Written Answers Nos. 264-285
264. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a schedule of customer names and valuation dates in respect of valuations undertaken by the State Valuation Office from 2011 to 2021 for Higher Education Authority-funded higher education institutions. [45480/22]
View answerThe information requested is not held by my Department.
The Commissioner of Valuation is independent in the exercise of his functions under the Valuation Act 2001, as amended. The Valuation Office provides a professional valuation service to Government Departments, State Agencies and other public bodies. This work relates to capital and rental valuations, including valuations for rent review purposes. Valuations are also provided for properties being transferred between Government Departments, State bodies and other public authorities and agencies in accordance with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform Circular 11/15 Protocol for the Transfer of State Property Assets.
The Valuation Office can be contacted directly at its dedicated email address for Oireachtas members at oireachtas.enquiries@VALOFF.ie.
265. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide details of monies returned from the four local authorities in Dublin to his Department by category for each of the years 2019 to 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45536/22]
View answerThe funding system that applies to local authorities in Ireland is a complex one, as those authorities derive their income from a variety of sources including commercial rates, charges for goods and services and funding from Central Government including my Department but also other government departments and state agencies. Most of the funding from Central Government to local authorities must be used for specified services. These can be grouped into 5 broad programme categories: housing, transport, recreational, education and environment.
My Department has a wide and diverse business agenda, covering a broad range of functions, including local authority housing, voluntary housing, homeless services, estate regeneration, energy efficiency retrofitting, housing grants, rural water schemes, urban renewal/regeneration, and fire services. In order to achieve its business objectives, my Department allocates significant resources to an extensive range of organisations, including local authorities, dedicated agencies, and other bodies; some allocations, depending on the programmes concerned, are made on a national or other non-county basis in the form of grant funding.
Grant funding is provided primarily on the basis of vouched expenditure, as opposed to specific up front annual allocations, once all necessary requirements as detailed in grant assistance schemes are met by the bodies/organisations concerned and that appropriate systems and procedures are in place to ensure the exercise of proper financial controls. Accordingly, the circumstances of funding being returned to the Central Exchequer through my Department do not generally arise. I'm not aware of any refund in respect of these grant programmes from the four Dublin local authorities between 2019 and 2021.
However there was some funding returned to the Local Government Fund in respect of the Covid Commercial Rates Waiver/Support package. In early 2021, Dublin City Council returned €1,095,036 and Dun Laoghaire/ Rathdown County Council returned €10,196 in respect of the 2020 rates waiver. Similarly in March 2022, South Dublin County Council returned €70,148 in respect of the 2021 waiver.
266. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide details of monies provided to the four local authorities in Dublin by his Department for the provision of retrofitting of council housing stock by category for each of the years 2019 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45539/22]
View answerSince 2013, Exchequer funding has been provided through my Department's Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme (EERP) to support local authorities with the retrofit of local authority owned homes requiring insulation and energy upgrade works. Since the programme commenced in 2013 over 75,000 homes have been retrofitted with a total exchequer spend of €184 million under the scheme.
In response to the Programme for Government commitment, my Department launched a newly revised ten year Energy Efficiency Programme in 2021 for local authority owned housing. This new programme set a BER performance requirement of “B2” or cost optimal level. The upscaling of the works included in the programme sees a substantial overall increase in funding being made available for insulation, windows and doors and heating upgrades, specifically the installation of a Heat Pump and associated works. The installation of gas/oil boilers are no longer supported under the energy efficiency programme funded by my Department.
An annualised breakdown of the funding provided and the number of properties upgraded under the Energy Efficiency Retrofit programme for the years 2013-2021 is available on my Department's website at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/668c1-energy-efficiency-retrofitting-programme-expenditure-output/
My Department announced earlier this year that funding will be provided for the upgrade of approximately 2,400 social homes this year, of which 304 have been allocated to Dublin City Council, 68 allocated to Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, 81 allocated to Fingal and 146 allocated to South Dublin County Council. Work in this regard is underway but it will be later this year before significant recoupment claims are lodged with my Department. Full details in relation to the 2022 EERP will be available early in 2023.
267. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps that he is taking to increase the percentage of electric or hybrid vehicles owned by his Department and state agencies and bodies under the Department’s remit. [45583/22]
View answerThe Climate Action Plan sets out an ambitious course for national decarbonisation to deliver a scale-up in emission performance across all sectors over the coming decade to meet 2030 targets and to set a trajectory to meet 2050 objectives. The plan recognises that climate change is a complex issue that requires transformative responses from every sector in society and that all measures, collectively, represent a coherent approach to dealing with the significant challenges ahead.
My Department is committed to purchasing only zero-emission vehicles where available and operationally feasible from the end of 2022 as set out in the Climate Action Mandate for the Public Sector. In 2020, two STEED (Sustainable Transport Electric Energy Delivered) electric buses were secured to service Glenveagh National Park. The introduction of these electric buses follows on from the successful introduction of e-charging points for members of the public in Glenveagh National Park in 2018. My Department subsequently funded the procurement of a further two electric buses in 2022.
In addition, the National Parks and Wildlife Service currently operates 5 e-vehicles for education and guide staff. There are plans to extend the use of such vehicles across the entire National Parks network. Central to these plans is our intention to extend the infrastructure for e-charging points across all Departmental locations.
The information requested in relation to bodies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for the individual bodies concerned. Arrangements have been put in place by each Agency to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. The contact email address for each agency is set out in the following table:
|
State Body |
Contact e-mail |
|
An Bord Pleanála |
oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie |
|
An Fóram Uisce (the Water Forum) |
info@nationalwaterforum.ie |
|
Approved Housing Body Regulatory Authority |
oireachtasqueries@ahbregulator.ie |
|
Docklands Oversight and Consultative Forum |
infodocklands@dublincity.ie |
|
Ervia |
oireachtas@ervia.ie |
|
Gas Networks Ireland |
oireachtas@ervia.ie |
|
Heritage Council |
oireachtas@heritagecouncil.ie |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
oireachtas.enquiries@hfa.ie |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
publicreps@housingagency.ie |
|
Irish Water |
oireachtasmembers@water.ie |
|
Land Development Agency |
oireachtas@lda.ie |
|
Local Government Management Agency |
corporate@lgma.ie |
|
National Oversight and Audit Commission |
info@noac.ie |
|
National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee |
ntacc@housing.gov.ie |
|
Office of the Planning Regulator |
oireachtas@opr.ie |
|
Ordnance Survey Ireland |
Oireachtas@osi.ie |
|
Property Registration Authority |
reps@prai.ie |
|
Pyrite Resolution Board |
oireachtasinfo@pyriteboard.ie |
|
Residential Tenancies Board |
OireachtasMembersQueries@rtb.ie |
|
Valuation Office |
oireachtas.enquiries@VALOFF.ie |
|
Valuation Tribunal |
info@valuationtribunal.ie |
|
Water Advisory Body |
info@wab.gov.ie |
|
Waterways Ireland |
ceoffice@waterwaysireland.org |
268. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the estimated number of applications anticipated for the Mica redress scheme in 2023; the cost associated with this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45596/22]
View answerFollowing on from the Government decision of the 30 November 2021 in respect of the enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant scheme, the Government approved the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Bill 2022 on 21 June and the Bill passed through both Houses of the Oireachtas and was subsequently signed into law by the President.
The purpose of this Act is to implement and give legislative underpinning to a series of measures to improve and enhance the scheme as agreed by Government on 30 November 2021. Full details can be found at www.gov.ie/en/press-release/328d7-minister-obrien-welcomes-progress-on-enhanced-defective-concrete-blocks-grant-scheme/.
The actual number of applications and corresponding payments that are expected in 2023 are unknown. However, it is possible somewhat to estimate based on the numbers that have applied through the current scheme since it opened in 2020. The average number of applications per year from Donegal, over the same period, is 333 per year.
