Written Answers Nos. 379-401
380. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on any review of the HAP limits given spiralling rents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18193/22]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to ensuring that Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) levels are adequate to support vulnerable households, while we increase the supply of social housing. Maximum rent limits for HAP were set for each housing authority area in 2016, in conjunction with the Department of Social Protection (DSP). In reviewing the rent limits, my Department worked closely with DSP and monitored data gathered from the Residential Tenancies Board and the HAP Shared Services Centre.
Local authorities also have the flexibility to agree to a HAP payment of up to 20% above the maximum rent limit, because of local rental market conditions and up to 50% in the Dublin region for those households either in, or at immediate risk of, homelessness.
Under Housing for All, my Department was tasked with undertaking an analytical exercise to examine whether an increase in the level of the 20% discretion available to Local Authorities under HAP is required, in order to maintain adequate levels of HAP support. The Housing Agency undertook to carry out this analytical exercise on behalf of my Department. The review was submitted on 20 December 2021. It is undergoing analysis by my Department and I expect to receive recommendations following that analysis.
381. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans for affordable housing to remain affordable considering recent comments by an organisation (details supplied) that increasing costs of raw materials will impact on its involvement in Housing for All; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18194/22]
View answerThe Housing for All strategy is the Government’s plan to increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 per year over the next decade.
Our targets include the delivery of 90,000 new social homes and 54,000 new affordable homes in the period 2022-2030. 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 and through a strategic partnership between the State and retail banks.
Specifically in relation to affordable homes, using various funding streams available to help reduce the ultimate purchase or rental cost, Housing for All targets the delivery of 36,000 Affordable Purchase homes and 18,000 Cost Rental homes up to 2030. These homes will be delivered by Local Authorities, Approved Housing Bodies, the Land Development Agency as well as through a strategic partnership between the State and participating retail banks (the First Home shared equity scheme).
The CSO Wholesale Price Index shows the annual increase for building and construction materials to be 17.7% to the end of February 2022. The latest data shows that productivity in the construction sector remains below 2010 levels and is less productive than EU average. Construction costs have risen considerably over recent years through a combination of the increased cost of regulatory compliance and general increases in labour and materials costs.
Housing for All commits that the Government and relevant State agencies will advance methods to reduce residential construction costs, particularly the cost of apartment construction, by increasing the focus of existing and planned construction related initiatives on the residential construction sector, and by ensuring a coordinated, whole-of-government, approach to residential construction.
In this regard, the Government will enhance the intended role of the new Construction Technology Centre, which is under development by Enterprise Ireland, beyond the standard remit of Technology Centres in general for its first three years of operation in order to prioritise residential construction, in particular by incorporating:
- structures and funding to enable innovation in residential construction prior to the National Standards Authority of Ireland compliance processes, including demonstration, certification, standardisation and commercialisation as well as research and development;
- a proactive role in strengthening the residential construction value chain;
- promotion, development and support for innovation / modern methods of construction (MMCs) using digital and manufacturing technology;
- support for SMEs to develop scale and to adopt MMCs and Building Information Modelling techniques for residential construction; and
- support for digitisation in the manufacturing sector for residential construction e.g. digitally controlled manufacturing equipment.
This will be complemented by an increased focus for the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform-led Construction Sector Group (CSG) on the residential construction sector. This will include the introduction and full implementation of a pipeline of cost reducing innovations and productivity measures, in line with its established remit to improve productivity and efficiency, and to temper price inflation.
In addition the CSG supported by my Department are also in the process of preparing a study to carry out an analysis for each component of cost of construction (including cost of compliance) of house and apartment development, with a view to reducing cost (including cost of compliance) and increasing standardisation. It will also identify opportunities for cost reduction for consideration by relevant Government departments and industry.
In accordance with Government policy, social and affordable housing construction projects (as with all publicly funded construction projects), must be procured in accordance with the Capital Works Management Framework. The Office of Government (OGP) is responsible for implementing national policy on public procurement, particularly in relation to construction procurement.
The OGP recently introduced the following interim measures to address the impact that the recent price increases in construction materials is having on public works tenders:
- Reduced fixed price period duration to 24 months (previously 30 months minimum).
- Permit mutual cost recovery within the fixed price period for material price changes in excess of 15% (previously 50%)
- Introduction of a new mechanism to address the period between tender submission and award through limited indexation of the tender price
The above measures relate to new public works contracts going forward.
382. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the protections that will be put in place to safeguard the State’s investment in homes as part of the shared equity and the local authority affordable purchase schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18240/22]
View answerThe Affordable Housing Act 2021, the provisions of which I commenced in August and September 2021, laid the foundation for two new affordable purchase schemes: (1) a scheme to be delivered via Local Authorities and the Land Development Agency, and (2) a national 'First Home Scheme' supporting purchases in the private market. Together these two schemes will support the purchase of 36,000 affordable homes under the Government's Housing for All strategy.
Both of these schemes will use an equity support model to assist eligible purchasers. In the case of Local Authority Affordable Purchase, this equity stake will be equivalent to the reduction in price from the full market value of the home and will be held by the Local Authority. In the case of the national First Home Scheme, the equity stake will be the funding provided to bridge the gap between someone's maximum mortgage under the Central Bank Mortgage Measures and the price of a new home (within regional price ceilings reflective of median first-time buyer prices). Subject to final approvals, equity under the First Home Scheme is to be funded by the State and participating mortgage providers on a 50:50 basis and will be held by a Special Purpose Vehicle (the First Home Scheme Ireland DAC).
