Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:282. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her attention has been drawn to a small fringe festival (details supplied). [6305/22]
View answerCulture Policy
Questions (282)
Written answers
The Arts Council is the statutory body charged with supporting and developing the arts in Ireland and is independent in its funding decisions under Section 24(2) of the Arts Act 2003. In such circumstances neither I as Minister, nor my officials can intervene in the Council's funding decisions .
The Arts Council has appeals procedures that can be found at www.artscouncil.ie/Funding/Appeals-process/.
Culture Policy
Questions (283)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:283. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of theatre and festival groups or events that have received funding under the small arts festival and experimental events grant scheme 2022 for the production of plays; and the number that have not received funding for same. [6306/22]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has a range of schemes to which theatres, festival groups and events can apply for current and/or capital funding. My Department does not, however, have a Small arts festival and experimental events grant scheme.
Culture Policy
Questions (284, 285)
Seán Sherlock
Question:284. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her attention has been drawn to the collections storage requirements of each of the cultural institutions which sit under the cultural institutions unit within her Department; her views on the quality and capacity of the collections storage facilities across these institutions; if there are plans in place to deal with deficits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6492/22]
View answerSeán Sherlock
Question:285. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she has considered a holistic plan to address the collections storage needs of Ireland’s cultural institutions; the considerations that underpin the strategy which the cultural institutions unit are considering with regard to long-term collections storage, bearing in mind scale of collections, environment footprint, cost and public access; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6493/22]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 284 and 285 together.
My officials continually liaise with the National Cultural Institutions and my Department is fully briefed on the challenges that the NCIs face with respect to collections storage. Under the National Development Plan, my Department's sectoral plan - Investing in our Culture, Language and Heritage 2018 - 2027 - provides for the investment of €460m in the capital redevelopment of the National Cultural Institutions over the period 2018 to 2027.
Under this plan it is intended to upgrade and extend the institutions’ buildings and facilities in line with international museum standards and to provide for enhanced collection storage facilities, along with expanded learning and exhibition spaces, visitor facilities and other needs identified by the NCIs.
These projects are being planned, implemented and evaluated in line with the Public Spending Code and best practice guidance outlined in the Capital Works Management Framework published by the Office of Government Procurement. While the majority of these capital projects are moving through preliminary stages, a number of projects are at implementation stage or are nearing implementation stage. When the capital projects are complete it is expected that this investment will fully address any deficits in relation to storage.
My Department engages with the OPW on a regular basis with regard to the implementation of this plan and the possibility of shared storage arrangements is being considered as part of this process.
Question No. 285 answered with Question No. 284.
Culture Policy
Questions (286)
Seán Sherlock
Question:286. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her attention has been drawn to the requirements for a long-term plan to house and make accessible the national collection which is held in the care of the National Museum of Ireland; the efforts that are in place at the level of her Department to identity a solution; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6494/22]
View answerWritten answers
I am aware of the requirement for a long-term plan to house the national collection which is held in the National Museum of Ireland (NMI) and my Department has been engaged with both the NMI and the Office of Public Works (OPW) in relation to this matter.
As set out in the National Cultural Institutions Act 1997, the NMI relies on the OPW for the provision of all premises and building management needs, including storage for a collection of 4 million objects.
The NMI's principal storage space is based at the Collections Resource Centre (CRC) in Swords and the lease on this building is in place until 2030. My Department is engaged with the OPW and the NMI to identify an appropriate long term solution for the storage of the NMI's collections. A Project Working Group has been established to develop a Strategic Assessment Report, as per the requirements of the Public Spending Code, which outlines the key objectives and rationale for the CRC and puts forward potential solutions as a series of options. It is intended that this work will be completed in 2022.
Artists' Remuneration
Questions (287)
Claire Kerrane
Question:287. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the way that she is ensuring the forthcoming basic income scheme for artists will be accessible for persons with a disability including those who are in receipt of a social protection disability support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6580/22]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister with responsibility for Arts and Culture, I am very conscious of the value that this sector brings to all Irish citizens. The importance of Irish culture, Irish art and Irish productions as a whole cannot be overstated - it contributes to individual and societal well-being, as well as contributing to Ireland's reputation as a country with a rich cultural history and output.
