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Tuesday, 5 Apr 2022

Written Answers Nos. 287-309

Flexible Work Practices

Questions (287)

David Stanton

Question:

287. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the current policy with respect to remote working options for staff in her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18175/22]

View answer

Written answers

Implementation of blended working arrangements commenced in September 2021 in my Department. My Department currently has an Interim Blended Working Policy in place to facilitate transition arrangements to blended working. Under this policy, staff are currently attending the office 2 days per week.

Following publication of the Civil Service Blended Working Policy Framework on 31 March 2022, my Department is committed to implementing a new blended working policy that aligns with and includes all the appropriate elements referred to in the Civil Service framework, and is also in line with business needs of the Department to ensure continued delivery of quality public services.

To facilitate remote working, the Department has provided laptops and mobile phones to staff where required and also carried out a home working health and safety assessment.

My Department will continue to provide employees with ongoing up-to-date guidance and supports on blended working arrangements.

Tourism Promotion

Questions (288)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

288. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if the membership of the tourism recovery task force has changed; if this task force has made recommendations to her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18398/22]

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Written answers

The Tourism Recovery Taskforce was established in May 2020 to prepare a Tourism Recovery Plan which included a set of recommendations on how best the Irish Tourism sector can adapt and recover in a changed tourism environment due to the Covid-19 crisis. The Tourism Recovery Plan 2020 – 2023 made a number of recommendations to help tourism businesses to survive, stabilise and recover.

In line with the recommendation in the Tourism Recovery Plan, a Recovery Oversight Group was appointed in December 2020. The purpose of the Group is to oversee the implementation of the Recovery Plan and monitor the sector’s recovery from the Covid-19 crisis. The Recovery Oversight Group is made up of an independent chairperson and 8 other members with a broad spectrum of backgrounds. The group has met 12 times to date and has presented three reports which evaluate the progress made to date and make a number of recommendations. I continue to use these reports as an important policy consideration as I continue to work, alongside my colleagues in Government, to support the tourism sector. In addition, officials continue to engage with the tourism agencies and colleagues across Government in pursuing progress on specific recommendations.

The reports of the Recovery Oversight Group can be viewed at gov.ie/tourismrecoverytaskforce

Tourism Promotion

Questions (289)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

289. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the funding allocated to the Tourism Ireland Regional Co-operative Marketing Fund, which seeks to encourage new access and maximise the potential of existing air and sea services to those areas outside of Dublin, in 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022. [18399/22]

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Written answers

As the Deputy is aware, Tourism Ireland promotes regional air and sea access to Ireland in overseas tourism markets through initiatives like the Regional Cooperative Marketing Fund, which seeks to encourage new access and maximise the potential of existing services to the regions, with matched funding from airlines, sea carriers, airports, ports and regional tourism stakeholders including Local Authorities.

The Regional Cooperative Marketing Fund has been very important in enabling tactical partnerships that have helped drive increases in visitors to the regions, amplifying the Ireland message overseas and supporting direct access. This scheme will continue to form a very important part of Tourism Ireland's plans in supporting the recovery of our tourism sector in a post-pandemic environment.

The allocation to Tourism Ireland in respect of the Regional Cooperative Marketing Fund was €2.5 million in 2020, €3 million in 2021 and €3 million is also allocated for 2022.

Departmental Contracts

Questions (290)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

290. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the cost of consultants to her Department in 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022; and if she will provide an outline of the role of each. [18896/22]

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Written answers

As advised to the House in response to Dáil Question No. 202 of 10th March, I am advised that no expenditure was incurred on external consultancy from my Department's Administrative Budget during the period from its establishment in June 2020 to date.

From time to time, my Department commissions experts to provide technical reports or advice on specific issues. While the providers of these services may describe themselves as consultants, their work is not classified as consultancy services and is not funded from my Department's Administrative Budget.

Details of expenditure for 2020 is available in the published Appropriation Accounts in respect of Vote 33 and can be viewed at www.audit.gov.ie.

Special Areas of Conservation

Questions (291)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

291. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of raised bogs in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18337/22]

View answer

Written answers

Raised Bogs are extremely rare in global and European terms. Ireland holds approximately 50% of all raised bogs remaining in the Atlantic region of North West Europe and so we have a particular responsibility for their conservation at an international level.

The National Raised Bog Special Areas of Conservation Management Plan 2017-2022, approved by government and published in 2017, sets out a roadmap for the effective management and conservation of Ireland's raised bog Special Areas of Conservation and Natural Heritage Areas, which represents approximately 9% of the original raised bog resource.

Ireland has designated 55 raised bogs as Special Areas of Conservation in accordance with the Habitats Directive, selected for active raised bog habitat. 75 raised bogs are designated as Natural Heritage Areas under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000.

In county Kerry, 2 raised bogs are designated as Special Areas of Conservation for the conservation of active raised bog with a further 2 raised bogs designated as Natural Heritage Areas selected for the conservation of raised bog. Further details on these bogs are set out in the table under.