For both schemes contractual arrangements will be put in place between the equity holder, be it a local authority or the First Home scheme, and the purchaser. These contracts will fully detail the rights and responsibilities of the signatories and will contain the necessary covenants to fully protect the State’s interest.
The State’s interest will be registrable as a beneficial interest in the Land Registry as an act of the homeowner affecting the dwelling. Under both schemes, the purchaser of the home can redeem or ‘buy out’ this equity stake, in full or in part, at a time of their choosing. Since the equity stake will be redeemed at the current market price of the home, there is potential for its value to both rise and fall, though over the long term it is expected that market prices will rise. This brings both risk and benefit for the holder of the equity, but the potential risk is proportionate to the size of the equity stake in the home, and in the case of the jointly funded First Home Scheme the risk is shared 50:50 by the State and participating mortgage lenders.
383. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of new build social housing homes that were delivered in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18241/22]
View answerMy Department publishes comprehensive programme level statistics on social housing delivery for each local authority on a quarterly basis. The statistics are available to the end of 2021 and 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/.
In 2021, a total of 9,183 new social homes were delivered despite housing delivery being impacted by the enhanced Level 5 restrictions introduced in January 2021 which resulted in most residential construction being halted for over three months. This total includes 5,202 new build homes, 1,270 acquisitions and 2,711 homes delivered through leasing programmes.
Increasing the delivery of social housing is a central element of Housing for All, with a target to deliver 47,600 new build homes between 2022-2026, including 9,000 new build homes in 2022.
384. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of new homes that were delivered under the Serviced Sites Fund and Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18242/22]
View answerThe objective of the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) is to provide public off-site infrastructure to relieve critical infrastructure blockages. This enables the accelerated delivery of housing on key development sites in Dublin and in urban areas of high demand. LIHAF is designed to specifically address the issue of housing supply, a crucial factor in terms of moderating house prices. It’s important to note that LIHAF projects involve complex, large scale public infrastructure developments which pave the way for associated housing development. This requires extensive design, planning, public consultation and procurement processes in advance of the projects moving to construction. With this in mind, construction of housing has started on a number of LIHAF projects across the country.
Local Authorities have been requested by my Department to submit information regarding LIHAF housing delivery in 2021 and overall. A small number of Local Authorities are still in the process of collating total housing delivery figures for 2021 and will provide this information to my Department once they are finalised.
Based on data provided by Local Authorities to my Department in September 2021, 494 units had been completed up to that point in 2021, of which 186 were cost reduced units. The overall total housing delivery under the LIHAF scheme at September 2021 is 3,348 units, which includes 1,592 cost reduced units.
The Serviced Site Fund (SSF) provided for key enabling infrastructure to help unlock publicly-owned lands specifically for the provision of affordable homes to buy or rent. The SSF has been replaced by the Affordable Housing Fund, however a number of projects approved under the SSF are progressing as planned.
There were three SSF projects under construction in 2021 and the Covid pandemic has had an impact on the projected timelines for delivery of housing due to the closure of the construction sector in early 2021. Accordingly, no units were delivered in 2021, however the delivery of units has already commenced this year, with 50 cost rental units completed in March 2022.
385. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of cost rental homes that were tenanted in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18243/22]
View answerThe COVID-19 pandemic and associated closures and restrictions of construction sites, had significant impacts on the anticipated timelines for the delivery of Cost Rental developments in 2021.
Despite this, the first 65 Cost Rental homes were tenanted in 2021, with 25 at Taylor Hill in Balbriggan and a further 40 at Barnhall Meadows in Leixlip. Both of the Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL) supported developments delivered cost-covering rents at least 40% below comparable open-market prices.
Under Housing for All, 10,000 Cost Rental homes will be delivered from 2021 to 2026 by Approved Housing Bodies, supported by CREL funding. Local Authorities will be able to avail of funding for Cost Rental delivery 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.
386. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of vacant homes that were brought back into use using the repair and lease scheme in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18244/22]
View answerData to end 2021 in relation to the number of dwellings delivered by each local authority under the Repair and Leasing scheme (RLS) is available on my Department's website at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/#repair-and-leasing-scheme-rls
The Government's new Housing Plan, Housing for All, has committed to supporting local authorities to drive expanded take-up of the scheme.
387. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if an update will be provided on the work of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council to identify vacant houses and other appropriate locations for the housing of Ukrainian refugees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18257/22]
View answerThe Government is committed to delivering a humanitarian response to welcome people fleeing the war in Ukraine and seeking protection in Ireland as part of the EU response.
As part of its response, Government is providing accommodation through the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) and is working closely with local authorities, including Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, to provide accommodation for Ukrainian arrivals in a variety of settings including:
- Hotels, guest houses and B&Bs;
- Accommodation pledged by the general public, which is being assessed for suitability;
- State-owned or private properties, which may be suitable for short-term accommodation;
- Religious properties; and
- Local authority community facilities
The Government is examining all options as part of its humanitarian response, including the accommodation issues arising in the short, medium and long-term and the responses to address these.
In this regard, my Department recently requested local authorities to identify and inventory potentially available ‘quick turn-around’, multi occupancy accommodation facilities. This includes properties that might already be configured, or which might need to be reconfigured, for multi-occupancy residential purposes.
