Written Answers Nos. 270-287
270. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the number of electric vehicle charging points that are available for use by staff across all carparks provided for use by her Department throughout the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7390/22]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, in general, matters relating to property for my Department are the responsibility of the Office of Public Works.
At present, two electric vehicle charging points are provided at the Department's offices in Kildare street, which are shared with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The provision of charging points is being kept under review and will be considered as part of my Department's wider strategic objectives in relation to climate action and sustainability.
271. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to provide financial supports to households that need to replace their septic tanks but are outside of the specified priority areas or have not had their tanks inspected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7154/22]
View answerUnder the Water Services Acts 2007 and 2012 (Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems) Regulations 2012, the owner of a domestic waste water treatment system is responsible for its maintenance and renewal and shall ensure that its parts and components are fit for purpose, operational where appropriate, kept in good order and repair so as to prevent a risk to human health or the environment.
My Department provides financial assistance towards the remediation, repair or upgrading works to, or the replacement of a domestic waste water treatment system under new and revised grant schemes which launched in June 2020. The schemes are focused on areas of greatest environmental priority rather than general in application. This is in line with Government Policy which is framed in the context of meeting relevant obligations under legislation. The grant schemes are administered by the local authorities on behalf of my Department.
In implementing the revised arrangements, my Department has undertaken to conduct a review of the grant schemes, to ensure their continued alignment with policy objectives. The specifics of this review are currently being formalised and relevant stakeholders such as local authorities etc. will be consulted as appropriate. The review is expected to be completed this year.
272. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to extend the rates waiver to hairdressers that are struggling financially as a result of the effects of the pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6939/22]
View answer€729m was recouped to local authorities to fund the cost of a 9 month rates waiver in 2020. A further €424m was recouped in respect of the 2021 rates waiver. These were unprecedented measures, which offered support to businesses and financial certainty to local authorities.
The Government, in Budget 2022, announced a more targeted commercial rates waiver than had previously applied. For quarter 4 of 2021 and quarter 1 of 2022, a limited waiver scheme, applying primarily to hospitality, leisure and entertainment, has been put in place, supported by an allocation of €62.3m per quarter from Government.
Government has the challenge of balancing competing demands for finite resources. The Q4 2021 and Q1 2022 targeted rates waivers are separate, standalone schemes and in recognition of the resources available, many businesses that benefited from previous waivers are no longer eligible. There are no current plans to revisit or extend the scope of the waiver.
273. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there is flexibility in the income limits for social housing applications in a situation (details supplied) in which a single parent with three children, full-time frontline worker in the National Ambulance Service all through the pandemic has received a 33% rent increase and is now at risk of homelessness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7157/22]
View answerApplications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and 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 Policy provides for a range of income disregards, and local authorities may also disregard income that is temporary, short-term or once-off. However, the Regulations don’t provide discretion to local authorities to exceed the maximum applicable limits for their areas.
The Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2021 regulate the landlord-tenant relationship in the residential rental sector and set out the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants. The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) was established as an independent statutory body under the Acts to operate a national tenancy registration system and facilitate the resolution of disputes between landlords and tenants.
A landlord cannot exceed the market rent when setting a rent. Moreover, a rent can only reviewed once every two years for a property outside a Rent Pressure Zone (RPZ). When reviewing a rent, a landlord must complete a Notice of Rent Review; this must be served on the tenant at least 90 days before the new rent becomes payable and include details of the rent last set for the dwelling. A valid Notice of Rent Review must also include evidence of the rents sought for three dwellings of similar size, type and character to the rented property, and situated in a comparable area.
Where a tenant is unsure as to the validity of a Notice of Rent Review, they may refer the matter to the RTB for dispute resolution. Redress is available to the tenant and may include a refund of any unlawful rent amount paid and damages up to €20,000.
Since 1 July 2019, the RTB is empowered under Part 7A of the Residential Tenancies Acts to investigate improper conduct by landlords and impose sanctions, where appropriate. The RTB may impose sanctions if a landlord has acted improperly; these may include from a formal written caution and/or a fine of up to €15,000, and/or costs up to €15,000.
Tenants having difficulty paying their rent should engage with their landlords at the earliest opportunity. The Money Advice and Budgeting Service and the Department of Social Protection (DSP) can provide advice, and income supports, such as Rent Supplement and Supplementary Welfare Allowance, may also be available.