Raised Bog Name

Site Code

Designation

Other details

Sheheree (Ardagh) Bog Special Area of Conservation

000382

Special Area of Conservation

This bog lies 2 km south-east of Killarney in Co. Kerry, in a depression within a high ridge (103 m). It has developed by succession from a small lake to a ridge basin bog with similarities to a raised bog. The bog is rather unique in an Irish context as it is the only raised bog system to be completely surrounded by a wet lagg zone.

Moanveanlagh Bog Special Area of Conservation

002351

Special Area of Conservation

Situated in Co. Kerry approximately 6 km east of Listowel, mainly within the townlands of Carhooeara and Bunagarha. The site comprises a raised bog that includes both areas of high bog and cutover bog.

Bunnaruddee Bog Natural Heritage Area

001352

Natural Heritage Area

Situated approximately 4 km west of Moyvane in the townlands of Bunaruddee, Leitrim West and Lamore, Co. Kerry. The site comprises a raised bog that includes both areas of high bog and cutover bog.

AnnaMore Bog Natural Heritage Area

000333

Natural Heritage Area

Approximately 4 km south of Castleisland, mainly in the townlands of Anna More and Ballybeg in County Kerry. The site comprises a raised bog that includes both areas of high bog and cutover bog.

Information on the number of other non-designated raised bogs in county Kerry is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.

The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 51
Raised Bogs are extremely rare in global and European terms. Ireland holds approximately 50% of all raised bogs remaining in the Atlantic region of North West Europe and so we have a particular responsibility for their conservation at an international level.
The National Raised Bog Special Areas of Conservation Management Plan 2017-2022, approved by government and published in 2017, sets out a roadmap for the effective management and conservation of Irelands raised bog Special Areas of Conservation and Natural Heritage Areas, which represents approximately 9% of the original raised bog resource.
Ireland has designated 55 raised bogs as Special Areas of Conservation in accordance with the Habitats Directive, selected for active raised bog habitat. 75 raised bogs are designated as Natural Heritage Areas under the Wildlife (Amendment) Act, 2000.
In county Kerry, 2 raised bogs are designated as Special Areas of Conservation for the conservation of active raised bog with a further 2 raised bogs designated as Natural Heritage Areas selected for the conservation of raised bog. Further details on these bogs are set out in the table under.

Raised Bog Name

Site Code

Designation

Other details

Sheheree (Ardagh) Bog Special Area of Conservation

000382

Special Area of Conservation

This bog lies 2 km south-east of Killarney in Co. Kerry, in a depression within a high ridge (103 m). It has developed by succession from a small lake to a ridge basin bog with similarities to a raised bog. The bog is rather unique in an Irish context as it is the only raised bog system to be completely surrounded by a wet lagg zone.

Moanveanlagh Bog Special Area of Conservation

002351

Special Area of Conservation

Situated in Co. Kerry approximately 6 km east of Listowel, mainly within the townlands of Carhooeara and Bunagarha. The site comprises a raised bog that includes both areas of high bog and cutover bog.

Bunnaruddee Bog Natural Heritage Area

001352

Natural Heritage Area

Situated approximately 4 km west of Moyvane in the townlands of Bunaruddee, Leitrim West and Lamore, Co. Kerry. The site comprises a raised bog that includes both areas of high bog and cutover bog.

AnnaMore Bog Natural Heritage Area

000333

Natural Heritage Area

Approximately 4 km south of Castleisland, mainly in the townlands of Anna More and Ballybeg in County Kerry. The site comprises a raised bog that includes both areas of high bog and cutover bog.

.
The 3 maps under show the distribution of remnant raised bogs in County Kerry. This information is a compilation of information gathered as part of surveys carried out by National Parks and Wildlife Services of my Department and data layers from the CORINE mapping programme. The CORINE Land Cover dataset consists of an inventory of land cover (not habitats) in 44 classes. CORINE Land Cover uses a Minimum Mapping Unit of 25 hectares for areas and a minimum width of 100 metres for linear features. CORINE Land Cover is produced by visual interpretation of high-resolution satellite imagery.
Note that some of the areas on the map that were mapped by CORINE as peatland habitat have only small remnants of bog/peatland habitat remaining and shouldn’t be treated as ‘raised bogs’, see further explanation below. They have been included in the maps for completeness and give an overall impression of areas that currently retain peatland habitat but also areas that once may have contained more extensive areas of peatland habitat.
The colour scheme on the maps is as follows:
1. Yellow – these denote areas of mostly intact ‘high bog’ within designated raised bog sites , with their site names labelled on each map. ‘High bog’ habitat is the term used to denote habitat on deep peat that equates to the remnants of the original raised bog where the peat has not been removed. These areas are all surrounded by ‘cutover bog’ that is mostly part of the designated area also. ‘Cutover bog’ means areas where the peat has been largely extracted. In respect of the question posed these areas should be considered as ‘raised bog’.
2. Red – these areas represent areas where there remains ‘high bog’ habitat within non-designated bogs. These areas (combined with the designated bogs) best represent extant raised bog and there are a total of 19 sites, varying in size from 3 hectares to 251 hectares.
3. Green – these are areas where there is little or no ‘high bog’ remaining and they comprise cutover bog, and which may include areas of conifer plantation or lands reclaimed for agriculture. Most were probably formerly raised bogs, although field surveys would be necessary to clarify their exact status, and some may include areas of fen habitat. Many have areas of ‘high bog’ habitat (outlined in red, as per point No. 2 above) within them. These areas should not be considered as ‘raised bog’ unless they have a central portion of high bog habitat.