Clare and Limerick will begin accepting applications to the Enhanced Scheme upon its commencement. The scale of the issue in Clare and Limerick is similar to that in Mayo so it would be reasonable to assume that the number of applications will not be significantly different than those from Mayo, which has an average of 95 applications per annum over the last 3 years. Therefore, the estimated number of applications in 2023 is 618 applications.
Since the current scheme opened in 2020 the average grant amount approved for remediation works is €221,869. Notwithstanding the potential impact of the enhanced scheme on the average value of approvals this would suggest that the value of approvals in 2023 could be of the order of €137m. There is however a very considerable time lag between grant approval and the draw down of funding. Not all homeowners will start work immediately after receipt of approval. In addition, depending upon the remediation option being carried out, the works themselves can take anywhere between 2 and 15 months which can affect the value of funding drawn down in any particular year.
269. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the measures that he is taking to tackle the increase in homelessness in recent months. [45603/22]
View answerThe continuing increase in the numbers accessing emergency accommodation throughout the country is a serious concern. The Government, local authorities and others are making every effort to reduce homelessness. Key to this is the delivery of new social housing and boosting overall supply of homes.
The Government is investing significantly in social and affordable housing, with record funding allocated for current and capital investment in housing this year alone. This year funding is in place to deliver 11,800 social homes, including 9,000 new build homes, thus building on the progress made last year when 9,183 new social homes were provided, a 17% increase on 2020.
I established the National Homeless Action Committee (NHAC) with the immediate priority of examining measures to prevent homelessness. A number of Committee subgroups have been established to examine specific measures that have been identified. Progress on all prevention measures is discussed at each meeting of NHAC.
To build upon this, local authorities will shortly participate in a Homelessness Prevention Workshop, run by the Housing Agency, aimed at examining homelessness prevention and discussing the measures that are most impactful.
The Youth Homelessness Strategy is now in the process of being finalised. Five key consultations for the strategy have now concluded. NHAC members will be invited to provide feedback on the final draft. It is anticipated that the Strategy will be published in Q4 2022.
The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) discretion rate has been increased to 35% and the couple’s rate has now been expanded to single persons for new tenancies. This will secure more tenancies and prevent new entries into homelessness. Local authorities are prioritising tenancy support services, prevention and the use of the Placefinder service for HAP tenancies.
The Housing Agency, in partnership with the HSE and in consultation with key Departments and agencies has developed a good practice guide for the operation of Assertive Street Outreach services. This guide is intended to be a flexible tool for sharing good practice and ideas for Assertive Street Outreach and will assist regions in expanding outreach services into areas in which rough sleeping is understood to be a concern.
Following the success of the voids programme, which delivered over 6,000 units in 2020 and 2021, a new Voids programme has been introduced for 2022, with an emphasis on quick turnaround and re-letting of vacant social housing stock. In addition, in line with the commitment in Housing for All to support local authorities to drive take up of the enhanced Repair and Leasing scheme, the Government has recently approved a pilot expansion which will open the scheme to a wider range of owners, by removing the criteria that a property owner must be unable to fund or access funding to bring former vacant commercial and institutional buildings back into use under the Repair and Leasing scheme. These measures will increase supply of homes to those on social housing waiting lists, including those in emergency accommodation.
Recently, I also reinstated the delegated sanction to local authorities in respect of social housing acquisitions that meet certain criteria. This will allow local authorities more flexibility to secure acquisitions which support a household to exit or to prevent homelessness.
We are providing more social homes, we are completing more homes in general and we have a strong pipeline of homes commenced. This supply activity, as well as targeted measures specifically centred on homelessness, will allow us to meet the challenge of eradicating homelessness.
270. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider reintroducing a ban on evictions given the rising numbers of homelessness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45605/22]
View answerHaving regard to the manifest and grave risk to human life and public health posed by the spread of Covid-19 and in order to mitigate, where practicable, the effect of the spread of that disease, the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Act 2020 provided for a temporary moratorium on tenancy terminations, other than in exceptional and limited cases during the emergency period from 27 March 2020 to 1 August 2020.
The operation of the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004 - 2022 and the residential rental market, are kept under constant review by my Department, the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) and the Housing Agency and I will bring forward any necessary and justifiable legal change in a timely manner.
271. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of vacant sites listed per county; the amount received in vacant site levies per county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45621/22]
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 03/2022 on 25 March 2022 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 attached Table.
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.
272. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the increase of HAP payments will be extended to homeless HAP payments. [45665/22]
View answerUnder Housing for All, my Department was tasked with undertaking an analytical exercise to examine whether the level of discretion available to Local Authorities under the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) was adequate. The Housing Agency undertook to carry out this analytical exercise on behalf of my Department to better understand what level of discretion should be made available to Local Authorities under HAP to maintain adequate levels of support.
Following receipt and analysis of this review, I, in cooperation with Government colleagues and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, approved an increase in the HAP discretion rate from 20% to 35% and for new tenancies to extend the couple’s rate to single person households. This will secure more tenancies and prevent new entries to homelessness. Both these measures came into effect from 11 July 2022.
A separate review of the discretion available to Homeless HAP tenancies in Dublin, which is up to 50% above the prescribed maximum rent limits, is currently being undertaken by my Department, in conjunction with the Housing Agency.
273. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps that he is taking to address concerns impacting disabled persons including the lack of available accessible houses with supported living packages, difficulties navigating the social housing application process due to its inaccessible nature, and issues regarding decision-making when they enter into tenancy agreements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45700/22]
View answerI launched the second joint National Housing Strategy for Disabled People (NHSDP) 2022-2027 on 14 January 2022 together with Minister Darragh O'Brien and Ms. Anne Rabbitte, T.D., Minister of State with responsibility for Disability. The new Strategy will operate within the framework of Housing for All – A New Housing Plan for Ireland which is committed to ensuring that affordable, quality housing with an appropriate mix of housing design types provided within social housing, including universally designed units, is available to everyone in Irish society, including those with disabilities and older people. The co-ordination and alignment of housing provision with the delivery of health and social care support services, which are provided by the Health Services Executive (HSE), is identified in the Strategy as key to successful implementation.
Preparation of the Implementation Plan for the National Housing Strategy for Disabled People is underway and will be launched in Quarter 4 2022. The Implementation Plan will be aimed at delivering housing and related supports for disabled people through the cooperation and collaboration of Government Departments, state agencies and others in line with the new Strategy.
My Department introduced a revised social housing application form in March 2021 in consultation with the local authority sector. The changes made provided an application form that is more customer focused, and which is more streamlined and accessible for the applicant. The application form already provided for applicants to identify housing requirements arising from a disability or medical condition, but now also includes an identifier for persons requiring 'wheelchair liveable' accommodation.
The day-to-day operation of the social housing system, including tenancy agreements, is a matter solely for each local authority including any assistance provided in this regard.
274. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the examination of the alignment and EPA certificate of authorisation of a number of small-scale waste water treatment plants servicing small local authority housing estates, including Rocksprings in Kilross, has been completed; and if not, if a date for its completion and publication is envisaged. [45797/22]
View answerThe Water Services (No 2) Act 2013 provides for the –
- establishment of Irish Water and
- transfer of water services functions, property and assets from local authorities to Irish Water by way of Ministerial Order.
This asset transfer process began in 2015, and by end June 2022, a total of 22 Ministerial Orders had been made to transfer water services assets from the local authorities to Irish Water. Some 3,306 asset properties have now transferred, and a further 1,200 assets are expected to transfer before year end.