Rent Supplement plays a key role in supporting families and individuals in private rented accommodation. It provides short-term income support to eligible persons whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who don’t have other accommodation available to them. Rent Supplement ensures renters can continue to meet their rental commitments. It was supporting almost 13,000 recipients at end January 2022, with some 4,500 of these receiving enhanced Rent Supplement as part of the Government’s response to the COVID 19 pandemic.
The DSP Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme also provides a safety net in the overall social welfare system. It provides immediate and flexible assistance to those whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependents, and who don’t qualify for payment under other State schemes. There are several payments under the scheme, including once-off exceptional needs payments which can cover rent arrears.
The RTB Rent Index shows the national average rent for Q3 2021 is €1,397, and €886 in Castlebar, which is not in an RPZ. The Housing Agency and the RTB monitor rents in all local electoral areas and any area deemed to meet the RPZ criteria will be designated as such.
274. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if audits and checks have been carried out in relation to housing grants given to a local authority (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7184/22]
View answerThe function of the Local Government Audit Service is to complete the audits of all local authorities annual financial statements, including that of Mayo County Council, using a structured audit methodology in accordance with the Code of Audit Practice and related guidelines. Local Government Auditors are independent in the performance of their duties and it is a matter for each auditor to decide what matters to review. Any material matters arising would be referred to in the audit report and all audit reports are published on my Department’s website.
275. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of homes in relation to the rapid build housing programme that were built; the location and the person or bodies that were the main contractors on these schemes, and in view of the very serious problems that emerged in rapid build schools in a risk assessment that was carried out with regard to this programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7208/22]
View answerMy Department is working closely with all local authorities in relation to increasing and accelerating the delivery of a range of social housing programmes and supports, including through the use of design-build rapid delivery methodologies (including prefabricated and modular build units). Local authorities have been advised that design-build rapid delivery approaches should be adopted where appropriate to deliver social housing projects on local authority-owned land. All new dwellings (including prefabricated and modular build units) must comply with the building regulations and building control requirements and for social housing achieve a 60-year durability for all key elements.
To support delivery, the Office of Government Procurement (OGP) put in place a framework of design-build contractors in 2017. This framework which expired in February 2021, was available for all local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to use in the interest of accelerated delivery. While some local authorities have progressed projects using the framework, the scope of works was generally limited to certain development sizes and unit types. On this basis, other local authorities have implemented their own frameworks, while some have tendered on individual projects for design-build contractors, on a case by case basis. Details relating to individual contractors can be obtained from the OGP website at the following link:
irl.eu-supply.com/ctm/Supplier/PublicTenders/ViewNotice/188926 or the relevant local authority. The Housing Delivery and Co-ordination Office and my Department are currently working with the local government sector on replacement frameworks which will operate on a regional basis and cater to a variety of development sizes and unit types, including apartments.
For the purpose of tracking social housing delivery, a Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR) is published each quarter by my Department. This provides details of the individual social housing build projects, including design-build schemes, in the programme of each local authority. The most recent CSR publication covers the period up to the end of Quarter 3 of 2021, and is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/feea9-social-housing-construction-projects-status-report-q3-2021/. Since 2017, 752 units have been delivered under the Programme to Q3 2021, while there are projects in the pipeline that will deliver in excess of 1,370 units out to 2025.
Many of the issues around delivery that non-prefabricated social housing construction projects face, are also faced by design-build projects, such as preparing sites, services/access to the site, community consultation, planning, etc. There can, however, be savings in terms of programme and construction time with these advantages growing as more use is made of these frameworks and as contractors gain more experience in implementing these methods. Under this mechanism, acceleration is delivered both by the use of the design-build services of specialist contractors and reduced construction time periods due to considerable off site fabrication. As well as off-site construction providing many benefits in terms of delivery and affordability, the new frameworks will provide sustainable and durable quality housing.
Housing for All commits that the State will increase funding for residential construction related innovation and productivity. It will work with industry to strengthen the residential construction supply chain and to introduce modern methods of construction.
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, supported by my Department, will promote a culture of innovation in residential construction. This will be achieved through, inter alia:
- Development of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).