Invasive Species Policy

Questions (292)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

292. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on the development of a new national invasive species management plan as outlined in the Programme for Government considering that an invasive species of alpine newt has been found in three counties in Ireland. [18401/22]

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Written answers

My Department is responsible for the implementation of the Wildlife Acts and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, both of which prohibit activities to introduce or spread invasive species. In addition to national legislation, EU Regulation 1143/2014 on Invasive Alien Species also provides for a range of concerted EU wide measures to be taken with respect to listed species of Union concern (the 'Union list').

The development of a national invasive alien species management plan is a priority in my Department and work is underway on establishing the scope and requirements of such a plan. The National Parks and Wildlife Service will report to me in the coming weeks with updates on progress in this matter.

The alpine newt is not listed as an invasive species in Ireland or on the Union list. However, sightings of this non-native species may be submitted to the National Biodiversity Data Centre through its online portal or mobile application, through the following link:

invasives.ie/what-can-i-do/report-sightings/

I would also like to remind people not to release unwanted pets into the wild.

Building Regulations

Questions (293)

Niall Collins

Question:

293. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will address matters raised in relation to building regulations in correspondence from a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17479/22]

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Written answers

The Building Control Acts 1990 to 2020 set out the statutory framework for the regulation and oversight of building activity based on:

- clear legal requirements as set out in the Building Regulations;

- detailed Technical Guidance Documents to outline how these requirements can be achieved in practice;

- clear administrative procedures for demonstrating compliance in respect of an individual building or works as set out in Building Control Regulations

- the responsibility for compliance resting first and foremost with building owners, developers/builders and designers; and

- the responsibility for enforcing compliance with the building regulations resting with the 31 local building control authorities.

The Building Regulations 1997 to 2021 provide for the safety and welfare of people in and about buildings and apply to the design and construction of a new building (including a dwelling) or an extension to an existing building. The minimum performance requirements that a building must achieve are set out in the Second Schedule to the Building Regulations.

The overarching requirement under Part D (Material and Workmanship) of the Building Regulations requires that all works should be carried out:

- Using proper materials which are fit for the use for which they are intended and for the conditions in which they are to be used.

- With a proper standard of workmanship and the appropriate use of any material to achieve compliance with the requirements of the Regulations.

- By competent persons with sufficient training, experience and knowledge appropriate to the nature of the work he or she is required to perform and having particular regard to the size and complexity of such works so as to ensure a proper standard of workmanship.

The primary responsibility for compliance with the Building Regulations rests with the designers, builders and owners of buildings. Interpretation of the legislation is, ultimately, a matter for the Courts and implementation of the Building Control system is a matter for the 31 local building control authorities, who are independent in the exercise of their statutory powers.

Following a review undertaken by an independent fire expert, my Department published the 'Framework for Enhancing Fire Safety in dwellings where concerns arise' in 2017. The framework which is available on my Department's website at gov.ie/en/publication/2d9a3-framework-for-enhancing-fire-safety-in-dwellings-where-concerns-arise/ contains the following:

- an explanation of the statutory provisions in respect of fire safety and the respective responsibilities of owners, designers, builders, occupants, local authorities;

- a range of actions that may reduce risk and improve the level of fire safety where deficiencies arise in dwelling houses, apartments and /or the common areas of apartment buildings; and

- a fire risk assessment methodology for professional advisors to prioritise the remedial actions, if any, that may need to be carried out on a dwelling.

The Framework is intended to be used as a guide by the owners and occupants of dwellings where fire safety deficiencies have been identified, or are a cause for concern. In addition to owners and occupants, the Framework will also be of assistance to professional advisors both in developing strategies to improve fire safety and in developing strategies to enable the continued occupation in advance of undertaking the necessary works to ensure compliance with the relevant Building Regulations.

Local Authorities

Questions (294)

Duncan Smith

Question:

294. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider an issue (details supplied) from a local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17482/22]

View answer

Written answers

Applications for social housing support are assessed by local authorities, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set out in the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations.