There has been a strong response from local authorities to date and returns continue to be received and updated. My Department is currently collating these responses, which will be screened and validated for suitability for use as medium and longer-term residential accommodation in the coming weeks.
388. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the circumstances in which a section 183 vote is required by local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18265/22]
View answerLocal authorities are independent statutory bodies with their own democratically elected councils and management structures. It is a matter for each individual local authority to decide on the utilisation of its assets, including its land bank.
Under section 211 of the Planning and Development 2000 a local authority may propose to dispose of land no longer required by it for its statutory functions or in order to secure the best use of that land for the proper planning and sustainable development of its functional area.
Section 183 of the Local Government Act 2001 provides inter alia that a prior notice of any proposed land disposal be sent to each of the elected members of the local authority. Details must also be provided of the person to whom the land is to be sold and any conditions relating to the sale.
At the next relevant meeting of the Council the elected members may decide whether or not the sale shall proceed and any conditions to be applied shall be set out in the members’ resolution. This is a reserved function of the elected members.
The provisions of section 183 do not generally apply to the sale of dwellings under the Housing Acts except -
1. where a dwelling is proposed to be sold to another housing authority; or
2. where an unoccupied dwelling is proposed to be sold to any person.
389. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the way a local authority can create a new public right of way; if there are any constraints on local authorities to do this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18267/22]
View answerThe provisions relating to the creation of a new public right of way by a local authority are set out in sections 206 and 207 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended.
Section 206 (creation of public right of way pursuant to agreement (PROW)) provides enabling power to a planning authority to enter into an agreement with any person having the necessary power in that behalf for the creation of a public right of way. Such agreement shall be on such terms as to payment or otherwise as may be specified in the agreement and may, if agreed, provide for limitations or conditions affecting the PROW. Particulars of any such agreement are required to be entered in the planning register of the concerned planning authority.
Section 207 (compulsory powers for creation of public right of way) provides that if it appears to the planning authority that there is need for a public right of way over any land, the planning authority may, by resolution, make an order creating a public right of way over the land. In such case, the planning authority is required to serve notice in this regard on the owner and occupier of the land and publish the notice in one or more newspapers circulating in its functional area. Members of the public can make submissions or observations on the proposal which shall be considered. The planning authority, having considered the proposal and any submissions or observations made in respect of it, may by resolution, as it considers appropriate, make the order, with or without modifications, or refuse to make the order and any person on whom notice has been served shall be notified accordingly.
Any person who has been notified of the making of an order under section 207 may appeal to the Board against the order within 4 weeks of being so notified. The Board may confirm the order with or without modifications or annul the order. Particulars of a public right of way created under the section 207 procedure are also required to be entered on the local planning register.
The making of, or refusing to make, an order creating a public right of way over any land is a reserved function of local authorities as provided by Local Government Act 2001, as amended, and is not one in which I have any statutory function in my role as Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
390. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of recipients of HAP and RAS support in County Mayo each year since 2016, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18274/22]
View answerThe table below shows the number of recipients of Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) and Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) at year end in Co. Mayo from 2016 to 2021:
|
Scheme |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
|
HAP |
402 |
817 |
1,120 |
1,280 |
1,356 |
1,336 |
|
RAS |
893 |
866 |
817 |
821 |
799 |
786 |
The HAP and RAS schemes continue to be effective and secure forms of social housing support and remain a part of the suite of social housing options currently available across the country.
The ‘Housing for All’ strategy is the Government’s plan to increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 per year over the next decade, including an average of 10,000 new build social homes. As new build supply of social housing ramps up, there will be reducing reliance on the HAP and RAS schemes.
391. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the last time that income thresholds were increased; the effect in real terms on income thresholds due to inflation in that time period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18275/22]
View answerThe Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011 introduced maximum net income limits for each local authority in 2011. The limits are unchanged since then.
Cognisant of significant rental price growth across the country since thresholds were originally set and the need to take account of the variation in the cost of private accommodation across the State, Housing for All committed to reviewing income eligibility for social housing. The review, which examined inter alia the continued relevance of the current banding model and income limits applicable to local authorities, was completed in Q4 2021.
I am currently considering its findings and expect to decide on proposed changes and recommendations shortly.
392. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent to which group water schemes in receipt of public funds should be required to become companies limited by guarantee in circumstances in which they come under the remit of the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement and in circumstances in which directors are answerable for their actions, therefore considerably strengthening governance practices of existing water scheme co-operatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18277/22]
View answerGroup Water Schemes are community-owned and community-run enterprises. In order to be eligible for support from my Department (as administered by local authorities) Group Water Schemes must meet the general terms and conditions of my Department's funding schemes. In particular schemes must also be, for their enduring operation, properly constituted in a way that recognises the members as the owners of the scheme. Further details can be found on my Department's website at the following link: www.housing.old.gov.ie/water/water-services/rural-water-programme/circular-l218-subsidy-towards-operational-costs-group
In the case of medium sized and larger group water schemes, which are typically regulated schemes under the Drinking Water Regulations, this must be through a legal structure of either a Co-operative or Company Limited by Guarantee in which members are equal shareholders.
In the case of smaller schemes, which are typically exempted schemes under the Drinking Water Regulations, this may be as a Trusteeship, Co-operative or Company Limited by Guarantee.
Currently I have no plans to change the above arrangements.
393. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil agus Oidhreachta cén uair a aistreofar an fhreagracht maidir le hiarratais ar cheadúnais imeall trá a mheas, agus maidir leis na ceadúnais sin a eisiúint, chuig na húdaráis áitiúla; an gclúdófar ceadúnais le haghaidh feamainn a bhaint san aistriú seo; agus an ndéanfaidh sé ráiteas ina thaobh. [18370/22]
View answerTríd an Acht um Pleanáil Limistéir Mhuirí, 2021, (Acht MAP) a achtaíodh i mí na Nollag 2021, bunaítear córas nua pleanála muirí, a bhfuil Ráiteas Beartais Pleanála Muirí atá treoraithe ag an gCreat Náisiúnta Pleanála Muirí (NMPF) mar bhonn taca faoi, córas a bhfuil réisím nua bainistithe ceadúnaithe agus forbartha ón líne bairr láin chuig teorainn forimeallach scairbh ilchríochach an Stáit i gceist leis. Déanfaidh an tÚdarás Rialála Limistéir Mhuirí (MARA), An Bord Pleanála (ABP) agus údaráis áitiúla an chósta an réisím nua seo a riar in am trátha.
Tiocfaidh an córas nua pleanála muirí in áit réisímí Stáit agus toilithe forbartha atá ann cheana (i.e. an córas urthrá atá ann cheana seachas freagrachtaí an Aire Talmhaíochta, Bia agus Mara) agus déanfar socruithe a shruthlíniú leis ar bhonn prionsabail toilithe aonair, i.e. toiliú stáit amháin (Toiliú an Limistéir Mhuirí) chun cead isteach sa Limistéar Muirí a thabhairt agus toiliú forbartha amháin (cead pleanála), agus measúnacht timpeallachta amháin leis.
Is é MARA a bhronnfaidh Toilithe Limistéir Mhuirí (MACanna). Go ginearálta, is é an t-údarás áitiúil ábhartha a chomhlíonfaidh freagracht toilithe forbartha i leith limistéir chósta laistigh de limistéar nua-ainmnithe cois cósta i.e. 3 muirmhíle chun farraige ón líne bairr láin. Beidh ABP freagrach as aicmí áirithe forbartha laistigh den Limistéar Muirí ar fad agus as ginearáltacht forbartha níos faide amach ná an limistéar cois cósta. Is é MARA a dheonóidh ceadúnais, lena n-áirítear ceadúnais a bhaineann le Baint Feamainne (beidh freagracht ar údaráis áitiúla fós i leith gníomhaíochtaí áirithe).
Leagtar amach leis an Acht MAP forálacha speisialta maidir le tionscadail fuinnimh in-athnuaite amach ón gcósta (ORE) a shásaíonn an sainmhíniú ar “úsáid mhuirí ábhartha”. Á aithint dó go dtógfaidh sé am gníomhaireacht nua a bhunú, shocraigh an Rialtas gur cheart cumhachtaí teoranta a dheonú don Aire Comhshaoil, Aeráide agus Cumarsáide chun fáilte a chur roimh iarratais MAC ar thionscadail ORE a shásaíonn an sainmhíniú ar “úsáid mhuirí ábhartha” go ceann tréimhse sonraithe roimh bhunú MARA. Á aithint dó go dtógfaidh sé am gníomhaireacht nua a bhunú, shocraigh an Rialtas gur cheart cumhachtaí teoranta a dheonú don Aire Comhshaoil, Aeráide agus Cumarsáide chun fáilte a chur roimh iarratais MAC ar thionscadail ORE a shásaíonn an sainmhíniú ar “úsáid mhuirí ábhartha” go ceann tréimhse sonraithe roimh bhunú MARA. Beidh iarratas le déanamh ansin ar an gcead forbartha riachtanach ón mBord Pleanála faoin réisím nua i gcás tionscadal ar bith a shásóidh an sainmhíniú ar “úsáid mhuirí ábhartha” a mbronnfaidh an tAire Comhshaoil, Aeráide agus Cumarsáide MAC air.
Is é an aidhm go mbeidh MARA ar an bhfód faoi R1 2023 agus, d’fhonn é seo a éascú, bunaíodh Aonad tiomanta laistigh de mo Roinn chun an Plean Cur Chun Feidhme a chur chun cinn leis an ngníomhaireacht nua seo a bhunú. Beidh obair ullmhúcháin chuimsitheach ag teastáil le linn na míonna atá romhainn chun cur ar chumas MARA tabhairt faoin réimse leathan feidhmeanna reachtúla a bheidh air i ndiaidh a bhunaithe. Áirítear ar an obair seo orduithe tosaigh feidhme a dhréachtú agus sraith rialachán agus treoirlínte reachtúla a ullmhú, mar aon leis na próisis a bheidh ag brath orthu sin a fhorbairt.
San idirlinn, déanfar freagracht as forbraíocht ar urthrá na hÉireann a rialú go fóill faoi fhorálacha an Achta Imeall Trágha, 1933, arna leasú. I mo cháil mar Aire, is mise an ‘tAire cuí’ chun críocha an Achta seo (ach amháin i gcás roinnt réimsí sonracha inarb é an tAire Talmhaíochta, Bia & Mara an tAire cuí), agus leanfaidh mé orm ag glacadh le hiarratais ar léasanna agus ceadúnais urthrá, ag déanamh iad a mheas agus a dheonú / a dhiúltú faoin réisím urthrá go dtí go mbunófar MARA. Tar éis bhunú MARA, ní ghlacfar le hiarratais nua faoi réisím reatha toilithe Urthrá, ach tabharfar próiseáil iarratas atá idir lámha (e.g. iarratais iniúchta láithreáin etc.) chun críche.
Tháinig méadú suntasach ar líon agus ar chastacht na n-iarratas ar cheadúnais agus léasanna urthrá le dhá nó trí bliana anuas. Baineann an chuid is mó den ghníomhaíocht mhéadaithe seo le forbraíocht bhonneagair maidir le Fuinneamh Inathnuaite Amach ón gCósta (ORE), lena n-áirítear gníomhaíocht iniúchta ar láithreáin forbartha a d’fhéadfadh a bheith i gceist, forbairt cáblaithe Eirgrid, agus obair feabhsúcháin ar bhonneagar calafort. Ina theannta sin, tá méadú tagtha ar ghníomhaíocht feidhmithe cáblaí cumhachta agus teileachumarsáide mar gheall ar thionscadail tráchtála agus stát-treoraithe araon. Ag an am céanna, tá an próiseas breithmheasa ag éirí níos casta mar gheall ar chásdlí atá ag teacht chun cinn agus ceanglais bhreisithe a eascraíonn as Treoracha éagsúla maidir le measúnachtaí timpeallachta.
Le hocht mí dhéag anuas, tá níos mó ná dhá oiread ball foirne curtha ar fáil ag mo Roinn laistigh den Aonad Urthrá chun aghaidh a thabhairt ar an ualach oibre atá ag dul i méid. Ina theannta sin, tá painéal de shainchomhairleoirí timpeallachta seachtracha ag obair chun cuidiú le measúnú teicniúil a dhéanamh ar iarratais. Cé go bhfuilim sásta go bhfuil na hacmhainní cuí i bhfeidhm, tá fonn orm na socruithe a choinneáil faoi athbhreithniú nó go mbunófar MARA.
Faoin Acht um Pleanáil Limistéir Mhuirí, 2021, tabharfaidh MARA, in am agus i dtráth, faoi gach freagracht riaracháin agus gach feidhm bainistithe eastáit i ndáil leis an bpunann léasanna agus ceadúnas urthrá reatha chomh maith (níos mó ná 2,200).
395. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if an education liaison officer has been appointed in each of the national parks to work with schools across the country (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18400/22]
View answerThe appointment of Education Liaison Officers is a matter for the Minister of Education and Skills. My Department is engaging with that Department to optimise the appointment of these Officers.
The National Parks and Wildlife Guide Service which operates from our National Parks and a number of other centres across the country provide a different service than that of the Education Liaison Officers. These centres run events for the general public, offer visits for community groups such as senior citizens and scouts. The Parks promote the importance of biodiversity and the natural world, to both primary and secondary school groups, through nature days and fieldwork. This service has continued over the course of the pandemic, where appropriate, and my Department expects another busy summer for the Parks and Wildlife Centres as the numbers of people holidaying at home in Ireland are expected to remain at a high level this year.
396. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total amount levied under the vacant sites levy; the total amount collected by local authority area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18407/22]
View answerUnder the vacant site levy provisions in the Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015 (the Act), planning authorities were empowered to apply a vacant site levy of 3% of the market valuation of relevant properties which were listed on local authority vacant site registers in 2018, which relevant owners were liable to pay in January 2019. The rate of the levy increased to 7% for sites listed on local authority vacant sites registers from 2019 onwards which site owners became liable to pay in January of the following year.
The most recent data available in relation to the collection of the levy is based on returns submitted to my Department further to the issuing of Circular Letter PL 03/2021 on 8 March 2021 requesting the submission of a progress report on the implementation and collection of the levy by each local authority. This information is provided in the Table below.
My Department recently issued Circular Letter PL 03/2022 requesting the submission of a further progress report on the implementation and collection of the levy by local authorities. This report will provide information regarding the levies collected in 2021, and to 31 March 2022, in respect of previous years.
It should be noted that under section 19 of the Act, unpaid levies due remain a charge on the land in question until they are paid. My Department will continue to engage proactively with local authorities to ensure that all vacant site levies due are paid and that the measure can achieve its full potential.
397. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the cost of consultants to his Department in 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022; and if he will provide an outline of the role of each. [18891/22]
View answerThe table below shows the cost of consultants for the Department in 2020, 2021 and to date in 2022. It also outlines the role of each consultancy. Consultancy service providers are only engaged by my Department where specific expertise is required which is not available in the organisation at the relevant time.
|
Consultant Name |
Role |
Year Paid |
Cost |
|
CDM Smith |
Expert advisory services for the Parteen Fish Passage project, and implementation measure of the 2nd cycle River Basin Management Plan. |
2020 |
€ 74,043.19 |
|
CERTIFICATION EUROPE LTD |
External Validation Group Process Assessment-The Management Board of the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management mandated a second round of External Validation (EVG II) to be undertaken in all local authority fire services and the three Regional Communications Centres. It was previously agreed that the EVG II would be subject to an independent quality assurance process. |
2020 |
€ 5,412.00 |
|
Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors |
External quality assurance review of the Internal audit unit as required by International Audit Standards. |
2020 |
€ 14,145.00 |
|
Conor Bean |
Review of acceptable Construction Details -Acceptable construction details are drawings that assist installers and construction managers in the most acceptable methods of construction. These are being updated to include more energy efficient methods. |
2020 |
€ 11,542.69 |
|
Des Johnson |
Non-statutory environmental review of Derrybrien Wind Farm. |
2020 |
€ 5,972.00 |
|
Dr Hugh Maguire |
Advice in relation to proceeding with Museum Standards Programme for Glenveagh National Park further to C&AG recommendation |
2020 |
€ 500.00 |
|
Economic and Social Research Institute |
The consultancy is a 3 year research collaboration agreement which involves the publication of housing economics research papers. |
2020 |
€ 200,000.00 |
|
Economic and Social Research Institute |
Review of the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan |
2020 |
€ 1,308.01 |
|
Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) |
Planning and spatial research to support the implementation of the National Planning Framework (NPF) (this is an extension of ESRI consultancy “Joint Research Programme on Housing Economics between the Department and the ESRI).” |
2020 |
€ 100,000.00 |
|
ESRI |
Research on behaviour and attitudinal change on Ireland's water resources and implementation of measures of the 2nd cycle River Basin Management Plan |
2020 |
€ 94,697.53 |
|
Levett Therivel |
Review draft guidance on strategic environmental assessment for regional and planning authorities |
2020 |
€ 1,800.00 |
|
Michael Martyn Agri-Environment |
Agricultural Advisor(s) to assist in assessing applications for compensation following the refusal of the Minister to give consent for activities requiring consent within designated sites |
2020 |
€ 3,025.00 |
|
O’Herlihy Access Consultancy |
Development of an Access Policy and Action Plan at the Custom House |
2020 |
€ 8,595.24 |
|
PMCA Consulting |
Provision of an expert report as part of Ireland's response to State Aid Case SA 52512 concerning Local Authority health and leisure facilities |
2020 |
€ 9,225.00 |
|
Quadra Consultancy Ltd |
Carry out Health and Safety Risk Assessments throughout the Department in accordance with our statutory obligations |
2020 |
€ 6,457.50 |
|
Quadra Consultancy Ltd |
Covid Risk Assessment - Ballina, Wexford and Custom House |
2020 |
€ 2,117.50 |
|
Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) |
Part of a joint research project on "Measuring Planning Outcomes" in conjunction with the Office of the Planning Regulator, and the Governments of Scotland, Wales and England coordinated by the Royal Town Planning Institute. |
2020 |
€ 17,374.86 |
|
RPS |
Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessments of the National Marine Planning Framework (NMPF) |
2020 |
€ 69,390.11 |
|
RPS Group |
Preparation of a guidance document for Planning Authorities on the River Basin Management Plan 2018 – 2021 |
2020 |
€ 152,292.44 |
|
School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice,UCD, Belfield, Dublin 4 |
To carry out a review of the Role of Social Workers and Traveller Liaison officers who are employed to assist Travellers with their accommodation needs. |
2020 |
€ 28,269.92 |
|
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) |
Development of a Heat Pump Standard -development of a standard operating procedure for the installation and maintenance of heat pumps. Heat pumps are a more energy efficient method of heating homes |
2020 |
€ 15,000.00 |
|
Word Perfect |
Translation services |
2020 |
€ 1,255.37 |
|
YCD Limited , T/A Yellowstone |
Provide design/artwork, web hyperlinks for Irish Translation of Report on Significant Water Management Issues |
2020 |
€ 1,168.50 |
|
Arthur Cox |
Legal Fees in relation to the Transitional Protocol |
2021 |
€ 15,514.00 |
|
Arthur Cox |
Legal Fees in relation to Arklow Banks windfarm |
2021 |
€ 7,406.00 |
|
Bruce McCormack Consulting |
To carry out a review of EIA screening thresholds in the Planning and Development Regulations 2001-2022 |
2021 |
€ 3,880.00 |
|
Carla Mateus |
Met Éireann Researcher for Building Regs. Part C & Climate data |
2021 |
€ 41,500.00 |
|
Chris Blandford |
World Heritage Strategy Project |
2021 |
€ 14,925.00 |
|
Dr Alison Sheridan |
Ordinary member of Expert Advisory Group to assess and advise on UNESCO World Heritage Site Tentative List. |
2021 |
€ 3,000.00 |
|
Dr Carol Westrik |
Chair of Expert Advisory Group to assess and advise on UNESCO World Heritage Site Tentative List. |
2021 |
€ 5,000.00 |
|
Dr Christine Morrow |
Expert support for OSPAR Deep Sea Habitats Workshop |
2021 |
€ 5,250.00 |
|
Dr Will Megarry |
Ordinary member of Expert Advisory Group to assess and advise on UNESCO World Heritage Site Tentative List. |
2021 |
€ 2,100.00 |
|
Economic and Social Research Institute |
The consultancy is a 3 year research collaboration agreement, which operated from 2017 to 2020 and which was renewed for a further 3 years in September 2020. Note that this return is based on the full life of the research programme, from 2017 to 2023. |
2021 |
€ 200,000.00 |
|
Fehily Timoney & Company Ltd |
Provision of Guidance for Public Authorities on the Provisions of Article 6(3) and Article 6(4) of the Habitats Directive |
2021 |
€ 67,650.00 |
|
Governance Ireland |
Review of governance arrangements for the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) |
2021 |
€ 22,878.00 |
|
Indecon |
This payment was made to the LGMA (Local Government Management Agency), for consultancy services in respect of Indecon undertaking a review of LA Mortgage Protection insurance. LGMA paid an additional €14,000 + VAT. |
2021 |
€ 70,110.00 |
|
KPMG (FAC) |
To conduct a socioeconomic impact study regarding implementation of the EU LIFE14/NAT/IE/000032 raised bog restoration project |
2021 |
€ 3,934.92 |
|
Maeve Thornberry & Assoc |
Oceanwise Project to reduce the impact of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) and Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) as marine litter Work Package 5.6 reports - (1) to identify and assess policies, incentives and producer responsibility schemes relating to the use, disposal and recycling of EPS & XPS around the world and (2) a life cycle analysis of EPS/XPS products used for packaging food or food related products. INTERREG Funded |
2021 |
€ 41,005.80 |
|
Maeve Thornberry & Assoc |
Oceanwise Project Work package P 8 report - Final report of project (INTERREG Funded) |
2021 |
€ 34,501.50 |
|
Marine & Environmental Resource Conservation Consultants |
Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Trinity Wharf |
2021 |
€ 7,380.00 |
|
Marine & Environmental Resource Conservation Consultants |
Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Celtix Connect |
2021 |
€ 11,992.50 |
|
Ms Jane Jackson |
Ordinary member of Expert Advisory Group to assess and advise on UNESCO World Heritage Site Tentative List. |
2021 |
€ 1,550.00 |
|
Niall Crowley |
Paper on best practice on Local Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committees. |
2021 |
€ 1,845.00 |
|
O Maille Group |
Facilitator for Marine Protected Areas Stakeholder workshops |
2021 |
€ 2,460.00 |
|
O'Briain Beary |
Social Housing Standard Layouts |
2021 |
€ 76,312.00 |
|
Ordnance Survey Ireland |
Development of a GIS Information Tool for local authorities to enable better planning of housing for older people |
2021 |
€ 104,550.00 |
|
Ove Arup & Partners Ltd ( Consulting Engineers) |
Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Codling |
2021 |
€ 17,847.50 |
|
Ove Arup & Partners Ltd ( Consulting Engineers) |
Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Drogheda Port Company Dredging of River Boyne |
2021 |
€ 15,746.46 |
|
Ove Arup & Partners Ltd ( Consulting Engineers) |
Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Energia Site Investigation off Wexford Coast |
2021 |
€ 15,313.50 |
|
Ove Arup & Partners Ltd ( Consulting Engineers) |
Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Energia SI for offshore windfarm |
2021 |
€ 14,637.00 |
|
Ove Arup & Partners Ltd ( Consulting Engineers) |
Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Loughs Agency Sea Monitor Project |
2021 |
€ 5,928.60 |
|
Ove Arup & Partners Ltd ( Consulting Engineers) |
Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Cheekpoint Boat Owners Association Pontoon |
2021 |
€ 14,126.55 |
|
Ove Arup & Partners Ltd ( Consulting Engineers) |
Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - America Europe Connect 2 Transatlantic Cable |
2021 |
€ 21,033.00 |
|
Ove Arup & Partners Ltd ( Consulting Engineers) |
Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Cork County Council Dredging for Courtmacsherry Pier |
2021 |
€ 15,264.30 |
|
Padraic Thornton |
Report to DHLGH in relation to the Marine Planning (Development Management) Bill 2019 |
2021 |
€ 10,950.00 |
|
Paul Forde (DBFL Consultant Engineers Ltd) |
Preparation of draft report in respect of the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme "High level Preliminary Overview of Four Specific Areas". |
2021 |
€ 4,920.00 |
|
Roughan & O'Donovan Ltd |
Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Statkraft |
2021 |
€ 16,445.10 |
|
Roughan & O'Donovan Ltd |
Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Foynes Jetty Extension |
2021 |
€ 44,218.50 |
|
Roughan & O'Donovan Ltd |
Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Gibbon's Quay |
2021 |
€ 10,590.30 |
|
Roughan & O'Donovan Ltd |
Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Morrison's Island Flood Relief |
2021 |
€ 20,571.75 |
|
Roughan & O'Donovan Ltd |
Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Glengarriff Pier |
2021 |
€ 11,008.50 |
|
Roughan & O'Donovan Ltd |
Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Simply Blue (Emerald) ORE Site Investigations |
2021 |
€ 14,870.70 |
|
RPS Consulting |
Environmental Assessments (SEA and AA) of National Marine Planning Framework |
2021 |
€ 17,670.98 |
|
RPS Consulting Engineers Ltd |
Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Review of Fenit Harbour Dredging |
2021 |
€ 13,329.36 |
|
RPS Consulting Engineers Ltd |
Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Coiste Forbaithe na Sceilige Pontoon |
2021 |
€ 5,691.84 |
|
RPS Consulting Engineers Ltd |
Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Greenlink Interconnector |
2021 |
€ 15,990.00 |
|
RPS Consulting Engineers Ltd |
Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Ion Organics Ltd |
2021 |
€ 5,904.00 |
|
RPS Consulting Engineers Ltd |
Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - AMETS Floating Wind Test Site Investigations |
2021 |
€ 9,163.50 |
|
RPS Consulting Engineers Ltd |
Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Greenlink Interconnector DHPLG Foreshore Panel |
2021 |
€ 5,220.12 |
|
RPS Consulting Engineers Ltd |
Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - DCC Dredging at Magheraroarty Pier |
2021 |
€ 11,838.75 |
|
RPS Consulting Engineers Ltd |
Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Reen Pier |
2021 |
€ 9,212.70 |
|
RPS Consulting Engineers Ltd |
Environmental Assessment in relation to Foreshore Application - Enniscorthy Flood Defence Scheme |
2021 |
€ 3,485.82 |
|
TOBIN Consulting Engineers |
For the provision of research and information on the Rural Water Sector, to support the Rural Water Working Group in carrying out its work. |
2021 |
€ 125,600.22 |
|
UCC |