- Establishment of a Centre of Excellence Demonstration Park for MMC.
- Publication of exemplar case studies of MMC developments.
- Development of design for manufacture guidance for industry so that dwellings are suitable for MMC.
and
- Creation of a Government construction website to promote initiatives in construction.
This work will be underpinned by the development of Key Performance Indicators for MMC and Cost of Construction, which will be reported on quarterly. The public sector will continue to provide exemplar projects to help with the capacity building process through public tenders for innovations such as rapid delivery housing and design and development of low-carbon buildings and will support enterprises to reduce cost of materials in construction. Initiatives such as standardised design to better facilitate MMC at scale and lean construction management education will be rolled out.
My Department will continue to work with local authorities to maximise delivery and harness appropriate opportunities to deliver on additional build units, including through design-build schemes.
276. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to difficulties being experienced by homeowners and landowners in rural areas being charged between €80,000 and €100,000 for water connections to homes and lands by Irish Water, charges which are out of reach for homeowners and farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7217/22]
View answer277. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will advise on recent increases in charges by Irish Water; if he engages with Irish Water on these charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7218/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 276 and 277 together.
Responsibility for the independent economic regulation of the water sector is assigned to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities. Under the Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 Irish Water is required to collect charges, where relevant, from its customers in accordance with a water charges plan, detailing tariffs and charging arrangements, as approved by the Commission. This includes charges for new connections to the public water services networks, and the revised charges for the provision of water services to commercial and business customers which became effective on 1 October 2021.
Questions or concerns relating to charging arrangements for customers are a matter in the first instance for Irish Water. Any concerns which cannot be resolved by Irish Water to the satisfaction of the customer can be referred under the formal complaints process to the Commission for Regulation of Utilities whose decision on the matter is binding on Irish Water. As Minister I have no role under the Water Services Acts in relation to the matter.
It may also be helpful to note that Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via email to oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on a dedicated number, 0818 578 578.
278. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the names and full details of all members of the independent project advisory board that assess applications to the Urban Regeneration Development Fund. [7226/22]
View answerAll applications for URDF support are assessed in terms of their alignment with the intended purpose of the relevant URDF call and also their viability before being considered for approval. In line with a Government Decision of May 2018, the assessment process for Call 2 of the URDF included the consideration of applications by a Project Advisory Board (PAB) consisting of relevant Government Departments, State Agencies and independent experts from relevant sectors.
The composition of the PAB for Call 2 of the URDF is set out in the following table:-
|
Government Department/State Agencies and National and International Experts |
Name |
|
Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage |
Lisa Clifford (Chair) |
|
Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage |
Martin Colreavy |
|
Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage |
Colin Ryan |
|
Department of the Environment, Climate Action and Communications |
John O’Neill |
|
Department of Rural and Community Development |
Eddie Forsyth |
|
Department of Transport |
Garret Doocey |
|
Land Development Agency |
Phelim O’Neill |
|
TU Dublin Environment and Planning, City Campus – Bolton Street |
Dr Conor Norton |
|
Ireland Strategic Infrastructure Fund |
Donal Murphy |
|
Project Capital-Cost Appraisal Expert |
Maura Connolly |
|
Strategic Spatial Planning Expert |
Jim MacKinnon |
|
Urban Development – Design and Placemaking Expert |
Bob Allies |
279. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a breakdown of Departmental civil servants and State agency employees under his remit, respectively working in County Wexford and their respective Departmental section in tabular form. [7238/22]
View answerThere are 228 staff of my Department working in County Wexford.
The following headcount breakdown by Division and Business Unit reflects the position at 31 December 2021.