Where relevant to the circumstances, a copy of a separation or divorce agreement for both applicants is required with the social housing application form. However, if there is no agreement, a letter from the applicant's solicitor or a legal affidavit signed by a practising solicitor will suffice. The letter should confirm there is no formal separation agreement and no court proceedings pending under family law legislation, as well as the position in relation to maintenance payments, overnight access/ custody arrangements for children and property ownership. It is considered appropriate that such confirmation is provided by a solicitor given the sensitivity and complexity of issues involved.

This requirement has been in place since the Social Housing Assessment Regulations were introduced in 2011, which standardised the assessment process.

Housing Provision

Questions (295)

Duncan Smith

Question:

295. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the up-to-date position with regard to a development (details supplied) in south County Kildare; when it is expected to open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17484/22]

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Written answers

The project that the Question refers to is a significant initiative which will support communities, and create exciting opportunities for recreation and ways to experience interesting places from new perspectives.

Waterways Ireland obtained planning permission for the Project, a 46 kilometre stretch from Lowtown to Athy, including the canal side works and the roadside works. Work commenced on site in the late summer of 2020 with completion of works by Waterways Ireland expected in late 2022.

To date, Waterways Ireland has completed 20.2km of the canal side works, which equates to 55% of the towpath to be developed. A further 5.6km are nearing completion and in Q2 2022 it is scheduled to commence the section from Athy to Milltown Bridge in south County Kildare.

Kildare County Council is the Project Manager for the Project and is responsible for overall project delivery. Project updates are published regularly by Kildare County Council on its website.

Housing Provision

Questions (296, 297)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

296. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on the Housing for All support for 4,000 affordable purchase homes on average each year. [17524/22]

View answer

Seán Sherlock

Question:

297. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on the Housing for All new local authority led affordable purchase scheme targeting average prices of €250,000. [17525/22]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 296 and 297 together.

The Housing for All Strategy delivers on the Programme for Government commitment to step up housing supply and put affordability at the heart of the housing system, with an ambitious target of 300,000 homes over the next decade for social, affordable and cost rental, private rental and private ownership housing.

Measures to deliver this housing are supported by over €4 billion in funding annually, representing the highest ever level of Government investment in building social and affordable housing. 54,000 affordable home interventions will be delivered between now and 2030 to be facilitated by local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies, the Land Development Agency (LDA) and through a strategic partnership between the State and retail banks.

Delivery of affordable housing, in accordance with the schemes set out in the Affordable Housing Act, 2021 and the funding being made available, will be underpinned by local authorities' Housing Delivery Action Plans. Local authorities submitted their Plans to me in December 2021. Preparation of these Plans allowed each local authority to assess the level of demand with affordability constraint in their area based on the Housing Need and Demand Assessment and plan provision accordingly. The Plans are being revised and updated by local authorities in the light of ongoing engagement and clarifications, and I expect that they will be ready for publication by local authorities before the Summer. They will provide a comprehensive overview of projected delivery of affordable housing nationally.

Funding is being made available by Government to assist local authority of affordable housing delivery, for purchase and rent, through the Affordable Housing Fund, and Approved Housing Body delivery and the Cost Rental Equity Loan.

The first local authority affordable purchase homes to be completed will be at Boherboy Road in Cork City next month, where 22 two and three-bed dwellings are expected to be delivered at discounts of up to 20% on market value. These homes will range in price from €218,000 to €243,000.

Affordable purchase homes will also be delivered at Dun Emer in Lusk, Co Dublin by Fingal County Council in three phases this year. These two and three bed dwellings are expected to be delivered at an average discount of 25% on market values, ranging in price from €166,000 to €258,000. In addition, South Dublin County Council recently advertised 16 affordable purchase homes in Kilcarbery, all to be delivered this year, that will cost between €245,600 and €285,300.

The LDA has an immediate focus on managing the State’s owned lands to develop new homes, and regenerate under-utilised sites. In the longer-term, it will assemble strategic land-banks from a mix of public and private lands, making these available for housing in a controlled manner, which brings essential long-term stability to the Irish housing market.

There are 7 sites that the LDA are currently engaged in which are at advanced stages of pre development with an addition three at the early stages of pre development.

The Government's Housing for All Strategy identifies a further 20 sites, in addition to the LDA's initial sites, with the potential to yield up to 15,000 units over time. These lands will transfer to LDA ownership as soon as practicable. The LDA, in consultation with the relevant Department, will undertake the process of due diligence on these lands, which will determine the appropriate residential yield for each site and other issues arising such as relocation of services.

The First Home Scheme will be delivered via a strategic partnership between the State and participating mortgage lenders and I can confirm that all parties are working with a view to deploying the scheme by the end of Quarter 2 this year. It will improve access to newly-built homes, below the median price point, by using a shared equity model to bridge the gap between mortgage finance and the cost of new homes. This measure, targeted at First Time or fresh start buyers, will allow purchasers to exit the rental market, help to build developer confidence in realisable consumer demand, and contribute to the recovery of our construction sector following the Covid-19 emergency. It will be available nationwide.