Whereas good progress is being made, it is expected to take a number of years for the process to be completed. The legal teams at Irish Water and the local authorities continue to work together, and have complex legal issues to settle in significant volumes of assets. These involve title deed queries and searches, ownership structures, boundary rectifications and first registrations – all needing to be settled before all assets can be transferred.
Part of this ongoing transfer process relates to the future ownership structure for small water and waste water treatment plants and if they are part of the public water system - which would include small-scale waste water treatment plants like Rocksprings in Kilross. At present there are differing views as to where responsibility lies for these systems. My Department is examining this issue and will be engaging with Irish Water, the local authorities, the EPA and others to reach a common view and understanding on the small water and waste water treatment plants. This examination will feed into the ongoing (regular) asset transfer process and, as such, there will be no formal output nor publication.
275. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to help halt the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) by applying the Precautionary Principle and ordering an immediate cessation of all shooting and hunting including driven shoots; if he is of the view that at this critical moment, every effort must be made to eliminate all risks to wild birds, many of whom are already under threat and categorised as amber and red-listed. [45819/22]
View answerI am deeply concerned about the impact that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza may have on our wild seabird populations. My Department officials are in regular contact with colleagues in the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine (DAFM) in relation to the spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza and they are keeping the situation under very close review. The Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine has responsibility for avian influenza testing in Ireland. NPWS has also been liaising with counterparts in the UK, and has been briefed on outbreaks there and measures being implemented.
Should the situation deteriorate, then my Department will review all possible options to mitigate that with the experts in the DAFM.
276. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when plans to advertise for a new grant scheme to allow private water schemes to upgrade or refurbish their schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45826/22]
View answerI understand the Question refers to Group Water Schemes.
My Department’s Multi-annual Rural Water Programme, through Exchequer funding, delivers improvements to water services in areas of rural Ireland where there are no public water services.
A working group - the Rural Water Working Group - is considering the composition of the measures for inclusion for funding under the upcoming multi-annual programme. Once I have had an opportunity to consider their report, I expect to announce details of the programme priorities and an invitation to local authorities to submit bids will follow later this year.
277. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number, location and timeframe involved in delivering cost rental housing to County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45828/22]
View answer278. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of affordable houses delivered in County Kildare over the last 3 years; the plans for the next 3 years; the location and delivery times of those built and those proposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45829/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 277 and 278 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. 54,000 affordable home interventions will be delivered between now and 2030 to be facilitated by local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies (AHB), the Land Development Agency (LDA) and through a strategic partnership between the State and retail banks.
Local authorities have begun collating information on delivery of affordable homes in their area in the same manner as is currently undertaken for social housing. It is intended that information across all delivery streams, including AHB delivery and LDA delivery, will be gathered centrally and I expect that my Department will be in a position to begin reporting on affordable delivery in national quarterly statistics later this year.
Informed by an analysis of the level of demand and affordability constraint in their area using a Housing Need and Demand Assessment, Kildare’s affordable housing will be underpinned by its Housing Delivery Action Plan which can be found here
kildarecoco.ie/YourCouncil/Publications/Housing/
The First Home Scheme, launched in July last now provides affordable housing options nationally via an equity support of up to 30% for First Time Buyers of new homes. I am advised that the scheme will publish quarterly statistics from October and I understand from initial feedback that application levels from Kildare County are amongst the highest in the country.
Separately and supported by Departmental funding, Kildare County Council has confirmed that construction is expected to begin on 10 affordable purchase homes of a mixed tenure housing development at Ardclough Road in Celbridge, next year, with projected delivery of these affordable homes by the 1st quarter of 2025.
In relation to Cost Rental, approval has been confirmed for approximately 900 homes to be delivered by AHBs via the Cost Rental Equity Loan in the period to 2023. Of this number, approximately 242 are scheduled to be delivered in Kildare in 2022 and 2023, across 4 different sites. The necessary financial and commercial arrangements in relation to a number of these projects are being completed by the AHBs concerned and full details will be made public as arrangements are concluded.