|
Division |
Business Unit |
Headcount at 31 Dec. 2021 |
|
Corporate & Business Support |
Assistant Secretary Corporate & Business Support Division |
1 |
|
Corporate & Business Support |
Facilities Management |
13 |
|
Corporate & Business Support |
ICT Unit |
6 |
|
Corporate & Business Support |
Internal Audit |
2 |
|
Corporate & Business Support |
Project Díon |
2 |
|
Corporate & Business Support |
Statistics & Data Analytics |
4 |
|
Corporate & Business Support |
Strategic & Business Support Unit |
11 |
|
Corporate & Business Support |
Strategic HR, Information Management & International |
8 |
|
Heritage |
Built Heritage & Architectural Policy Unit |
1 |
|
Heritage |
National Monuments |
2 |
|
Heritage |
NPW Peatlands Conservation & Restoration |
33 |
|
Heritage |
NPWS Strategy & Regional Operations |
4 |
|
Housing Policy Legislation & Governance |
AHB Policy & Regulation |
4 |
|
Housing Policy Legislation & Governance |
Governance & Rental Standards |
5 |
|
Housing Policy Legislation & Governance |
Rental Market |
8 |
|
Housing Affordability, Inclusion & Homelessness |
Strategic Policy & Local Authority Mortgage Lending |
2 |
|
Local Government |
Departmental Finance & Accounts |
1 |
|
Local Government |
Local Government Finance |
10 |
|
Local Government |
Local Government HR |
14 |
|
Local Government |
Local Government Structures & Modernisation |
4 |
|
Planning |
Foreshore |
26 |
|
Planning |
Marine Planning Policy & Legislation |
11 |
|
Planning |
National & Regional Planning Implementation |
1 |
|
Planning |
Planning Legislation Review |
1 |
|
Social Housing Delivery |
Capital Advance Leasing Facilities, Housing Agency Acquisitions, Mortgage To Rent |
17 |
|
Social Housing Delivery |
Leasing, Housing Assistance Payment, Rental Accommodation Scheme |
23 |
|
Social Housing Delivery |
Social Housing Finance & Delivery Co-ordination |
7 |
|
Water |
Marine Environment Unit |
4 |
|
Water |
Water Sector Policy |
3 |
|
Total |
228 |
My Department does not hold the requested information in respect of the State Bodies under its aegis. These State Bodies may be contacted directly by e-mail by members of the Oireachtas, as set out in the table below.
|
State Body |
Contact E-mail Address |
|
An Bord Pleanála |
oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie |
|
An Fóram Uisce (the Water Forum) |
info@nationalwaterforum.ie |
|
Docklands Oversight and Consultative Forum |
infodocklands@dublincity.ie |
|
Ervia |
oireachtas@ervia.ie |
|
Gas Networks Ireland |
oireachtas@ervia.ie |
|
Heritage Council |
oireachtas@heritagecouncil.ie |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
oireachtas.enquiries@hfa.ie |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
publicreps@housingagency.ie |
|
Irish Water |
oireachtasmembers@water.ie |
|
Land Development Agency |
oireachtas@lda.ie |
|
Local Government Management Agency |
corporate@lgma.ie |
|
National Oversight and Audit Commission |
info@noac.ie |
|
National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee |
ntacc@housing.gov.ie |
|
Office of the Planning Regulator |
oireachtas@opr.ie |
|
Ordnance Survey Ireland |
Oireachtas@osi.ie |
|
Property Registration Authority |
reps@prai.ie |
|
Pyrite Resolution Board |
oireachtasinfo@pyriteboard.ie |
|
Residential Tenancies Board |
OireachtasMembersQueries@rtb.ie |
|
Valuation Office |
oireachtas.enquiries@valoff.ie |
|
Valuation Tribunal |
info@valuationtribunal.ie |
|
Water Advisory Body |
info@wab.gov.ie |
|
Waterways Ireland |
ceoffice@waterwaysireland.org |
280. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to ensure that all orphan group water schemes, that is, schemes that no longer have trustees and are connected to the Irish Water supply, are brought up to standard and taken in charge by Irish Water; the estimated number of such schemes in the country; the estimated cost of doing this work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7245/22]
View answerMy Department’s Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme includes a measure to provide funding to enable existing Group Water Schemes, including ‘orphan’ schemes, to progressively transition to the public water sector and be taken in charge by Irish Water.
In the Programme for 2019-2021, over 150 taking in charge projects, including ‘orphan’ schemes, were allocated funding of over €14.4 million, benefiting circa 15,300 households. This funding amounted to over 26% of the funding allocated under the Programme in 2019. The projects account for over 50% of the larger Public Group Water Schemes, those that are regulated under the Drinking Water Regulations 2014.
The funding demonstrates a significant commitment under the Programme to the progressive taking in charge of schemes where they wish to do so through a continuous, and on a priority basis, active taking in charge process. The Programme fully funds the cost associated with taking in charge to encourage take up.
