Michael Healy-Rae
Question:149. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has confidence in An Bord Pleanála; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15803/23]
View answerPlanning Issues
Questions (149)
Written answers
An Bord Pleanála (the Board) is the national independent statutory body with responsibility for the determination of planning appeals and direct applications for strategic infrastructure and other developments under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, and certain other Acts.
My role as Minister in relation to the planning system is, primarily, to provide a policy and legislative framework under which the planning authorities, An Bord Pleanála and the Office of the Planning Regulator (the OPR) perform their statutory planning functions. The legislative framework chiefly comprises the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended (the 2000 Act) and the Planning and Development Regulations, 2001, as amended (the 2001 Regulations). I can confirm I have confidence in An Bord Pleanála to carry out its independent statutory functions.
Rights of Way
Questions (150)
Steven Matthews
Question:150. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding any proposed amendments to public rights of way under the current draft of the planning and development Bill; how they differ from the existing rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15810/23]
View answerWritten answers
There are no substantive changes to provisions in the draft Planning and Development Bill 2022 pertaining to public rights of way compared to the provisions in the current Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).
The draft Planning and Development Bill 2022 was published in January and the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage has undertaken a significant pre-legislative scrutiny process on it, over the past two months. I expect to receive their report shortly and will fully consider its recommendations, along with submissions on the Bill received from stakeholders, when preparing the final Bill. The final Bill, when published, will be accompanied by an Explanatory Memorandum provide information on the provisions in the Bill and will highlight the rationale for any substantial changes made to the current Act. It is intended that the Bill will then commence in the Houses of the Oireachtas with the intention that it will be enacted by this summer, subject to the Oireachtas schedule.
Rental Sector
Questions (151)
Johnny Mythen
Question:151. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the engagement his Department has had with Wexford County Council in order to plan for the impact of the lifting of the eviction ban; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15812/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Residential Tenancies (Deferment of Termination Dates of Certain Tenancies) Act 2022 was a time limited enactment which provided for a stay on eviction notices up to 31 March 2023, with deferred tenancy terminations taking effect over a staggered period from 1 April to 18 June.
The Government and I considered a number of courses of action in advance of the ending of the winter moratorium period and believe that a focus on additional new supply is the best way forward.
On 7 March, I announced further measures to increase the supply of social homes to mitigate the impact of the end of the winter emergency period including:
- an increase in the number of social housing acquisitions to 1,500 in 2023 to reduce the number of households at risk of homelessness;
- an additional 1,000 homes through Targeted Leasing initiatives in 2023 and 2024; and
- the amendment of the Capital Advance Leasing Facility used by Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to assist them in their efforts in delivering social homes.
The Government has recently agreed on a number of new measures to give tenants the opportunity to buy their home. This includes developing a legislative provision which may require that a landlord selling a property to offer “First Right of Refusal” to a tenant. Furthermore, I have issued a request to the First Home scheme Designated Activity Company to expand its eligibility to encompass such instances as where tenants who have received such a notice would be eligible for support under that scheme. In addition, I am developing proposals for a bespoke cost rental model which would see a provider allow tenants who have received such a notice and who are at risk of homelessness, but not on social housing supports, continue to reside in the property. The details of these schemes are in the process of being advanced and information will be available in due course.
On 14 March 2023, a circular letter was issued to all local authorities in relation to arrangement for social housing acquisitions for 2023. The circular advises local authorities of the increase of the number of social housing acquisitions from 200 per annum to 1,500 per annum. These acquisitions are to focus on homes where a HAP or RAS tenant has received a Notice of Termination, due to the sale of the property. Wexford County Council have an initial target of 30 acquisitions. Local authorities are best placed to make decisions on acquisitions. Individual local authorities have the flexibility to identify suitable acquisitions in line with local circumstances, value for money and their social housing allocations policy.
I have also reiterated the importance of being proactive in acquiring properties where a HAP or RAS tenant has received a Notice of Termination, both in correspondence and in person with Local Authority Chief Executives at the recent Housing Summits.
Last week my Department issued correspondence to local authority Regional Leads regarding the ongoing and additional measures to mitigate the impact of the end of the emergency winter eviction period and a circular letter will issue shortly with further details. Furthermore, The Housing Agency hosted a workshop with local authorities on 29 March to discuss these measures alongside homeless prevention recommendations made by the National Homeless Action Committee. My Department will continue to engage with all local authorities regarding the ongoing measures.
My Department will be monitoring activity in this area closely through 2023 and will continue to work with all local authorities, including Wexford County Council, to ensure sufficient funding is made available to support those at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
Local Authorities
Questions (152)
Alan Dillon
Question:152. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a breakdown of the housing stock of Mayo County Council (details supplied), in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15828/23]
View answerWritten answers
Housing for All, is the Government’s plan to increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 per year over the next decade. This includes the delivery of 90,000 social homes by 2030. Housing for All is supported by an investment package of over €4bn per annum, through an overall combination of €12bn in direct Exchequer funding, €3.5bn in funding through the Land Development Agency and €5bn funding through the Housing Finance Agency.