Other measures to allow buyers to access newly-constructed housing affordably such as the Help to Buy Scheme and the Local Authority Home Loan (formerly the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan), are also available to eligible purchasers nationally to make home ownership more affordable. Information on these schemes is available at the following links: revenue.ie/en/property/help-to-buy-incentive/index.aspx and localauthorityhomeloan.ie/.

Question No. 297 answered with Question No. 296.

Housing Provision

Questions (298, 346)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

298. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on the Housing for All new first home shared equity scheme for private developments. [17526/22]

View answer

Gerald Nash

Question:

346. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on the roll-out of the provision of a first home market based on the shared equity scheme as set out in Housing for All; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18004/22]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 298 and 346 together.

The Affordable Housing Act 2021, the provisions of which I commenced in August and September 2021, laid the foundation for three new affordable housing schemes: 'Cost Rental' housing, the 'Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme', and the 'First Home' shared equity scheme which will support purchases in the private market.

Part 4 of the Affordable Housing Act 2021 provides the basis for the First Home Scheme, which will be available nationwide. This scheme will support eligible first-time buyers to buy a new-build home in private developments by means of an equity share model, similar to that employed in the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme.

First Home will operate for the period 2022 to 2025. Subject to final approvals, it is anticipated the scheme will deploy overall funding of €400 million, jointly funded on a 50:50 basis by the State and participating mortgage lenders, in order to support 8,000 purchases of new homes. A new First Home Designated Activity Company, incorporated last December, will operate this scheme.

Significant work is continuing on the detailed design and parameters of the scheme, and full details will be confirmed upon completion of this work. Activity on key areas of work, including public communications, will be undertaken over the coming months in advance of the First Home Scheme’s first receipt of applications and deployment of equity support, anticipated from the end of Q2 this year.

Housing Provision

Questions (299)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

299. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on the Housing for All for a reformed local authority home loan. [17527/22]

View answer

Written answers

Building on the commitment in Housing for All – pillar 1 Pathway to Supporting Home Ownership and Increasing Affordability, the Regulations establishing the reformed Local Authority Home Loan were signed in December 2021.

The introduction of the Local Authority Home Loan was announced as part of Housing For All. This is the successor to the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan Scheme. It has been available nationwide from local authorities since 4 January 2022 for people on modest or low incomes who cannot get sufficient funding from commercial banks to purchase or build a home. The loan can be used both for new and second-hand properties, or to self-build. It is available for first-time buyers and fresh start applicants. The Local Authority Home Loan can also be used for the purchase of homes through State schemes such as the Tenant Purchase Scheme and Affordable Housing Schemes, with the exception of the First Home Scheme.

The Local Authority Home Loan assists borrowers in securing an affordable, long-term fixed rate mortgage to purchase a home of their own. The Scheme supports homeownership amongst lower to moderate income households by reducing the cost of mortgage finance and increasing the level of financing available, particularly for single applicants in urban areas.

Under the Local Authority Home Loan scheme the income ceiling for a single applicant seeking to purchase a home in counties where the scheme's house price limit is €320,000 (Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kildare, Louth, Meath and Wicklow) has been increased from €50,000 to €65,000. In the rest of the country, where the scheme’s house price limit is €250,000, the income ceiling for a single applicant will remain at €50,000. The income ceiling for joint applicants remains at €75,000.

A 'Fresh Start' principle also applies to the Local Authority Home Loans scheme. This means that people who are divorced, legally separated/separated or the relationship has ended and have no interest in, or any financial obligation for any borrowings in respect of the family home are eligible to apply under this scheme. People who have undergone personal insolvency/bankruptcy proceedings will also be eligible to apply for the Local Authority Home Loans Scheme.

Further details can be found on the following websites: revenue.ie/en/property/help-to-buy-incentive/index.aspx and localauthorityhomeloan.ie/.

Housing Provision

Questions (300)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

300. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on the Housing for All owner occupier guarantee in housing developments to secure homes exclusively for first-time buyers and other owner occupiers. [17528/22]

View answer

Written answers

Under the Housing for All strategy, the Government plans to increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 per year over the next decade.

Under Housing Policy Objective 1.10, of the “Supporting Homeownership and Increasing Affordability” pillar of “Housing for All”, the Government committed to introducing a form of ‘owner-occupier guarantee’, which would enable Local Authorities to specify the proportion of houses and duplexes in a development for owner-occupiers.

In support of this commitment the Government introduced a series of measures in May 2021 designed to prohibit the bulk buying of houses and duplexes. This included the Section 28 Guidelines for Planning Authorities “Regulation of Commercial Institutional Investment in Housing” to planning authorities which aimed to prevent multiple units being sold to a single buyer. In addition a 10% stamp duty levy was introduced for the cumulative purchase of 10 or more residential houses in a 12 month period. This policy was aimed at ensuring a level playing field for traditional family home buyers, including but not limited to first-time buyers, while facilitating vital investment in high density apartments.

