will survey the views of the personnel who work in the retained fire services and those who have recently retired from the retained fire services. That feedback in conjunction with consultation at appropriate stages with all key stakeholders during the review process, including central and local government, the public, fire service management/staff, and the staffing interest groups will form the basis of the final review report.

It is the expectation of the project team that the final review report will be submitted to the Management Board of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management. At that time the Management Board of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management will make a determination on the publication of the report.

Fire Service

Questions (340)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

340. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has been briefed in respect of a national full-time fire service; and if he and his officials past or present have conducted a cost benefit analysis to establish the viability of such a national service. [62766/21]

View answer

Written answers

The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of fire station premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Services Act, 1981. My Department supports fire authorities through setting general policy and progressing legislation, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding support for equipment and priority infrastructural projects.

The most recent review of fire services in Ireland resulted in the publication of “Keeping Communities Safe - A Framework for Fire Safety in Ireland” (KCS) in 2013. This was the report on the outcome of a wide-ranging review of fire services in Ireland which was undertaken in 2011/2012, and was endorsed as national policy in early 2013. It concluded that local authorities were best positioned to continue to provide fire services in Ireland.

The provision of fire services by local authorities is based on a risk management approach of area risk categorisation which involves an analysis of the nature of the fire hazards and the incidence and extent of fires which occur, as well as the fire protection measures in place. The current fire fatality rate per million of population, using a three year average, equates to 4.3 deaths per million of population, this figure is a third of what it was twenty years ago when it stood at 12.9 deaths per million of population. While every death is a regrettable tragedy that level of fire fatalities positions Ireland among countries with lower fire fatality rates.

Fire authorities cooperate with each other as and when required and on a regular basis on a number of matters. For example, they are enabled by the Fire Services Act, 1981 and 2003 to assist each other and provide support on a ‘mutual-assistance’ basis, and this is the expected norm for fire services. The Chief Fire Officer for the area where a large scale incident is located will typically engage neighbouring services when required, on the basis of agreed pre-planned arrangements.

At national level, a National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM) was created within my Department in 2009 to give central direction and leadership for the fire and emergency management services. The 2009 arrangements put in place a management structure at central government level with a clear mandate and visibility to develop national policy and to drive consistent achievement of quality fire services by local authorities. Under the system, responsibility for the day-to-day operation of fire services remains with the local authorities. However, the National Directorate’s mandate includes developing national policies and national standards, and supporting and overseeing their implementation at local level.

Over the course of 2014/2015, the National Directorate’s Management Board's External Validation Group (EVG) visited every fire service in the country as part of an external validation process arising from implementation of KCS. In April 2016, the Management Board published the first EVG Report titled “Local Delivery - National Consistency”. The report concluded that current fire service arrangements, as outlined, are working effectively to meet the challenges involved in trying to protect communities from fire and other emergencies.

A copy of this report is available on my Department's website at the following link:

www.gov.ie/en/publication/a23ce-external-validation-of-fire-services/

In May 2019, the Management Board of NDFEM considered a proposal for a second round of external validation, or EVG II. Stakeholder engagement was undertaken in preparation for a thematic review process, which was scheduled to commence in Q1 2020. However, due to Covid-19, the Board made a decision to postpone this process.

As an alternative, the Management Board mandated staff in the NDFEM to undertake a review of the impact of Covid-19 on local authority fire service resilience and response, as well as on fire safety work and to look at fire services roles in supporting Covid-related emergency management.

This review was undertaken by means of ‘virtual visits’ (i.e. by Webex link) to each of the 27 fire services and three Regional Communications Centres. This ‘virtual’ process was undertaken by an NDFEM team, working in association with Chief Fire Officers and their staff and local authority executives. A composite report on themes related to the impact of Covid-19 on fire services was compiled and presented to the NDFEM Management Board in October 2020.