The intention of the Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme is to research the impact a basic income grant scheme would have on artists and creatives work patterns by providing the opportunity to focus on their practice, and to minimise the loss of skills from the arts as a result of the pandemic and to contribute to the sectors gradual regrowth post pandemic.
Like all income the grant payment will be reckonable for both income tax and social welfare means test purposes. However, the level of tax paid and/or the impact on a social welfare payment will depend on each person's individual circumstances.
The means testing of social welfare payments is a statutory function of my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD and I have no statutory role in that regard. Engagement on the pilot scheme has been ongoing between my Department and the Department of Social Protection.
It is important to note that the Basic Income for the Arts scheme is not a social welfare payment, it is a grant payment and is a pilot scheme to research the impact of a basic income for the arts.
I believe that the Basic Income Guarantee pilot scheme will bring new life and support to the Arts and Cultural Sector post pandemic and it will provide an important legacy for our artists and creatives.
Film Industry
Questions (288)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:288. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the amount of public funding the Irish film industry received in each of the past five years to date; if she has conducted research and statistical analysis as to the number of persons currently employed in the Irish film industry and the number that are currently out of employment across the various occupational categories within the industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6593/22]
View answerWritten answers
Screen Ireland is the national development agency for the Irish film, television and animation industry, investing in talent, creativity and enterprise with a mission to support and promote Irish film, television and animation through fostering Irish artistic vision and our diverse creative and production talent, growing audiences, and attracting filmmakers and investment into the country. The following are the allocations for each of the past 5 years to Screen Ireland.
|
Year |
Current (€'000) |
Capital (€'000) |
Total (€'000) |
|
2017 |
€3,735 |
€13,202 |
€16,937 |
|
2018 |
€3,820 |
€14,202 |
€18,022 |
|
2019 |
€3,840 |
€16,200 |
€20,040 |
|
2020 |
€3,866 |
€27,550 |
€31,416 |
|
2021 |
€3,893 |
€26,200 |
€30,093 |
In 2022, the allocation is €36.743m comprised of €4.593m current and €32.15m capital.
The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) continues to develop and implement the broadcasting funding schemes that support an increase in the production and availability of diverse, innovative and culturally relevant Irish audio-visual content. The following amounts were allocated by BAI to Sound and Vision projects:
|
Year |
Total (€'000) |
|
2016 |
16,653 |
|
2017 |
11,362 |
|
2018 |
11,854 |
|
2019 |
11,685 |
|
2020 |
15,769 |
|
2021 |
16,300* |
* Interim figure subject to audit.
Screen Ireland estimates that the Film, TV and Animation sector in Ireland is estimated to be worth over €692 million, comprising 11,960 jobs by way of direct, indirect and induced employment across the economy. Screen Ireland compiles statistics on the numbers of cast, crew, trainees and extras employed on Screen Ireland funded projects. This data is available at www.screenireland.ie/industry-insights/screenireland-data.
In addition, my Department is engaging with the Central Statistics Office to deepen the statistical information collected on employment and activity in the Arts & Culture sectors and this has the potential to add to research and statistical analysis about the levels of employment and unemployment in the audiovisual, sector and the various occupational categories within the industry.
Television Licence Fee
Questions (289)
Thomas Gould
Question:289. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the criteria under which a person requires a television licence; and the way they can claim an exemption. [6681/22]
View answerWritten answers
The requirement to possess a TV Licence is set out in the Broadcasting Act, 2009. The Act defines a television set as “any electronic apparatus capable of receiving and exhibiting television broadcasting services". Under the legislation, if a person owns a television set in Ireland, they must have a current television licence for that set.
In accordance with Section 142(3) of the Act, provision can be made, by order, for exemptions to the requirement to hold a TV licence for particular equipment. The Television Licence (Exemption of Classes of Television Set) Order, S.I. No. 319/2009 provides for an exemption for portable devices with a display size of not more than 160cm2 capable of exhibiting television services, for example mobile phones or personal digital assistants, and other devices, such as personal computers or laptops, capable of accessing the Internet and television-like services streamed via websites.