These Section 28 Guidelines aim to provide an ‘owner-occupier’ guarantee by ensuring that new ‘own-door’ houses and duplex units in housing developments can no longer be bulk-purchased by institutional investors in a manner that causes the displacement of individual purchasers or social and affordable housing, including cost-rental.

In addition, the Planning and Development (Amendment) (Large-scale Residential Development) Act 2021 (No. 40 of 2021) came into effect on 17 December 2021. Section 7 provides that the housing strategy prepared by a local authority shall take into account the need to ensure that home ownership as a tenure type is provided for and estimated in its housing strategy. This amendment supports the implementation of Housing Policy Objective 1.10 and introduces the principle of home ownership, as a specific tenure type within a local authority’s housing strategy, with particular regard to developments comprising houses and duplexes and gives further legislative effect to the provisions of the Section 28 Guidelines issued in May 2021.

Initial data indicates that this policy has been impactful. Industry analysis suggests that, with changes made in 2021 in relation to the bulk purchase of single family residential units, the proportion of such purchases fell from 11% of residential deals in 2020 to 2% in 2021. In addition, more than 30% of the 46,000 homes purchased in 2021 were bought by first-time buyers.

As we approach one year on from the introduction of these measures, I wrote to the Chief Executives of all 31 Local Authorities and the Chairperson of An Bord Pleanála on 11 February requesting information on the number of units that have been permitted with a planning condition to prohibit multiple sales to a single purchaser arising from last year’s Section 28 Guidelines and accompanying circular, as well as any information on compliance with the conditions and enforcement.

My officials are currently collating and reviewing the data received and following this analysis, I intend publishing the data.

Housing Provision

Questions (301)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

301. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on the Housing for All objective for 20% of all developments to be set aside for affordable and social housing. [17529/22]

View answer

Written answers

The primary purpose of Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) is to capture a portion of the increase in land value resulting from the granting of planning permission for residential development. Part V allows local authorities purchase a percentage of land at less than the enhanced market value, with such land used thereafter to deliver social and affordable housing.

In line with Government commitments, the Part V provision was increased, via the Affordable Housing Act 2021, from 10% for social housing to a mandatory 20% for social, affordable and cost rental housing requirements. The link to a specified percentage need in the Housing Strategy reflected in the Development Plan objectives was removed, ensuring the full share of the planning gain could be captured for the State on all applicable sites. The amended Part V provisions now require at least half of the planning gain to be applied to social housing provision, with the remainder to be applied to affordable housing, which can be affordable purchase, cost rental or both.

The amendments came into effect on 3 September 2021 and apply to land purchased before 2015 and on or after 1 August 2021. Transitional arrangements have also been introduced and provide that the previous 10% Part V requirement will continue to apply to extant planning permissions and land purchased between 2015 and 2021. Near term supply will not be affected by these changes; however, this will change in 2026 when the 20% Part V requirement will apply to all land.

This approach taken is balanced and fair, allowing supply to come forward at pace while also ensuring the State derives as much benefit as possible for social and affordable purposes.

Housing Provision

Questions (302)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

302. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on the Housing for All objective for an average of 2,000 new cost rental homes each year with rents targeted at least 25% below market level. [17530/22]

View answer

Written answers

Cost Rental represents a new tenure option, targeted at those people within the middle-income cohort, who do not quality for social housing but who are facing affordability pressures on the private rental market. The pipeline for Cost Rental delivery is being developed and delivery is expected to increase incrementally over the period to 2030, with the target of an average of 2,000 Cost Rental homes per year or 18,000 in total.

The introduction of Cost Rental will provide a more affordable and more secure form of long-term rental housing in Ireland. Rent levels for Cost Rental tenancies are based on the cost of the provision of homes, rather than being subject to market driven movement.

Once tenanted, rents will increase only in line with consumer inflation, remaining stable in real terms, while continuing to cover management and maintenance costs for the properties. Cost Rental schemes delivered by Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) and local authorities will target cost-covering rents of at least 25% below comparable open market rates.

Under Housing for All, 10,000 Cost Rental homes will be delivered from 2021 to 2026 by AHBs, supported by Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL) funding, along with funding for Local Authorities through the Affordable Housing Fund. The Land Development Agency will also deliver Cost Rental, either on its own portfolio of sites or through acquisitions under Project Tosaigh.

A Housing Delivery Action Plan prepared by each Local Authority will underpin delivery of cost rental homes to 2026. Each local authority submitted the first iteration of their plans in December and my officials have now met with each and the final Delivery Action Plans are expected to be published in Q2.

To date, funding support has been provided to deliver almost 900 Cost Rental homes. The first 65 Cost Rental homes were tenanted by the Clúid AHB in 2021, with 25 at Taylor Hill in Balbriggan and a further 40 at Barnhall Meadows in Leixlip, with funding from the CREL scheme covering up to 30% of the capital costs in each of the two developments. Both developments also delivered cost-covering rents at least 40% below comparable open market prices.