Unfortunately, the current Covid-19 situation has understandably delayed the EVG II process. The position in relation to undertaking an EVG II will be kept under review by the NDFEM Management Board, taking account of the virtual experience of the response and resilience study and in light of the evolving Covid-19 situation. A new EVG II process would likely focus once again on the delivery standards of our fire services and an assessment of how the structure of the service impacts on delivery.

Defective Building Materials

Questions (341)

Brendan Smith

Question:

341. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the progress to date in introducing a 100% redress scheme for homeowners affected by mica; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62781/21]

View answer

Written answers

I brought a Memorandum on an enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme to Government on the 30 November 2021 and it included an unprecedented suite of improvements to the current scheme. Government approved the enhanced scheme which it is estimated will cost approximately €2.2Bn. The comprehensive changes include:

- The current 90% maximum grant will be increased to a 100% grant for all remediation options 1-5

- The maximum grant cap for option 1 (demolition and rebuild) will be increased from €247,500 to €420,000

- The grant calculation methodology in resepct of option 1 remediation will be based on a cost per square foot with costings to be set by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in consultation with the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI). An indicative rate of €145 per square foot for the first 1,000 sq foot with a sliding scale thereafter has been announced by my Department and this will be subject to review as required in line with construction cost changes. In the case of remediation options 2-5 a similar but necessarily different approach will be taken to inform the appropriate rate for blockwork removal and replacement following consultation with SCSI

- A revised application process will be introduced which will only require the homeowner to submit an initial ‘Building Condition Assessment’ at minimal cost recoupable on entry to the Scheme. The Housing Agency will take over testing, sampling and categorisation of homes on behalf of homeowners and local authorities and will thereafter recommend the appropriate remediation option and grant amount for each home.

- Alternative accommodation and storage costs are to be included, subject to a maximum of €20,000

- In relation to works carried out under remediation options 2-5, a second grant option, will be available for such a home in the future if blockwork which was not removed as part of the initial remediation work subsequently proves defective in accordance with the IS:465 standard

- A new independent appeals process will be introduced

- The Scheme will be extended beyond the current scope of Principal Private Residences only, to also cover Residential Tenancies Board registered rental properties, subject to the introduction of a clawback mechanism upon re-sale within a set time period depending on the remediation option used. Opportunities for the State to acquire such rental properties for social housing purposes will also be examined.

Full details in relation to the changes announced are available at the following link:

www.gov.ie/en/press-release/e365e-minister-obrien-announces-enhancements-to-the-defective-concrete-block-scheme/.

Work is currently ongoing in my Department to bring forward the enhanced scheme.

Housing Schemes

Questions (342)

Brendan Smith

Question:

342. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the income eligibility limits for social housing will be increased in areas such as counties Cavan and Monaghan in which the existing limits are totally inadequate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62782/21]

View answer

Written answers

Applications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011 (as amended). The Regulations prescribe maximum net income limits for each local authority, in different bands according to the area concerned, with income being defined and assessed according to a standard Household Means Policy.

The income bands and the authority area assigned to each band were based on an assessment of the income needed to provide for a household's basic needs, plus a comparative analysis of the local rental cost of housing accommodation across the country. The limits also reflected a blanket increase of €5,000 prior to the new system being introduced in 2011, broadening the base from which social housing tenants are drawn, promoting sustainable communities, and also providing a degree of future-proofing.

Given the cost to the State of providing social housing, it is considered prudent and fair to direct resources to those most in need support. The current income eligibility requirements generally achieve this, providing a fair and equitable system for identifying households facing the greatest challenge in meeting their accommodation needs from their own resources.That said, Housing for All – A New Housing Plan for Ireland was published in September 2021 and, among other things, commits to a review of income eligibility for social housing. The review is underway and is examining the efficiency of the banding model while also having regard to new initiatives being brought forward on affordability and Cost Rental. The review is due to be completed before the end of the year.

Departmental Data

Questions (343)

Holly Cairns

Question:

343. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of persons on housing waiting lists who have a disability recorded on their application, for each local authority, between 1 January 2015 and 1 December 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62822/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Summary of Social Housing Assessments (SSHA) published annually by the Housing Agency provide details on the number of households that qualify for social housing support in each local authority administrative area, including those with disabilities. The assessment is conducted on an annual basis since 2016, prior to which it was carried out once every three years with the last Summary under this approach having taken place in 2013.