An Post as the issuing agent for TV licences may, when carrying out inspections, require any person to complete a statutory declaration detailing whether the person does or does not keep or has or has not in his or her possession a television set.
The only category exempt from payment of the licence fee are those who qualify for ‘free licences’ under the Department of Social Protection's Household Benefits Scheme.
Television Licence Fee
Questions (290)
Thomas Gould
Question:290. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if a person can receive a refund for a television licence if the licence was purchased erroneously. [6682/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Broadcasting Act 2009 does not make any statutory provision for refunds. However, An Post, who act as my issuing agent for licence fee collection, will refund customers in circumstances where there are two licences purchased in error for a single premises.
In addition, An Post also refund recipients of a Department of Social Protection Free TV Licence who receive their free licence in the month their paid TV Licence expires and who have purchased a TV Licence because the TV Licence database has not been updated at the time of purchase.
Local Authorities
Questions (291, 292)
Michael Ring
Question:291. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of public auditors for county councils and city councils; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6735/22]
View answerMichael Ring
Question:292. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of times in the past five years that county councils and city councils have been audited; the councils that have been audited; the frequency of audits of councils in same time period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6736/22]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 291 and 292 together.
Audit and oversight of local government in Ireland is the responsibility of two organisations; the Local Government Audit Service (LGAS) and the National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC).The LGAS carries out an independent, external audit of each local authority, each year. It currently has a staff of 35, or 32.6 full time equivalents. Annual audit reports are published on my Department's website, along with the LGAS Annual Overview of its work. The 2019 report is available here; www.gov.ie/en/publication/ea801-overview-of-the-work-of-the-local-government-audit-service-year-ended-31-december-2019/ and I am advised that the 2020 report is nearing completion. Recent audit reports concerning individual local authorities are available here; www.gov.ie/en/policy/61d9b3-local-government/latest/
NOAC is the national independent oversight body for the local government sector in Ireland. It was established under the Local Government Reform Act 2014 to provide independent oversight of the local government sector (local authorities and associated bodies), including regional assemblies. NOAC has a broad range of functions, covering all local authority activities and involving the scrutiny of performance generally and financial performance specifically. NOAC also has a role in supporting best practice; overseeing implementation of national local government policy; and monitoring and evaluating implementation of corporate plans, adherence to service level agreements and public service reform by local government bodies. A Government Minister may also request that NOAC prepare a report relevant to its functions on any specified aspect of local government. Further information on NOAC and its publications are available at www.noac.ie
Section 59 of the Local Government Reform Act 2014 also requires each local authority to establish an Audit Committee with 3 months of local elections. The Act sets out the functions of such committees, which are to review financial and budgetary reporting practices and procedures, foster the development of best practice in the internal audit function, review auditors’ reports and special reports, assess follow-up action by management, assess and promote efficiency and value for money, review risk management systems and make such recommendations to the authority as the committee considers appropriate in respect of such matters.
Question No. 292 answered with Question No. 291.
Housing Schemes
Questions (293, 294)
Thomas Pringle
Question:293. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if changes to the incremental purchase scheme have been made to enable tenants who may not have an earned income but have savings to purchase their house form local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5848/22]
View answerThomas Pringle
Question:294. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if tenants who have a two-bedroom house can purchase their property under the tenant purchase schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5849/22]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 293 and 294 together.
The Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme is open to eligible tenants, including joint tenants, of local authority houses that are available for sale under the Scheme.
The Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 provides that the Minister may set out a minimum income required to purchase under the scheme. The minimum income requirement has a dual purpose - it ensures the scheme is sustainable and the tenant purchasing the house has the financial means to maintain and insure the property for the duration of the charged period.
Government has recently reduced the minimum reckonable income required under the scheme from €15,000 to €12,500. This means older tenants, whose only income might be the contributory or non-contributory State pension, are now eligible to buy their homes if they have the financial means to do so. These changes came into effect on 1st February 2022.
Local authorities may exclude certain houses from sale which, in their opinion, should not be sold for reasons such as proper stock or estate management. It is a matter for each individual local authority to administer the scheme in line with the over-arching provisions of the governing legislation, and in a manner appropriate to its housing requirements.
The scheme is currently being examined as part of the work on the broader social housing reform agenda.