The tenanting process is currently underway for a further 44 new Cost Rental homes at the Parklands development in Citywest, also supported by CREL funding and being delivered by the Tuath AHB. Projected rents are €1,264 per month for two-bedroom apartments and €1,297 per month for two-bedroom duplexes. Tenants have been moving into a further 50 Cost Rental homes since the 14th of March 2022 at Enniskerry Road, Stepaside. These Cost Rental homes were delivered by the Tuath and Respond AHBs, in collaboration with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. The cost-covering rent for these two-bedroom apartments is €1,200 per month, which represents a very significant discount on market prices in the area (c. €2,000).

Rental Sector

Questions (303)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

303. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on the Housing for All extended rent pressure zones to 2024 and rents linked to the harmonised index of consumer prices. [17531/22]

View answer

Written answers

The Residential Tenancies (No. 2) Act 2021 introduced measures in July 2021 to extend the operation of Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) until the end of 2024. The designation of all existing RPZs has also been extended until 31 December 2024. The Act provides that rent reviews outside of RPZs can, until 2025, occur no more frequently than bi-annually. This provides rent certainty for tenants outside of RPZs for a minimum 2 year period at a time.

The Act also introduced measures to better protect tenants with affordability by prohibiting any necessary rent increase in a RPZ from exceeding general inflation, as recorded by the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP).

To address the rent affordability challenges building on foot of the unexpectedly fast rising inflation rate, as recorded by HICP (CSO data for February 2022 shows HICP inflation of 5.7% p.a.), the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2021 provides, from 11 December 2021, a cap of 2% per annum pro rata on rent increases in RPZs, where the inflation rate is higher. In effect, this will mean that rents in RPZs may only increase by a maximum of 2% per annum pro rata during times of higher inflation.

In all cases, section 19(1) of the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2021 prohibits the setting of a rent that exceeds market rent.

Rental Sector

Questions (304)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

304. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on the Housing for All objective for indefinite tenancies to strengthen security for renters. [17533/22]

View answer

Written answers

In accordance with both the Programme for Government and Housing for All commitments, the Government has provided for Tenancies of Unlimited Duration through the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2021.

The Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2021 was signed into law on 11 December 2021.

All new tenancies created on or after 11 June 2022 will become tenancies of unlimited duration once the tenancy has lasted more than 6 months and no notice of termination has been validly served on the tenant.

The Act amends Part 4 of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 (Security of Tenure), to provide for enhanced tenancy protections on the basis that after 6 months’ duration, a 'Part 4 tenancy' is established for an unlimited duration and not subject to expiry at the end of a 6 year term, should the landlord exercise his or her right to terminate the tenancy as currently provided under section 34(b) of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004.

The aim is to enhance security of tenure for tenants and to simplify the operation of the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004 - 2021 through a transition to tenancies of unlimited duration. This provision respects the landlord’s constitutionally protected rights to terminate a tenancy in accordance with section 34 of the Acts.

Only new tenancies commencing on or after 11 June 2022 must be on the basis of an unlimited duration, but naturally over time, all ‘Part 4 tenancies’ will be of unlimited duration.

As existing Part 4/further Part 4 tenancies terminate/expire over time or are renewed, it will involve the creation of a new tenancy of unlimited duration in respect of any such dwelling, should it remain in the rental sector. By 11 June 2028, (i.e. within 6 years of the coming into operation of sections 5 and 6 of the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2021), all residential tenancies will have commenced on the basis of becoming a Part 4 tenancy of unlimited duration (following the initial 6 month period).

In the interim, the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2021 provides that a landlord may grant his or her consent to any existing tenancy being treated as a tenancy of unlimited duration. However, the landlord is not be compelled to grant his or her consent and where consent is not granted, the existing protections of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 apply.

Building Energy Rating

Questions (305)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

305. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on the Housing for All for minimum building energy rating standards for private rental dwellings. [17534/22]

View answer

Written answers

The Government is committed under Housing for All to developing a roadmap to implement minimum Building Energy Rating (BER) standards, or ‘Cost Optimal’ equivalent, for the private rental sector beginning in 2025. This will increase energy efficiency, help to alleviate fuel poverty, help to protect tenant’s health and improve comfort levels in rental homes. Work in this area, which will support the objectives set down in the Government’s Climate Action Plan, is underway. The detailed parameters of the work including the scope, detailed approach to its implementation and associated timelines are under examination.

Rental Sector

Questions (306)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

306. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on the Housing for All upfront deposit and rent payments capped at two months value. [17535/22]

View answer

Written answers

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

Housing Provision

Questions (307)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

307. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on the Housing for All objective to provide over 90,000 social homes by 2030, including an average annual new-build component of over 9,500 social housing homes to 2026, the highest number in the history of the State. [17536/22]

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Written answers

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 90,000 social homes by 2030. Housing for All is supported by an investment package of over €4bn per annum, through an overall combination of €12bn in direct Exchequer funding, €3.5bn in funding through the Land Development Agency and €5bn funding through the Housing Finance Agency.

Under Housing for All, the Government will deliver 47,600 new build social homes and 3,500 social homes through long-term leasing in the period 2022-2026. In September 2021, I issued social housing delivery targets to each local authority for the period 2022-2026.

A key action under Housing for All is that local authorities will develop and submit Housing Delivery Action Plans to include details of social and affordable housing delivery. The Plans set out details of both social and affordable housing delivery as appropriate over the period 2022 - 2026, in line with targets set under Housing for All.

My Department publishes comprehensive programme level statistics on social housing delivery for each local authority on a quarterly basis. The statistics are published on the statistics page of my Department’s website, at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/.

Housing Provision

Questions (308)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

308. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on the Housing for All objective to end long-term leasing by local authorities and approved housing bodies through phasing out new entrants and focus on new build to provide social housing homes. [17537/22]

View answer

Written answers

Housing for All is the Government’s plan to increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 homes per year over the next decade. Over 300,000 new homes will be built by the end of 2030, including a projected 90,000 social homes, 36,000 affordable purchase homes and 18,000 cost rental homes.

This includes the delivery of 47,600 new build social homes in the period 2022-2026. Housing for All is supported by an investment package of over €4bn per annum, through an overall combination of €12bn in direct Exchequer funding, €3.5bn in funding through the Land Development Agency and €5bn funding through the Housing Finance Agency.

It is envisaged that 3,500 units are to be delivered through long term leasing over the lifetime of the Housing for All plan, tapering down from 1,300 units in 2022 to 200 units in 2025. As such, annual Housing for All targets were allocated to 13 Local Authorities. Table 1 below outlines the number of long term leasing units to be delivered per annum under Housing for All by Local Authority.

Table 1: Long Term Leasing Housing For All Target allocation to Local Authorities 2022 – 2025

2022

2023

2024

2025

Total

Cork City

81

71

50

-

202

Dun Laoghaire Rathdown

210

39

100

30

379

Dublin City

480

475

410

100

1,465

Fingal

44

160

120

30

354

Galway County

10

-

-

-

10

Kerry

31

-

-

-

31

Kildare

262

86

-

-

348

Louth

34

-

-

-

34

Meath

73

80

-

-

153

Roscommon

10

-

-

-

10

South Dublin

40

90

120

40

290

Waterford

-

46

-

-

46

Wicklow

25

153

-

-

178

Total

1,300

1,200

800

200

3,500

Housing Provision

Questions (309)

Seán Sherlock

Question:

309. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on the Housing for All objective to strengthen the mortgage to rent scheme to ensure it meets the needs of those in long-term mortgage arrears. [17538/22]

View answer

Written answers

Both the Programme for Government and Housing for All commits to strengthening the Mortgage to Rent scheme and ensuring that it is helping those who need it. Building on the significant amendments already made to the scheme in 2017, the 2021 Review, which was published on the 24 January 2022, examined the impact of these changes and what further changes would benefit those in need of the scheme. While the scheme is performing well, it was assessed that some further enhancements were needed to enable more households in need of State support with their long-term housing needs to avail of this scheme. Four broad categories of actions are identified in the review, including:

a) broadening eligibility criteria;

b) improving the scheme process, structure and financing;

c) increasing communication and awareness raising; and

d) responding to developments around mortgage arrears solutions.

As part of the enhancements to broadening the eligibility criteria to ensure more households will be eligible for the scheme there is a new amendment to allow flexibility where the household concerned is over accommodated (i.e. has more than 2 spare bedrooms above the current needs of the household). Flexibility on over accommodation may be allowed where:

a) the borrower or one of the joint borrowers is aged 65 and over

b) the borrower, one of the joint borrowers or one of the borrower’s dependents has a disability and the property has been significantly and permanently adapted to their needs

c) the borrower, one of the joint borrowers or one of the borrower’s dependents has a disability and the property is specifically suitable to their needs without adaptations

In the case of (b) and (c) above, the household must also qualify for Social Housing Support on disability, medical or compassionate grounds in line with the local authority’s allocation policy. Such flexibility is subject to the local authority or AHB (as appropriate) reserving the right to accommodate the household in more appropriate accommodation, if available, in the future.

This is one of a number of changes outlined in the 2021 Review and has been implemented under the scheme since 14 February 2022.

Full details of the recommendations and associated actions are outlined within the 2021 Review of the Mortgage to Rent (MTR) scheme for people who have borrowed from commercial private lending institutions and this review is available on the Department's website under Publications: www.gov.ie/en/publication/ed57b-2021-review-of-the-mortgage-to-rent-scheme-for-borrowers-of-commercial-private-lending-institutions/

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