The most recent summary, conducted in November 2020 outlines that 61,880 households were assessed as qualified for and being in need of social housing support including 4,000, or 6.5% of the total, whose application was made on the basis of a specific need based on disability.

It is important to note that the results of the assessments from 2013 to 2020 are directly comparable with each other as these summaries were carried out using a standardised methodology as specified by the Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011 which came into effect on 1 April 2011.

The available assessments from 2016 to 2020 are accessible at the links below.

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.

Report 2019

www.gov.ie/en/publication/29da7-summary-of-social-housing-assessments-2019-key-findings/

Report 2018

www.gov.ie/en/publication/6fab90-summary-of-social-housing-assessments-2018-key-findings/

Report 2017

www.gov.ie/en/publication/6205a6-summary-of-social-housing-assessments-2017/

Report 2016

www.gov.ie/en/publication/cce84-summary-of-social-housing-assessments-2016/

Fire Stations

Questions (344)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

344. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current status of the proposed new fire station in Dunleer, County Louth since €1.6 million was awarded for the design and site purchase; if he will provide details on the proposed site for the station as the local community are eager to learn the location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62870/21]

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Written answers

The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of fire station premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Services Acts, 1981 and 2003. My Department supports the fire authorities through setting general policy, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding for equipment and priority infrastructural projects.

In December 2020, I announced a new Fire Services Capital Programme for the period 2021-2025, with a funding allocation of €61m. Following extensive engagement with fire authorities, a number of proposals for station works etc. were received. The proposals were evaluated and prioritised on the basis of the:

- Area Risk Categorisation of the fire station (population, fire risks, etc.);

- established Health and Safety needs;

- state of development of the project (is site acquired?, etc.); and

- value for money offered by the proposal.

This new Programme will see six new fire stations built, continued support for the construction of a further 12 new fire stations, nine fire station refurbishments as well as the allocation of 35 new fire engines. In order to maximise the available Capital Programme funding, my Department re-assesses the status of projects in the Programme on an annual basis, and some flexibility is normally available to advance projects that are ready and that offer best value-for-money taking account of the state of readiness of projects more generally.

Louth County Council has indicated that Dunleer is their number one fire station priority project, and a new fire station at Dunleer is provided for in this Capital Programme. The Council submitted a preliminary appraisal to my Department in January 2021. Following examination of the proposal, approval in principle for this project issued on 25 June 2021, along with approval for the Council to appoint a design team. I understand that a potential site has been identified by the Council, near the existing fire station site.

Louth County Council has submitted a detailed design brief and summary cost plan for the project, and these are currently being assessed by my Department. My Department will continue to work with Louth County Council to progress the Dunleer fire station project.

Urban Development

Questions (345)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

345. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide the schedule for the drawdown of Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) funding for both Tralee and Killarney, County Kerry; the specific elements of each application which will be prioritised for development using the allocated funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62878/21]

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Written answers

A total of €3,719,011 has been allocated to Kerry County Council under Call 1 of the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund in respect of the projects in Tralee and Killarney. In March this year I announced provisional funding support of €32,005,146 for Kerry County Council’s successful Call 2 projects – Destination Killarney (€16,068,429) and Positioning Tralee as a Regional Economic Driver & Destination Town (€15,936,717).

While my Department works closely and communicates regularly with Kerry County Council in respect of project funding, responsibility for the advancement of these URDF supported projects through the various stages of planning, development and completion is, in the first instance, a matter for the Sponsoring Agency, Kerry County Council.

In this regard it should be noted that all URDF supported projects must be carefully developed and managed by the Sponsoring Agency in accordance with the normal conditions and arrangements that apply to public sector managed projects including, exercising appropriate cost control and delivering projects as approved, and in full compliance with the Public Spending Code.