Question No. 294 answered with Question No. 293.
Housing Policy
Questions (295)
Paul Murphy
Question:295. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a copy of the Limerick City and County Housing Strategy and HNDA 2022-2028 and the Housing Action Plan submission for Housing for All. [5867/22]
View answerWritten answers
Pursuant to section 94 of the the Planning and Development Act 2000, each planning authority is required to include a housing strategy in respect of the area of its development plan. In relation to the Housing Needs Demand Assessment (HNDA), objective 37 of the National Planning Framework requires each local authority to carry out a HNDA in order to correlate and accurately align overall future housing requirements, as an evolution of their existing Housing Strategy requirements under Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000.
Limerick City and County Council published the Limerick City and County Draft Development Plan 2022-2028, which included a draft Housing Strategy and a HNDA on 26 June 2021. The draft is available on the Council’s website at the following link:
www.limerick.ie/sites/default/files/media/documents/2021-06/volume-6-limerick-city-and-county-draft-housing-strategy-and-housing-need-demand-assessment.pdf
Limerick City and County Council prepared the Chief Executive’s Report on all submissions received during the public consultation phase which was then issued to the Elected Members of the Council on 26 November 2021 for their consideration. This Chief Executive’s Report sets out a summary and the Chief Executive’s Response and Recommendation on each valid submission, and of any proposed Material Alterations to the Draft Plan. Material Alterations are due to be placed on public display in March 2022, where further submission and observations on the Material Alterations only can be made.
Since April 2019, the assessment of all statutory local authority development plans, including variations to development plans and local area plans, is undertaken by the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR). The oversight role of the OPR includes ensuring that local authority plans are consistent with relevant national and regional policies.
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. This includes the delivery of an average of 10,000 new social homes each year and 6,000 affordable homes. Under Housing for All, each local authority, including Limerick City and County Council were required to prepare a Housing Delivery Action Plan, setting out details of social and affordable housing delivery in the period 2022-2026. I received a plan from Limerick City and County Council in December 2021 and my Department is working with the Housing Delivery Coordination Office to review it, having regard to Housing for All targets and policy objectives. Housing Delivery Action Plans will be published in Quarter 2, following the conclusion of the review process.
Heritage Projects
Questions (296)
Carol Nolan
Question:296. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures that he anticipates taking in 2022 to advance the implementation of the memorandum of understanding in relation to the built vernacular heritage of the island of Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5890/22]
View answerWritten answers
In January, I was delighted to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on Built Vernacular Heritage with my Northern Ireland counterpart Deirdre Hargey, MLA, Minister for Communities.
For 2022, the Memorandum of Understanding envisages cooperation on the publication of two documents. The first is a short booklet for owners, potential owners and the general public, to explain what the built vernacular heritage is and to provide basic user-friendly advice on caring for it. The second publication is a technical guidance document for practitioners and owners on the conservation of vernacular buildings.
Cooperation is also envisaged in the area of recording historic thatched roofs, promotion of vernacular-friendly repair and maintenance, and general liaison on matters of mutual benefit and relevance for our common built vernacular heritage.
Local Authorities
Questions (297)
Noel Grealish
Question:297. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will clarify the required qualifications for executive engineering positions within local authorities given that item 3a (details supplied) specifies candidates shall hold an honours degree level 8 in the National Framework of Qualifications in engineering; if he considers a BSc in Civil Engineering to be an appropriate qualification given that an organisation has stated that it recognises the qualification as an accredited level 8 engineering qualification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5894/22]
View answerWritten answers
Under Section 160 of the Local Government Act 2001, the appropriate Minister may declare qualifications of such classes and descriptions as he or she thinks fit for a specified employment under a local authority, or for such of the employments as belong to a specified class, description or grade.
The declared qualifications for the post of Executive Engineer specify that a candidate must hold an honours degree (level 8 in the National Framework of Qualifications) in Engineering insofar as the particular educational requirement criterion is concerned only.
A candidate who holds a BSc honours degree in Engineering would be deemed eligible under the educational requirement criterion for a local authority engineering post.