Phase II of DECC -led ObSERVE Programme marine research & surveys. (marine Environment Section element of funding - also funded by DECC and NPWS) |
2021 |
€ 300,000.00 |
|
UCD |
Conduct research into the local authority role of social workers and liaison officers employed to assist Travellers with their accommodation needs. |
2021 |
€ 42,046.00 |
|
UCD-Katestone |
Guidance in relation to the assessment of the impacts of atmospheric nitrogen deposition (incl. ammonia) on Natura 2000 sites and biodiversity. |
2021 |
€ 1,687.56 |
|
Version 1 Consulting |
To carry out an independent R12 Oracle FMS upgrade assessment |
2021 |
€ 22,180.00 |
|
O Maille Group |
Facilitator for OSPAR (mechanism by which 15 Governments & the EU cooperate to protect the marine environment of the North-East Atlantic) Artic Workshop |
2022 |
€ 4,840.00 |
|
Bearingpoint Ireland Ltd. |
Change management support and advisory services |
2022 |
€ 22,874.93 |
|
Ove Arup & Partners Ireland Ltd (Arup) |
Screening for Appropriate Assessment on draft Regulations that make changes to the circumstance where solar PV/thermal panels and equipment constitute exempted development |
2022 |
€ 5,596.50 |
|
Faith Wilson Ecological Consultant |
Screening for Appropriate Assessment on draft Regulations relating to a temporary use of specified buildings as a public vaccination centre or public infection testing centre |
2022 |
€ 2,460.00 |
|
RPS Consulting |
Nitrates Strategic Environmental Assessment/ Appropriate Assessment Action Plan |
2022 |
€ 33,457.23 |
|
TOBIN Consulting Engineers |
For the provision of research and information on the Rural Water Sector, to support the Rural Water Working Group in carrying out its work. |
2022 |
€ 44,856.87 |
|
TOBIN Consulting Engineers |
For the provision of research and information on the Rural Water Sector, to support the Rural Water Working Group in carrying out its work. |
2022 |
€ 18,939.54 |
|
Carla Mateus |
Climate Action Policy and Construction Industry Regulation Unit |
2022 |
€ 10,555.00 |
398. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of a citizenship application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18339/22]
View answerThe processing of Foreign Birth Registration applications has resumed and will be gradually scaling up in line with the recruitment of additional resources. Foreign Birth Registration applications are citizenship applications, and as in all jurisdictions involve a complex and lengthy process.
Due to an unprecedented surge in applications as a result of the Brexit referendum in the UK, and the pause in the Service due to Covid-19 restrictions, applicants should allow over 2 years from date of receipt for processing of FBR applications at this time.
The application referenced was registered 7th May 2020, and is being stored in a secure environment.
The FBR service operates a transparent general policy of processing applications in order of receipt. FBR staff continue to provide an emergency service for Foreign Birth Registration in cases of exceptional urgency, such as expectant parents, or stateless persons. Such applicants may continue to contact the Passport Service directly.
The Department is determined to ensure that the Passport Service is sufficiently resourced to respond to current and anticipated unprecedented demand for Passports and Foreign Birth Registrations.
399. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the online portal that will allow queries for all application types to be submitted directly to the passport service by Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17418/22]
View answerThe Passport Service is developing an online portal that will allow Oireachtas Members to query the status of passport applications on behalf of their constituents.
The testing element of this project is yet to be completed. Once the online portal is finalised, the Passport Service expects to roll it out over the summer of this year.
In the meantime, Members of the Oireachtas can avail of the temporary phone line that was established in October 2021 to respond to Members' queries on urgent passport cases.
In each case raised by an Oireachtas Member, the Passport Service reviews the application in question. However, applications can only be expedited in cases of genuine emergency such as a need for urgent medical treatment overseas or the death of a family member abroad. Such applications are expedited through the Travel Emergency service.
In cases where the estimated issue-by date has passed and the application is fully complete, the Passport Service will prioritise the application to ensure that no further delay is experienced.
Passport applicants can also track the status of their passport application online via the Passport Tracker which is available on my Department's website - www.dfa.ie/passporttracking/
400. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if passport renewal applications (details supplied) can be examined and expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17421/22]
View answerWith regard to the specific applications about which the Deputy has enquired, the Passport Service has issued a passport to one of the applicants and has provided an update on the status of the other application to the applicant's parent.
401. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he plans to approve the establishment of a resident full-time Irish consulate in Western Australia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17492/22]
View answerOur network of diplomatic missions in the Asia Pacific Region is kept under constant review, in the context of commitments set out in the Programme for Government, in Global Ireland 2025 and in our Asia Pacific Strategy.
In the Asia Pacific Region, we have recently expanded our network through opening a Consulate General in Mumbai and an Embassy in Manila. At present, there are no plans to open a new Consulate General in Western Australia.
In conjunction with our Embassy in Canberra and State Agencies, our Honorary Consul in Perth currently provides consular services and assistance to Irish citizens, supports local Irish community efforts and assists in developing trade and economic relations with Western Australia.