Urban Development

Questions (346)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

346. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the next round of the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) will open for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62880/21]

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Written answers

The URDF was launched in 2018 to support more compact and sustainable development. The Fund is providing part-funding for projects that will enable a greater proportion of residential and mixed-use development to be delivered within the existing built-up footprints of our cities and large towns, while also ensuring that more parts of our urban areas can become attractive and vibrant places in which people choose to live and work, as well as to invest and to visit.

In keeping with the aims of the National Planning Framework (NPF) and Project Ireland 2040, the URDF demonstrates a new and more tailored approach to the provision of Government support. Over its planned duration up to 2030, URDF support will be targeted in an integrated, dynamic and responsive way to support the regeneration and rejuvenation of our towns and cities.

Already, the URDF is providing assistance for major projects that will contribute to the regeneration and rejuvenation of Ireland’s five cities and other large towns, in line with the objectives of the National Planning Framework and National Development Plan.

Through the URDF, successful applicants are receiving targeted integrated support for innovative holistic solutions to the issues that have hindered the regeneration and rejuvenation of our large towns and cities.

To date there have been two Calls for proposals under the URDF with a total of almost €312m allocated to date in respect of the 87 projects approved under Call 1, while in March this year I announced URDF funding support of €1.3 billion in respect of a countrywide programme of 45 proposals approved under Call 2.

At this stage my Department's immediate focus is on ensuring early progress on these important projects and in this regard my Department is currently engaged in a series of meetings with local authorities to discuss the advancement of the current programme of 132 transformational regeneration and development projects.

Following completion of this process consideration will be given to the timing and focus of any next call for proposals under the URDF.

Housing Provision

Questions (347)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

347. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if local authorities will consider constructing clusters of rural cottages in shared sites with communal ancillary services to keep local persons in their native rural locations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62908/21]

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Written answers

As Housing Minister, my priorities in relation to housing delivery are set out under Housing for All; they are to ramp up State building of social homes to help eliminate homelessness and address waiting lists, as well as supporting homeownership and increasing affordability. Under Housing for All there are unprecedented resources available to support public housing programmes. Implementation of these programmes at local level, in terms of priority and location, will be matters for our local authorities in meeting their housing needs. In that regard, each local authority is now finalising new Housing Delivery Action Plans to set out details on how and when they will deliver their housing targets, including the alignment with the National Planning Framework (NPF), in particular compact growth objectives. These Action Plans should also provide an outline of locations where housing will be delivered (e.g. towns, villages, urban areas, rural areas, etc.) and the planned numbers of homes to be delivered in each area.

The NPF is the national planning policy document providing overall strategic policy for the future development of Ireland. It fully supports the concept of the sustainable development of rural areas and the need to ensure their continued function as places to live, work and invest in. The NPF seeks to encourage their growth and to arrest the decline of areas that have experienced low population growth in recent years. Chapter 5.3 ‘Planning for the Future Growth and Development of Rural Areas’ of the NPF features several specific National Policy Objectives that aim to support the overall rural and small town pattern of development in Ireland and deliver strengthened and diversified rural communities.

In support of this, Housing for All contains commitments in relation a new Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund to provide serviced sites for the construction of new homes and refurbish vacant properties in regional towns and villages; a new Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) Programme to tackle vacancy in towns and villages; and new rural housing guidelines to provide updated guidance to planning authorities in devising such policies in their county development plans.

There are also a range of actions relating to housing and associated areas in the Government’s framework for the development of rural Ireland over the next five years, ‘Our Rural Future: Rural Development Policy 2021-2025’.

Planning Issues

Questions (348)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

348. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has given consideration to regulations to increase the extension dimensions permitted without planning permission on existing structures for first-time buyers as a measure to help incentivise the renovation of currently uninhabited or derelict properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62910/21]

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Written answers

Class 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 2 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended (the Regulations), sets out the planning exemption provisions for house extensions, referred to as "development within the curtilage of a house", as follows:

“The extension of a house, by the construction or erection of an extension (including a conservatory) to the rear of the house or by the conversion for use as part of the house of any garage, store, shed or other similar structure attached to the rear or to the side of the house.” .

The use of the exemption is available to all houses whether occupied, vacant or derelict. However, the exemption is subject to a range of conditions and limitations set out in further detail in Class 1, which include factors such as:

- the size of the proposed extension, subject to specified limits;

- whether the house in question is terraced, semi-detached or detached;

- whether the house has previously availed of the planning exemption;

- how much of the proposed development is at ground level or above ground level;

- impacts on the area of private open space within the curtilage of the house;

- the proximity of the proposed extension, including windows, to adjoining boundaries etc.

Any development of this nature which falls outside of the Class 1 exemption and the conditions and limitations attached to it are subject to planning permission. The exemptions provided for in the Regulations are kept under regular review and I have no plans to amend the Class 1 exemption provisions in this regard at this time.

Rental Sector

Questions (349)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

349. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the work his Department has carried out in relation to the short-term rental sector with particular focus on compliance and enforcement in relation to existing regulations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62911/21]

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Written answers

Legislative reforms to regulate the short-term letting sector through the planning code, in areas designated as “rent pressure zones” (RPZs), were introduced under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (Exempted Development) (No. 2) Regulations 2019 (the Regulations) which came into effect on 1 July 2019.

Notwithstanding the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, significant work on the implementation and enforcement of the Regulations in the relevant RPZ areas has been undertaken by planning authorities since they came into effect. This enforcement action has included the carrying out of inspections of properties engaged in short-term letting, identifying the registered owners of the properties concerned, issuing enforcement notices to relevant property owners of the requirements of the Regulations to obtain change of use planning permission where the property concerned -

(i) is not the principal place of residence of the registered owner, or

(ii) is their principal residence and has been let out for in excess of 90 days in a calendar year.

Non-compliance with these requirements is regarded as unauthorised development and is enforceable under Part VIII of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended.

My Department has been in contact with each of the relevant local authorities in which RPZs are located throughout the year, and has requested regular updates on the enforcement and implementation of the Short Term Letting Regulations.

Energy Prices

Questions (350)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

350. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will engage with utility providers in relation to water and electricity connection and reconnection fees; if he will request a reduction in such fees for a stated window of time for first-time buyers subject to an occupancy clause of seven years as a measure to help incentivise the renovation of currently uninhabited or derelict properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62912/21]

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Written answers

Government policy in relation to electricity matters is led by the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications and electricity connection charges and charging arrangements are subject to independent regulation by the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU).

Since 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning and delivery. Irish Water's charging policies, including in relation to connection charges, are subject to approval by the CRU, in its statutory role as the independent economic regulator of Irish Water.

Part V of the Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013, in particular sets out the CRU's responsibility for the determination of the charges, including connection charges, and charging arrangements, that apply to customers of Irish Water. The CRU determination on the appropriate charges and charging arrangements that apply to new network connections are set out in its detailed decision paper on Connection Charging available on its website at www.cru.ie. My Department has no role in the matter.

As part of Housing for All, the Government has committed to a range of actions as part of the pathway to address vacancy ensuring the efficient use of housing stock. Addressing vacancy and maximising the use of existing housing stock is a primary concern of this Government and the new Housing for All Strategy outlines a multi-faceted approach to addressing this matter, including:

- A new local authority-led programme to help Local Authorities buy or compulsory purchase 2,500 vacant homes in their areas which can then be sold on the open market will ensure homes don’t lie vacant.

- Reform of the Fair Deal Scheme to remove disincentives to selling or renting unused homes.

- The Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund will be delivered by local authorities for the provision of serviced sites for housing, to attract people to build their own homes and to support the refurbishment of vacant properties, enabling people to live in small towns and villages, in a sustainable way.

- A new Town Centre First policy, which will include approaches to utilising existing stock and new financial incentive mechanisms.

These measures are in addition to the vacant property tax and vacant site tax being pursued by the Department of Finance.

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