Housing Policy
Questions (298)
Jackie Cahill
Question:298. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if grants will be available for those who are not first-time buyers but who are first-time builders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5915/22]
View answerWritten answers
Housing for All, the Government's housing plan for Ireland, sets out four pathways to a sustainable housing system. A key objective is that everyone in the State should have access to a home to purchase or rent at an affordable price, built to a high standard and in the right place, offering a high quality of life.
Housing for All recognises that particular challenges arise for facilitating owner-occupation in towns and villages, where viable sites available for building of new homes are in short supply. In this regard, the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) initiative, which will be launched in Q2 2022, 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 pathfinder programme will be initiated as part of Croí Cónaithe (Towns), to facilitate the making available of some 2,000 sites for homes by 2025.
The Local Authority Home Loan, the successor to the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan, is a Government backed mortgage for those on modest or low incomes who cannot get sufficient funding from commercial banks to purchase or build a home. It has been available nationwide from local authorities since 4 January 2022 for first-time buyers and fresh start applicants. The loan can be used both for new and second-hand properties, or to self-build.
In addition, the Help to Buy (HTB) incentive, which is a matter for the Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe T.D., helps first-time buyers buy a newly-built house or apartment. It also applies to once-off self-build homes.
Housing Policy
Questions (299)
Noel Grealish
Question:299. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when an exemption for the conversion of pubs into residential units will be introduced under the Housing for All plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5934/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Planning and Development (Amendment) (No.2) Regulations 2018, which came into operation on 8 February 2018, provide for an exemption from the requirement to obtain planning permission in respect of the change of use of certain vacant commercial premises to residential use, including the conversion of vacant areas above ground floor commercial premises to residential use. This measure was aimed at facilitating the productive re-use of qualifying vacant commercial buildings as homes, while also facilitating urban renewal and the bringing on stream of increased housing supply. The original expiry date of the Regulations was 31 December 2021 which was subsequently extended to 25 February 2022 arising from the Covid-related shutdown of the planning system for 8 weeks during the period March to May 2020, which extended all planning timelines by 8 weeks.
The Government's recently published Housing Plan for Ireland - Housing for All commits to reviewing and extending the 2018 regulations to the end of 2025. As has previously been signalled, it is proposed to extend the scope of the measure to enable the conversion of vacant public houses into residential use without the need for planning permission subject to certain limitations and conditions.
Under section 262(4) of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, legislative proposals in relation to exempted development require the approval of both Houses of the Oireachtas before they can be signed into law. In this regard, the draft Planning and Development Act (Exempted Development) Regulations 2022 were laid before both Houses on 3 February 2022. Subject to the approval of the Oireachtas, I would hope to sign the new regulations shortly.
Housing Policy
Questions (300)
Claire Kerrane
Question:300. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will advise on reports of a new grant for persons purchasing derelict houses; the timeline for its introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5944/22]
View answerWritten answers
Housing for All (published in September 2021) provides a new housing plan for Ireland to 2030 with the overall objective that every citizen in the State should have access to good quality homes through a steady supply of housing in the right locations, with economic, social and environmental sustainability built into the system. The strategy sets out, over four pathways, a broad suite of measures to achieve its policy objectives together with a financial commitment of in excess of €4 billion per annum.
The suite of measures under the pathway to addressing vacancy and efficient use of existing stock includes the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund which 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.
The approach to the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund is currently under consideration and it is expected that a call for proposals will issue to local authorities later this quarter.
Electoral Process
Questions (301)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:301. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the progress that has been made regarding electoral reform given the commitments made in the Programme for Government in relation to same in order to streamline the way persons can register to vote and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5979/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government - Our Shared Future commits to a broad range of electoral reforms including a commitment to the modernisation of voter registration. Proposals to modernise the electoral registration process include the introduction of rolling (continuously updated) registration; the simplification of forms and the overall registration process, including the provision of an online option; and the use of PPSNs in the registration process. A shared registration system for Local Authorities to use in managing their registers is also envisaged. Together, these reforms will make it easier for people to register to vote and update their details, while enabling more effective management by local authorities.
The Electoral Reform Bill, which provides for the establishment of an independent Electoral Commission and the regulation of online political advertising also provides the legislative underpinning for the reform of the electoral registration process. The Bill was approved for drafting by the Government in December 2020 and the general scheme of the Bill was the subject of thorough pre-legislative scrutiny by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The Committee's report was published in August 2021.