Group Water Schemes are community-owned and community-run. The day-to-day management of my Department’s Rural Water Programme including taking in charge of group water schemes has been devolved to the local authorities. Currently my Department is awaiting a report regarding the governance and long term resourcing of the Rural Water Sector. The report will include data on all Group Water Schemes, including ‘orphan’ schemes. I expect the final Report will be with my Department in early Q2.
The taking in charge of group water schemes is demand led and continuously evolving, therefore, the full cost of the work cannot be accurately estimated. The work involved to bring each individual project to the basic standard required by Irish Water for taking in charge differs greatly due to multiple factors, including; the age, condition and location of these schemes. Estimated costs are prepared for projects as part of the bids process for each Programme.
It will take a number of funding Programmes to fully resolve ‘orphan’ schemes through taking in charge. However, significant progress has been made under the 2019-2021 funding Programme by local authorities and Irish Water working in partnership and that work is ongoing and continuing.
281. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to radically increase the grants for new group water schemes that will be connected to the existing Irish Water network to help eliminate the proliferation of persons around the country depending on private, variable sources of private water; the estimated costings for the provision of new connections and provision of new water pipes based on Irish Water charges for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7246/22]
View answerMy Department's Multi-annual Rural Water Programme includes a measure for the development of Community Water Connections (formerly called Public Group Water Schemes). This measure enables the further expansion of the public water distribution network as extensions to the existing Irish Water network in areas where a Group Water Scheme or private wells are not viable options. The estimated costs of such extensions can vary greatly depending on terrain conditions.
Investment under the measure, where it is technically and economically viable to do so, supports social and economic development and living standards in rural towns and villages and their hinterlands and promotes sustained improvements in the quality of water in the rural environment.
In April 2018, a Working Group was established to conduct a review of the wider investment needs relating to rural water services. The Group's aim is to recommend measures to ensure an equality of outcome between those who receive water services from Irish Water and non-Irish Water customers.
The terms of reference of the review provide for a two-strand approach. Strand 1 is considering the composition and distribution of funding for the upcoming Multi-Annual Rural Water Programme. Strand 2 is considering the more complex longer-focus issues surrounding the long-term future resourcing of the Rural Water Sector.
The Working Group is currently finalising a report on Strand 1 of its deliberations. The report, to be finalised in coming weeks, will make recommendations on the measures to be considered for funding under the upcoming multi-annual programme. The report will give consideration to the appropriate level of grant funding under each measure. Once I have received the report and had an opportunity to consider its recommendations, I expect to announce details of the programme priorities and an invitation to local authorities to submit bids will follow.
Following the receipt of bids, an Expert Panel will evaluate all appropriate bids, and based on the recommendations of the Panel a report will be submitted for my consideration and approval later this year.
282. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of social housing projects currently in his Department’s four stage approval process; and the average length of time these projects have been in that process by local authority. [7247/22]
View answerThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
|
Local Authority |
Average number of weeks in Pre-construction Process |
|
Carlow |
89 |
|
Cavan |
34 |
|
Clare |
85 |
|
Cork City |
155 |
|
Cork County |
114 |
|
DLR |
118 |
|
Donegal |
81 |
|
Dublin City |
138 |
|
Fingal |
106 |
|
Galway City |
112 |
|
Galway County |
88 |
|
Kerry |
20 |
|
Kildare |
146 |
|
Kilkenny |
103 |
|
Laois |
103 |
|
Leitrim |
14 |
|
Limerick |
96 |
|
Longford |
70 |
|
Louth |
97 |
|
Mayo |
97 |
|
Meath |
153 |
|
Monaghan |
36 |
|
Offaly |
118 |
|
Roscommon |
40 |
|
Sligo |
127 |
|
South Dublin |
96 |
|
Tipperary |
46 |
|
Waterford |
145 |
|
Westmeath |
114 |
|
Wexford |
127 |
|
Wicklow |
71 |
283. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average all-in development cost of Social Housing Investment Programme social homes delivered in 2021; the average all-in cost of turnkey social homes delivered in 2021; and the average all-in cost of Part V social homes delivered in 2021; and the average all-in cost of acquired social homes delivered in 2021, by local authority in tabular form. [7248/22]
View answerThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
|
The average all-in development cost of SHIP social homes delivered in 2021 |
The average all-in cost of turnkey social homes delivered in 2021 |
The average all-in cost of Part V social homes delivered in 2021 |
The average all-in cost of acquired social homes delivered in 2021 |
|
|
Carlow |
€204,915 |
€219,950 |
€214,026 |
€171,022 |
|
Cavan |
€198,610 |
€198,393 |
€196,230 |
|
|
Clare |
€223,761 |
€144,120 |
||
|
Cork City |
€240,853 |
€223,053 |
||
|
Cork County |
€293,809 |
€278,286 |
€235,397 |
€154,243 |
|
Donegal |
€206,487 |
|||
|
Dublin City |
€392,500 |
€395,288 |
€272,114 |
|
|
DLR |
€284,170 |
€383,140 |
€290,545 |
€391,234 |
|
Fingal |
€230,577 |
€259,261 |
||
|
Galway City |
€160,369 |
|||
|
Galway County |
€227,234 |
€267,409 |
€242,970 |
€197,078 |
|
Kerry |
€238,696 |
€167,252 |
||
|
Kildare |
€317,919 |
€261,023 |
€215,264 |
|
|
Kilkenny |
€231,837 |
€241,425 |
€234,389 |
€219,526 |
|
Laois |
€288,710 |
€148,628 |
||
|
Leitrim |
€285,350 |
€182,237 |
€165,483 |
|
|
Limerick |
€265,793 |
€255,702 |
€184,735 |
|
|
Longford |
€206,918 |
€229,719 |
€167,937 |
|
|
Louth |
€208,518 |
€288,142 |
€232,822 |
€209,742 |
|
Mayo |
€253,862 |
€175,000 |
€201,835 |
|
|
Meath |
€239,248 |
€253,050 |
€147,304 |
|
|
Monaghan |
€194,959 |
€233,733 |
€251,111 |
|
|
Offaly |
€248,629 |
€234,429 |
€240,059 |
€202,929 |
|
Roscommon |
€205,956 |
€128,982 |
||
|
Sligo |
€251,621 |
€222,570 |
€232,071 |
|
|
South Dublin |
€223,561 |
€224,380 |
||
|
Tipperary |
€242,866 |
€219,788 |
€177,341 |
|
|
Waterford |
€296,807 |
€209,314 |
€234,756 |
€225,894 |
|
Westmeath |
€260,318 |
€250,495 |
€250,432 |
€209,053 |
|
Wexford |
€234,345 |
€229,199 |
€207,887 |
€183,433 |
|
Wicklow |
€276,771 |
€244,174 |
€237,256 |
€286,586 |
284. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will revise circular 02-2022 on social housing acquisitions to allow local authorities to purchase second-hand properties in which such properties have HAP and RAS tenants in situ and the landlord is selling the property and has issued a vacant possession notice to quit thus placing the tenant at risk of homelessness. [7250/22]
View answerUnder 'Housing for All', the Government's priority is to deliver 47,600 new build social homes over the next five years. Substantial funding is available to local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to deliver on this objective as the primary means through which they will increasingly meet the needs of those on their waiting lists. I am also keen that local authorities and AHBs avoid competing with potential private purchasers for available properties.
Given the need to avoid competition and the focus of support on the build programme, I have asked local authorities to limit their acquisitions of privately owned properties, with approximately 200 acquisitions to be undertaken over this year under the Social Housing Investment Programme and the Capital Advance Leasing Facility funding programmes. In January 2022, my Department issued a Circular to local authorities on this matter, entitled Housing Circular 02/2022 - Arrangements for Social Housing Acquisitions in 2022.
It will be a matter for the local authorities themselves to decide their specific priority acquisitions, including in circumstances where a notice to quit has issued to sitting tenants. I have asked that they focus on the following priority areas:
- One-bedroom units to deliver on Housing First and meet the short supply in this category;
- Other properties that allow persons/families to move from homelessness;
- Specific housing required for individuals with a disability or other particular priority needs;
Any acquisition proposed must represent value for money per my Department’s acquisitions guidelines.
Local authorities also have the services of tenancy sustainment officers to intervene at the first response where landlords are selling a property rented to a person or a family in receipt of social housing supports. Limited acquisitions by AHBs through the Capital Assistance Scheme will also continue where they are focussed on priority situations including homelessness and housing for people with disability.
I hope that public representatives will support and promote their local authorities to undertake the necessary level of new build social housing to meet their social housing needs, in the knowledge that the funding is available to support them in this delivery.
285. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the progress made by his Department in respect of its targets and goals set out in the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development under the policy remit of his Department; if these targets and goals will be met by their respective deadlines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7282/22]
View answerA renewed focus is currently being given to progress Ireland’s commitment to Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. Substantial progress has been achieved in recent months in respect of reviewing Ireland’s implementation of Agenda 2030 and identifying key priorities and actions for inclusion in the next National Implementation Plan. It is intended that the draft Plan will be made available shortly and form the basis of discussion at the next Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) National Stakeholder Forum. This will allow for a final round of input from stakeholders prior to finalisation and publication.
Ireland has adopted a ‘whole-of-Government’ approach to achieving the SDG, with each Minister having responsibility for implementing individual SDG targets related to their functions.
My Department has responsibility for leading implementation on specific targets under
Goal 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation
Goal 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities
Goal 14 - Life below Water
Goal 15 - Life on Land
as well as contributing on one target under Goal 1 - No Poverty.
All Departments share responsibility under Goal 17 - Partnerships for the Goals.
(Further detail in attachment and also in the Policy Map on gov.ie: www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/ff4201-17-sustainable-development-goals/#sdg-policy-map )
For the successful implementation of the SDG, their inclusion and mainstreaming into national policies, plans and strategies will be crucial. In the context of the 2030 vision my Department has embedded its SDG goals in:
- its Statement of Strategy 2021 – 2025
- Housing for All
- National Planning Framework
- National Development Plan 2018-2027
- Climate Action Plan
286. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the progress on the proposed legislation to introduce urban development zones; if he has consulted with local authorities on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7299/22]
View answerAs outlined in HPO 12.2 of Housing for All, proposals for Urban Development Zones (UDZs) are being progressed. It is proposed that UDZs will provide for a coordinated, plan-led approach to the development of areas with significant potential for residential and urban growth. It is also proposed that ‘Land Value Sharing’ obligations will apply within these areas, in order to ensure that the State can benefit from the uplift in land values which result from designation. By securing a proportion of this uplift in value to contribute towards the provision of the key infrastructure required to support development, communities will benefit.
The General Scheme for a Heads of Bill was approved by Government in December 2021 outlining the general provisions for the establishment of Urban Development Zones, including Land Value Sharing obligations. Work is now progressing on detailed aspects of how this legislation may be implemented. A detailed economic appraisal of the proposed measures, involving an assessment of the potential implications in different locations and circumstances, is being undertaken to determine the extent of uplift in value it would be reasonable for the State to secure. It is also proposed to seek further expert advice on property valuation and land acquisition. This research and expert advice will provide the basis for the detail of these measures. In parallel, work will commence on preparing a national register of zoned land.
A key aspect of this work will include stakeholder engagement, including with representatives of Local Authorities, through a working group to ensure a workable set of measures is progressed. Proposals for engagement are currently being finalised in parallel with the economic appraisal. Following the commencement of detailed drafting of the Bill in Q3 2022, it is anticipated that the Bill will be introduced to the Oireachtas with a view to enactment in Q4 2022.
287. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the composition of the Planning Advisory Forum; the terms of reference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7300/22]
View answerHousing for All 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. The review forms one of the actions in Housing for All and is set in the context of the broad policy outlined therein.
The review is being overseen by the Attorney General and he has appointed a working group of professionals with planning law expertise to assist him in this work. It is intended that the review will be completed by December 2022.
I chaired the first meeting of the Planning Advisory Forum on 14 December 2021 and the first role of the Forum will be to engage with stakeholders on themes to input into the planning legislation review.
The Forum consists of a wide stakeholder membership with representatives from a broad range of sectors, including representation from the public sector, business, environmental, social and knowledge based sectors.
The second meeting of the Forum took place today, 10 February 2022, and once the terms of reference for the Forum have been formally considered I will publish these, along with the membership, on my Department's website along with any other relevant documentation.