The LDA will also deliver affordable purchase and Cost Rental homes on its own portfolio and through Project Tosaigh. In addition, the LDA has submitted a revised planning permission for 219 social, affordable and cost rental units at Devoy Barracks in Naas, Co. Kildare. Details of the number and type of homes to be delivered by the LDA will be confirmed by the LDA as plans advance and further information can be found at lda.ie/
Other measures to allow buyers to affordably access newly-constructed housing such as the Help to Buy Scheme and the Local Authority 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:
www.revenue.ie/en/property/help-to-buy-incentive/index.aspx, and
localauthorityhomeloan.ie/
279. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to increase the HAP rate for single people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45830/22]
View answerUnder Housing for All, my Department was tasked with undertaking an analytical exercise to examine whether the level of discretion available to Local Authorities under the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) was adequate. The Housing Agency undertook to carry out this analytical exercise on behalf of my Department to better understand what level of discretion should be made available to Local Authorities under HAP to maintain adequate levels of support.
Following receipt and analysis of this review, I, in cooperation with Government colleagues and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, have now approved an increase in the HAP discretion rate from 20% to 35% and for new tenancies to extend the couple’s rate to single person households. This will secure more tenancies and prevent new entries to homelessness. Both these measures came into effect from 11 July 2022.
The review identified that the household type with the largest proportion of tenancies in receipt of discretion are single person households. In addition, these households are, on average, among those requiring the highest levels of discretion. To further assist this cohort, local authorities may apply a couple rate to a new single person tenancy, where required. This additional measure specifically addresses the challenges experienced by single person households and the fact that both single and couple households have a one-bed need.
Recognising that newer tenancies are at a higher cost than those tenancies already in place, this measure will apply to new tenancies only. Single person tenancies already in place may request a rent review, with local authorities now in a position to amend the level of discretion up to 35%.
My Department continues to keep the operation of the HAP scheme under review.
280. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of applications received and approved for the croí cónaithe scheme by county and by applications submitted and approved respectively to date in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45845/22]
View answerOn the 14 July, my Department launched the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund. The Fund is initially focused on supporting refurbishment of vacant homes in regional towns and villages. The Fund is being delivered by local authorities, and will provide new choices for people to live in towns and villages in Ireland, initially through the provision of a grant to support the refurbishment of vacant properties, with priority given to areas where the level of vacancy or dereliction is high.
All local authorities were requested by my Department to engage in adequate tracking of the operation of the Fund including how many applications have submitted and how many applications have been approved to date. As of 2nd September 2022, the information as follows. Note some of those applications received are currently being processed :
|
Local Authority |
Applications Received |
Approved to date |
|
Carlow |
1 |
0 |
|
Cavan |
3 |
0 |
|
Clare |
4 |
0 |
|
Cork City |
1 |
0 |
|
Cork county |
20 |
0 |
|
Donegal |
9 |
0 |
|
Dublin City |
0 |
0 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown |
0 |
0 |
|
Fingal |
0 |
0 |
|
Galway City |
0 |
0 |
|
Galway County |
13 |
0 |
|
Kerry |
13 |
0 |
|
Kildare |
4 |
3 |
|
Kilkenny |
6 |
3 |
|
Laois |
4 |
3 |
|
Leitrim |
6 |
1 |
|
Limerick |
10 |
0 |
|
Longford |
2 |
0 |
|
Louth |
5 |
2 |
|
Mayo |
7 |
1 |
|
Meath |
0 |
0 |
|
Monaghan |
10 |
0 |
|
Offaly |
5 |
1 |
|
Roscommon |
9 |
0 |
|
Sligo |
6 |
0 |
|
South Dublin |
0 |
0 |
|
Tipperary |
15 |
3 |
|
Waterford |
2 |
0 |
|
Westmeath |
8 |
0 |
|
Wexford |
2 |
0 |
|
Wicklow |
4 |
2 |
|
Total |
169 |
19 |
Data will continue to be gathered by my Department on the operation of the Fund. Ongoing review is taking place and a comprehensive overall review and evaluation of the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund will be undertaken no later than mid-2024 with the Fund targeted to deliver some 2,000 homes by 2025.
281. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the Department's financial support for the Traveller led approved housing body Cena including the possibility of funding provided by way of a service level agreement via the housing agency to assist in the development of culturally appropriate Traveller specific accommodation. [45881/22]
View answerMy Department is engaging with the AHB sector, including Cena, on its capacity to deliver Traveller specific accommodation as part of the ongoing work of the Programme Board, established to oversee the implementation of the recommendations contained in the Expert Group Review report.
My Department funded Cena, through a service level agreement, to employ a part-time Tenant Liaison Officer in Carlow from July 2021 to June 2022 to guide and assist Traveller families in taking up new tenancies. In addition, Offaly County Council engaged the services of Cena to support tenants through a service level agreement, which was also funded by my Department. I also understand that the Housing Agency provided support for the work of Cena to build its capacity as a self sustaining standalone AHB through funding of a post over the past 3 years which recently came to its natural conclusion.
The capacity of AHBs, including Cena, to deliver Traveller specific accommodation remains part of the ongoing work of the Programme Board and is under ongoing consideration.
282. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will examine an anomaly in the local authority loan scheme which is preventing joint tenants from securing a loan to purchase their social house (details supplied) due to one of the tenants' age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45904/22]
View answerThe Local Authority Home Loan is a Government backed mortgage for those on modest or low incomes who cannot get sufficient funding from commercial banks to purchase or build a home. It has been available nationwide from local authorities since 4 January 2022 for first-time buyers and fresh start applicants. The loan can be used both for new and second-hand properties, or to self-build.
To be eligible for the Local Authority Home Loan, as with any mortgage, all persons involved in the purchase must be named on the mortgage and must all be eligible for the scheme as set out below:
- be a first-time buyer
- be aged between 18 and 70 years
- be in continuous employment for a minimum of two years, as the primary earner or be in continuous employment for a minimum of one year, as a secondary earner
- single applicant must have an annual gross income of not more than €65,000 (gross) in counties Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kildare, Louth, Meath and Wicklow and be earning under €50,000 (gross) in all other counties
- joint applicants must have an annual gross income of not more than €75,000 (gross) in all counties
- submit two years certified accounts, if self-employed
- provide proof of insufficient mortgage offers of finance from two regulated financial providers
- not be a current or previous owner of residential property in or outside the Republic of Ireland, unless you are a "Fresh Start" applicant
- occupy the property as your normal place of residence
- purchase or self-build a property situated in the Republic of Ireland
- purchase or self-build a property which does not exceed the maximum market value applicable for the county in which it is located
- consent to a Central Credit Register check
- currently have a legal right to reside and work in the State and be able to demonstrate that they are habitually resident in Ireland
Local Authority tenants who wish to purchase their home under the Tenant Purchase Scheme are not restricted to using the Local Authority Home Loan but may also use commercial lenders to fund the house purchase.
Section 63(3) of the Local Government Act 2001 provides that, subject to law, a local authority is independent in the performance of its functions. Section 6 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 specifically provides that the Minister's power to issue policy directions and guidelines to housing authorities in relation to their housing functions should not be construed as enabling the Minister to exercise any power or control in relation to any individual case with which a housing authority is or may be concerned. I am, therefore, precluded from intervening in relation to individual cases.
The final decision on loan approval is a matter for each local authority and its Credit Committee on a case-by-case basis. Decisions on all housing loan applications must be made in accordance with the statutory credit policy that underpins the scheme, in order to ensure consistency of treatment for all applicants.
More information on the Local Authority Home Loan can be found here: localauthorityhomeloan.ie.
283. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason that individuals cannot avail of the local authority home loan and the first-home scheme at the same time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45919/22]
View answerThe Local Authority Home Loan is a Government backed mortgage scheme for those on modest or low incomes who cannot get sufficient funding from commercial banks to purchase or build a home. It has been available nationwide from local authorities since 4 January 2022 for first-time buyers and fresh start applicants.