The Electoral Reform Bill is at an advanced stage of drafting and will be published and progressed early this year.
Planning Issues
Questions (302)
James Lawless
Question:302. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number and which of the 101 recommendations for the reform of An Bord Pleanála from the 2016 review that have now been fully implemented; the status of the remainder; the timescale for the full implementation of the recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5997/22]
View answerWritten answers
An Organisational Review of An Bord Pleanála was undertaken by an independent expert panel and published in March 2016. An Implementation Group, comprising representation from my Department and An Bord Pleanála (the Board), was established to oversee the implementation of the Review recommendations.
The Review contains 101 recommendations relating to legislative provisions, communications and stakeholder engagement, the Board's role and governance along with organisational and operational matters.
The Implementation Group published its Terms of Reference and Plan for Implementation in 2016. The Board, supported by my Department, as required, took the lead in the implementation of a large number of the key recommendations, with my Department taking the lead in examining recommendations requiring legislative underpinning.
“Housing for All – A New Housing Plan for Ireland ” sets out a number of objectives with the aim of improving the functioning of the planning system including the comprehensive review and consolidation of planning legislation. This review is being led by the Attorney General and he has established a working group of professionals with planning law expertise to assist him in this work. The review is due to be finalised by September 2022 to allow updated legislation to be enacted by December 2022. As such, recommendations of the Organisational Review of An Bord Pleanála requiring legislative underpinning will be considered in the context of the ongoing review of planning legislsation.
An update on the implementation status of each of the 101 recommendations contained in the report is attached in tabular form.
Planning Issues
Questions (303)
James Lawless
Question:303. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the fact that over the past two years the average timeline for An Bord Pleanála inspector to complete their report into wind farm planning applications is 40 weeks and the average time for An Bord Pleanála to make its final decision from receipt of the inspectors report is 10 weeks; and his plans to assist An Bord Pleanála shorten these timescales to ensure the Government meets commitments in the Climate Action Plan. [5998/22]
View answerWritten answers
An Bord Pleanála (the Board) is the national independent statutory body with responsibility for the determination of planning appeals and direct applications for strategic infrastructure and other developments under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, and certain other Acts.
Section 126 of the Act provides that it shall be the duty and objective of the Board to decide appeals as expeditiously as may be and, for that purpose, to take all such steps as are open to it to ensure that, insofar as is practicable, there are no avoidable delays at any stage in the determination of appeals.
Section 126 also provides that it shall be an objective of the Board to ensure that every appeal is determined within 18 weeks beginning on the date of receipt of an appeal. Where it is not possible or appropriate, because of the particular circumstances of an appeal, to determine an appeal within the 18 week period the Board is required to notify the participants in the appeal before the expiration of that period giving the reason for not meeting the objective target and specifying a date before which the Board intends to determine the appeal. Where any case has exceeded the statutory objective period then the Board will have written to the parties involved as per these statutory requirements. In circumstances where any new date is not met it is my understanding it is the practice of the Board to also notify the parties of that and the reason for the further delay.
The Board’s 2021 Performance Delivery Agreement with the Department reflects an overall target to determine 60% - 75% of all normal planning appeal cases within the 18 week statutory objective period. It is my understanding that, as of end December 2021, 58% of all such cases disposed were concluded within this 18 week target.
It is important to acknowledge that a certain percentage of cases, due to particular circumstances, such as complexity, requests for further information from applicants for permission or further submissions from other participants including third parties, will not meet the 18 week target.
In October 2021 my Department approved the 2021-2022 An Bord Pleanála Workforce Plan which provides for an additional 24 posts across a range of technical and administrative grades and the creation of a new Marine and Climate Unit to implement the role assigned to the Board under the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021. Following an assessment by the Board of resourcing issues likely to emerge as a result of newly enacted legislation, a new workforce plan will be submitted to my Department by the Board for consideration shortly.
My Department will continue to liaise closely with the Board to ensure that it has appropriate resources to maintain and improve its compliance rate, in line with its annual Performance Delivery Agreement targets.
Arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. The contact email address for An Bord Pleanála is Oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie.