Wednesday, 8 Mar 2023

Written Answers Nos. 98-110

Capital Expenditure Programme

Questions (98)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

98. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the reasons for the delay in cases accessing arbitration; the number of cases waiting for arbitration; the average waiting time; what steps are his Department taking to ensure that these cases are expedited; what steps are his Department taking to ensure that future cases will not have to wait so long; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11798/23]

Written answers

Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform

It is presumed that the Deputy is referring to cases dealt with under the Civil Service Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme. Firstly, in this regard, it should be noted there are no delays in accessing third-party hearings of cases under the scheme. At present, there are three cases awaiting arbitration hearings.

While the circumstances of each of the cases are different, the overall position is that the submission of a counter-statement by one of the parties is required before they can proceed to hearing. My Department makes every effort to ensure that the procedure for the resolution of disputes under the Scheme is followed in an efficient and timely manner as possible.

Office of Public Works

Questions (99)

Patrick Costello

Question:

99. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the status of the proposed walking and cycling bridge across the River Liffey from the War Memorial Gardens, Islandbridge; if funding has been assigned to the project; if so, the amount; the proposed timeline for works to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11905/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform

The Office of Public Works is progressing with the planning application of the new Commemorative Bridge and entrance plaza linking the Irish National War Memorial Gardens (INWMG) to Conyngham Road and the Phoenix Park on the northern side of the Liffey.

This project is widely supported by local elected representatives, community, stakeholders and the general public.

The OPW is engaging with consultants, Ian Ritchie Architects, to advance the design scheme and prepare the planning application for the bridge. It is not possible to give an exact costing for the proposed bridge at this time. The Office of Public Works has also engaged Consultants to prepare a draft Flood Risk Assessment and Section 50 application.

To date, all appropriate baseline studies have been completed. These include the Feasibility Study, Ecological studies and a detailed business case. Dublin City Council recently amended the local area plan for Inchicore to allow for development of this piece of infrastructure

Funding has not been specifically allocated for this project to date but approx. €100k has been spent on design consultant costs and survey costs and a further €700k is allocated for projected works to bring this to planning in Quarter 1 of 2023. It is anticipated that the OPW will tender for the construction works later in 2023.

Office of Public Works

Questions (100)

Patrick Costello

Question:

100. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform the status of the proposed renovation of the Magazine Fort in the Phoenix Park; if funding has been assigned to the project; if so, the amount; the proposed timeline for works to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11906/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform

The Office of Public Works has developed plans for the restoration of the Magazine Fort, Phoenix Park, and has received the necessary planning permission from Dublin City Council in 2022.

The OPW has already tendered for Phase 1 of the restoration works i.e. the Structural Stabilisation and Repair Works to the rampart walls, along with some other buildings which have been prioritised for conservation attention. This process will conclude shortly. The Office of Public Works will appoint a main contractor and it is anticipated that the project will begin on site in Summer 2023. Exact costs cannot be confirmed at this juncture but as previously advised, the OPW will fund the total project cost of these works from within its own Vote.

It is expected that the programme for this phase of works will be be approximately twenty four months in duration.

Departmental Correspondence

Questions (101)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

101. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform if he will provide an update on the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11995/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform

The Office of Public Works (OPW) has not been able to identify any letter issued in relation to the removal of sand from the Cashin estuary. The OPW has requested records relating to the period to be retrieved from archived storage, and will advise if the letter is located.

Scéimeanna Teanga

Questions (102)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

102. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán cén uair a fuair an Roinn iarratas ar íocaíocht deontais (sonraí tugtha); cén uair a dhéanfar an t-iarratas sin a phróiseáil; cén fáth a bhfuil moill ar an íocaíocht sin; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [11973/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

Fuarthas an t-iarratas ar dheontas ábhartha na Roinne a bhfuil tagairt déanta dó i mí Bealtaine 2022.

Ar an drochuair tá moill bainteach le próiseáil an iarratais i gceist agus is cás leis an Roinn an mhoill sin ar ndóigh.

Is féidir leis an Teachta a bheith cinnte de áfach go mbeidh cúram á dhéanamh de gan rómhoill eile agus go mbeifear i dteagmháil mar is gá leis an iarratasóir.