The Local Authority Home Loan can be used both for new and second-hand properties, or to self-build. It also includes 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 First Home Scheme which was launched on 7 July 2022 supports first-time buyers in purchasing new homes in the private market through the use of an equity share model. Equity support of up to 30% is available to eligible purchasers. An annual service charge applies after Year 5, calculated on the amount of equity support provide to enable the purchase. This scheme has been designed to support buyers in the private market for new-build homes who have the financial capacity to obtain a mortgage from a commercial lender but who find the price of a suitable new home is to some degree beyond their purchasing power.
With the Local Authority Home Loan, applicants must demonstrate that they do not have the financial capacity to obtain the required mortgage from a commercial mortgage provider.
More information on the Local Authority Home Loan can be found on the dedicated website in the following link localauthorityhomeloan.ie/.
284. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when it is envisaged that the foreshore unit and the National Parks & Wildlife Service will conclude whether there is a need for updated or new guidance in relation to the assessment of proposed geophysical activities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45920/22]
View answerThe responsibility for the development on Ireland’s foreshore is currently regulated under the provisions of the Foreshore Act 1933, as amended. The Foreshore Act 1933 requires that a lease or licence must be obtained from the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government for the carrying out of works or placing structures or material on, or for the occupation of or removal of material from, State-owned foreshore, which represents the greater part of the foreshore. The Act provides for the issuing of licences or leases which are in the public interest and provides for the removal of any material within the foreshore and not more than thirty feet below the surface thereof.
The position in relation to proposed geophysical survey activity involving sonar and echo sounding equipment and which are undertaken in a non-intrusive manner and do not place anything on or remove or disturb or interfere with the seabed or shore, is that a foreshore licence is not required under section 3 of the Foreshore Act 1933 on foot of recent legal advices.
There are however, obligations on proposers intending to undertake such survey activity to seek Ministerial consent in accordance with the EC (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011. The existing foreshore licence assessment process for both geophysical surveys and geotechnical-type activities may address all necessary assessments referred to above, because in determining whether to issue the licence the assessments referred to under the Regulations will be conducted. The NPWS website provides guidance on obligations under The EC (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011-2021 and can be contacted directly by proposers who wish to discuss consent requirements arising.
My Department is working to assess the implications of the recent legal advice with a view to streamlining consent processes in advance of the establishment of the new maritime area regulator - the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) in 2023.
In that context, the Foreshore Unit and the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department are actively engaged with a view to developing a protocol which will provide clarity for applicants in this regard. I expect this to be concluded shortly.
285. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he intends to update and expand the 1990 definition of dereliction to allow for more accurate reflection of derelict properties. [45945/22]
View answer286. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are any plans to increase the resources available to local authorities to allow for greater enforcement and capacity to collect the derelict sites levy, noting that only €1.1 million of derelict site levies for 2021 were collected by city and county councils resulting in a collection rate of just 23%. [45946/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 285 and 286 together.
Addressing vacancy and dereliction, and maximising the use of the existing housing stock, is a priority objective of the Government, as evidenced by Housing for All - A New Housing Plan for Ireland where one of the four pathways in the plan is specifically dedicated to this area.
My Department continues to liaise with local authorities on the implementation of the Derelict Sites Act 1990 (the Act) with a view to improving its effectiveness. In this regard, my Department initiated a review of the Act in November 2021 and has sought initial submissions from local authorities on potential improvements to the legislative provisions and the way they are applied. My Department has now established a focused working group to progress this matter further.
It would be premature to speculate on possible legislative changes, including the possible extension or redefinition of the term "derelict site", as well as improvements in the levy collection mechanisms in advance of the completion of this review.
With regard to the resources available to local authorities to allow for greater enforcement and capacity to collect the derelict sites levy, under section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he or she is responsible.