Rental Sector

Questions (103)

Michael Ring

Question:

103. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the Residential Tenancies Board will resolve an ongoing issue for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo in view of the fact that this issue is ongoing since July 2022, the undue stress being caused to the individual with their properties being de-registered and re-registered on the same day and ask that a senior member of the RTB make direct contact with this person to resolve this issue. [11662/23]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

I refer to my reply of Question No. 546 of 18 January 2023 regarding this issue. Landlords and agent customers are still experiencing some issues when registering tenancies through the Residential Tenancies Board’s (RTB) new tenancy management system. As outlined previously, this is an operational matter for the RTB, whose members having been working collaboratively and constructively with landlords and agents (including the person referred to in the details supplied) to assist and support them through the process.

The RTB has recently almost doubled the staffing in its outsourced call centre to deal with the issues that have arisen following the introduction of annual registration and it has been working hard to find the right balance between ensuring contracted staff are adequately trained and capable of assisting customers with their queries, ranging from linking tenancies, verifying accounts, and data-inputting paper applications. My Department will continue to work with the RTB to ensure it is sufficiently resourced to deliver on its expanded mandate, including any specific requests with regard to annual registration.

Housing Provision

Questions (104)

Duncan Smith

Question:

104. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of the number of homes that will be put forward for the affordable housing scheme under Fingal County Council; the timeline for such developments; the income figures that will be allocated for under this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11665/23]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

In implementing Housing for All, each local authority has prepared and published a Housing Delivery Action Plan in respect of local authority supported or overseen delivery from 2022 to 2026. Individual five-year housing delivery targets were set for local authorities and for 18 local authorities with a strong and identified affordable housing need, including Fingal County Council, specific affordable housing delivery targets were set. Those authorities were asked to include their planned affordable housing delivery in their Housing Delivery Action Plans. These plans were published on the local authorities’ respective websites in July 2022. Fingal County Council's housing delivery plan can be viewed on its website at Fingal County Council Housing Delivery Action Plan.pdf.

It should be noted that Fingal County Council has recently delivered one of the first affordable purchase housing schemes in the State which is located at Dun Emer, Lusk. These homes are now completed and are now being made available to the allocated purchasers at sales prices of at least 15% below market prices.

Fingal County Council have also advised that construction of 52 affordable purchase homes at Hayestown in Rush will be on site this week, with all 52 homes to be available for purchase this year. Details of this scheme and how to apply, will be announced on the Council's website in due course.

In addition, the First Home Scheme, which was launched last year, supports first-time buyers in purchasing new houses and apartments in the private market through the use of an equity share model, similar to that employed in the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme. The Scheme aims to support in the region of 8,000 households in acquiring new homes in the private market in the years 2022 to 2026 with an overall budget of €400 million. The scheme is available nationwide and more information can be found at www.firsthomescheme.ie/

Housing Provision

Questions (105)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

105. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider introducing legislation to ensure that there are not unreasonable and inexplicable delays on the part of developers in completing homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11689/23]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Act) includes several legislative provisions that relate to the duration of a planning permission.

Section 40 of the Act provides that the appropriate period for the completion of a planning permission shall generally be 5 years, unless otherwise specified by the planning authority pursuant to section 41 of the Act.Section 42 of the Act enables the holder of a planning permission to apply to a planning authority for up to two extensions of duration of a permission to the initial appropriate period of the permission, provided that the combined duration of both extensions does not exceed 5 years.

The granting of any such extension of duration of permission is subject to the planning authority being satisfied under section 42(1) of the Act that the development has been commenced, substantial works have been carried out, the development will be completed in a reasonable time and that, under section 42(8) of the Act, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and appropriate assessment (AA) are not required for the proposed extension.

It is proposed to retain the normal 5 year duration of permission in the draft planning reform Bill.

Housing Schemes

Questions (106)

Michael Lowry

Question:

106. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on the first-home scheme; if he supports requests for the scheme to be restructured to allow first-time self-builders who currently own a home; if it will allow first-time self-builders who do not already own a home to apply for the scheme; if a scheme review has been undertaken; when he expects such a review to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11740/23]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The First Home Scheme, launched on 7 July 2022, supports eligible first-time buyers in purchasing new houses and apartments in the private market through the use of an equity share model. It also supports certain other purchasers, who have previously owned a home, under the 'Fresh Start' principle. The scheme is administered by the First Home Scheme Ireland DAC, which is responsible for the governance and operations of the scheme. Further information on the scheme, including eligibility requirements, is available on the official website at: www.firsthomescheme.ie.

A review of the scheme’s house price ceilings was undertaken by First Home DAC in late 2022 which resulted in the introdudcution of updated price ceilings from January 2023.

Separately, and in line with Action 1.2 of the Housing for All Action Plan Update (November 2022), I have requested that the First Home DAC consider the potential to expand the scheme to cover new self-build homes. This includes the governance, financial, and operational implications of such a change. I understand that this is under consideration by First Home at present.

Defective Building Materials

Questions (107)

Michael McNamara

Question:

107. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update on the introduction of a Mica/Pyrite redress scheme for County Clare households; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11801/23]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Pyrite Resolution Act 2013 provides the statutory framework for the establishment of the Pyrite Resolution Board and for the making of a pyrite remediation scheme to be implemented by the Board with support from the Housing Agency.

The provisions of the Act apply only to dwellings affected by significant damage attributable to pyritic heave consequent on the presence of reactive pyrite in the subfloor hardcore material and not to damage arising in any other circumstance, e.g. such as pyrite in concrete blocks.

The full conditions for eligibility under the scheme are set out in the scheme which is available on the Board’s website, www.pyriteboard.ie.

Any proposal to amend the scheme is, in the first instance, a matter for the Pyrite Resolution Board and any such proposal would require detailed consideration of the evidence.

Separately, the purpose of the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (the 2022 Act) is to implement and give legislative underpinning to a series of measures to improve and enhance the Defective Concrete Block (DCB) grant scheme, as agreed by Government on 30 November 2021.The 2022 Act has currently designated 4 local authorities for inclusion in the enhanced scheme, namely Clare, Donegal, Limerick City and County and Mayo County Councils. The enhanced grant scheme will be commenced as soon as related Regulations are completed. The Regulations provide details for the enhanced scheme, not included in the 2022 Act, such as application forms and templates, per square metre grant rates and the definition of damage.

Draft Regulations have been prepared, which are the subject of consultation with key stakeholders, including with homeowners’ action groups. I have extended the consultation period on the draft Regulations by an additional two weeks, to 14 March 2023, following receipt of requests for time extensions from Donegal County Council and Mayo County Council. Grant rates, to be included in the final Regulations, will be based upon updated regional construction costs for 2023 provided by the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland.

Rental Sector

Questions (108)

Ivana Bacik

Question:

108. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the criteria used to determine the duration of the eviction moratorium; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11835/23]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Residential Tenancies (Deferment of Termination Dates of Certain Tenancies) Act 2022 was signed into law on 29 October 2022. The Act made emergency provision to defer the termination dates of certain residential tenancies that fall, or would fall, during the 'winter emergency period', beginning on 30 October 2022 and ending on 31 March 2023. The aim of the Act was to mitigate the risk that persons whose tenancies would otherwise be terminated during the winter would be unable to obtain alternative accommodation.In determining the emergency period, regard was had to the meteorological winter period which, according to Met Éireann, covers the period from 1 December to the end of February and to the similar Treve Hivernale in France. Regard was also had to the pressures on homeless services during the winter period.

The decision was taken to extend the deferral to cover the months before and after the meteorological winter period to extend its protections for persons whose tenancies would otherwise be terminated during the colder months.

It should be noted that notices of termination, where they have been served by a landlord on or before 29 October 2022 and specify a termination date that falls during the 'winter emergency period' will take effect in a staggered way, in accordance with the Act, over the period from 1 April to 18 June 2023.

Rental Sector

Questions (109)

Ivana Bacik

Question:

109. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has plans to amend the data sharing arrangements in place with the Residential Tenancies Board to impose more comprehensive reporting obligations in relation to disputes between landlords and tenants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11836/23]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2022 regulates the landlord-tenant relationship in the rented residential sector and sets out the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants.

Section 123 of the Acts provides, inter alia, that the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) shall publish dispute determination orders issued by its Director. These orders can be found on the RTB website at www.rtb.ie/dispute-case-outcomes.

Section 151 of the Acts requires the RTB to provide information to the Minister on such matters relating to its functions and the rented sector, as may be requested by the Minister from time to time.

I have no plans to alter the RTB's data sharing arrangements in the manner described. However, the operation of the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2022, the residential rental market and the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) are kept under constant review by my Department to ensure that the legislation is fit for purpose.

Local Authorities

Questions (110)

Ivana Bacik

Question:

110. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the amount paid in compensation by each local authority in 2022 due to defective roads and pavements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11840/23]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

I have no function in relation to the matters raised in the question and the information requested is not available in my Department.

Local authorities are entirely independent corporate entities, having full responsibility under law for the performance of their functions and the discharge of their governance and other responsibilities. The policy in relation to compensating persons as outlined in the Question, for a specific purpose, are matters for each local authority. Details in that regard may be obtained directly from individual authorities.