My Department does not collate data on the numbers of housing units owned by individual local authorities. This information may be available from Mayo County Council. The National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC) also produces an annual Performance Indicator Report for local authorities, which details a range of performance indicators for local authorities, including local authority owned social housing stock. The most recent report, relating to 2021, is available on the NOAC website at the following link: noac.ie/noac_publications/report-50-noac-performance-indicator-report-2021/.
My Department does not collate data on non-residential property owned by individual local authorities. This information may be available from Mayo County Council.
Vacant Properties
Questions (153)
Alan Dillon
Question:153. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of houses in the ownership of Mayo County Council that are not in use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15830/23]
View answerWritten answers
Local authorities will always have a level of vacancy in their housing stock. This will fluctuate over time, as tenancy surrender and re-letting of stock is an ongoing process. Therefore, ongoing data in relation to vacant local authority owned homes is not collated by my Department.
However, statistics in relation to social housing stock, at a point in time, are published by the National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC) in their Annual Reports on Performance Indicators in Local Authorities. These reports provide a range of information in relation to social housing stock, including levels of vacancy in local authority owned properties. The most recent report, relating to 2021, as published in November 2022, is available on the NOAC website at the following link:
noac.ie/noac_publications/report-50-noac-performance-indicator-report-2021/.
Regeneration Projects
Questions (154, 155)
Michael Ring
Question:154. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update regarding a project (details supplied) in County Mayo; the stage this project is at; if the works have been put out to tender; if funding has been drawn down for this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15849/23]
View answerMichael Ring
Question:155. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when works will commence on a project (details supplied) in County Mayo; when the works will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15851/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 155 together.
In line with the objectives of the National Planning Framework and the National Development Plan, the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) is currently providing part-funding to applicant-led projects, enabling more compact and sustainable development within the existing built-up footprints of our cities and large towns.
To this end, the URDF has already provisionally allocated in excess of €1.6 billion under two separate calls for proposals since its inception in 2018. Providing assistance to 132 proposals, comprising of almost 400 subprojects, URDF projects are now active in every local authority area in the country.
In 2021, following the second call for proposals under the URDF, I announced a provisional allocation of €11,027,500 in URDF support for Mayo County Council's two successful projects - Castlebar Historic Core Reactivation Initiative Project (€8,527,500) and Castlebar Military Barracks Project (€2,500,000).
This followed Mayo County Council's successful application for €141,391 in URDF support towards technical assistance for the advancement of the Castlebar Military Barracks project under the URDF's first call for proposals in 2018.
A preliminary Business Case for each of the Call 2 projects was approved by my Department in 2022. This represents Decision Gate 1 in the project lifecycle of the Public Spending Code and gives approval to Mayo County Council to proceed to the development of a Detailed Project Brief and Procurement Strategy for submission to the department as part of the approval process for the next decision gate (Decision Gate 2 – Pre Tender Approval). This submission is awaited.
Subject to adherence with the URDF Funding Principles and DPER Circular 13/2014, all appropriate and reasonable expenditure incurred in progressing the two projects to Decision Gate 2 (Design fees etc.) is eligible for recoupment from the Department. To date no funding has been drawn down for either of these projects by Mayo County Council.
While my Department works closely and communicates regularly with Mayo County Council in respect of project funding, responsibility for the advancement of these URDF supported projects through the various stages of planning, development and completion is, in the first instance, a matter for the Sponsoring Agency, Mayo County Council. Any queries regarding the timeline of the projects should be directed to the Council.
It should be noted that all URDF supported projects must be carefully developed and managed by the Sponsoring Agency in accordance with the normal conditions and arrangements that apply to public sector managed projects including, exercising appropriate cost control and delivering projects as approved, and in full compliance with the Public Spending Code.
Question No. 155 answered with Question No. 154.
Housing Schemes
Questions (156)
Cathal Crowe
Question:156. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will review the terms of the tenant purchase scheme to include individuals on carer's allowance (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15853/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme provides for the purchase by eligible tenants, including joint tenants, of local authority homes available for sale under the scheme. To be eligible, applicants must meet certain criteria, including minimum annual reckonable income.
In determining a tenant’s minimum annual reckonable income, local authorities can include incomes from employment, private pensions, the contributory and non-contributory State pensions and certain social protection payments, where the social protection payment is secondary to income from employment or a pension. However, other social protection payments including Carer's Allowance, which are considered shorter term in nature, are not considered when determining an applicant's annual reckonable income.
That said, the scheme qualifying criteria, including minimum reckonable income requirements, are being examined as part of the work on the broader social housing reform agenda.
Housing Schemes
Questions (157, 158)
Colm Burke
Question:157. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if, under the Croí Cónaithe towns fund scheme, he will consider including feasibility grants for the purposes of assessing the overall viability of the project, whereby such monies would ascertain the level of funding needed to inform the level of grant funding necessary to renovate a property for homeowner use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15855/23]
View answerColm Burke
Question:158. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if, under the Croí Cónaithe towns fund scheme, he will consider granting tranche payments to improve cashflow rather than at the end of the renovation as is currently the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15856/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 157 and 158 together.
Pathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock. The Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund is a key initiative which underpins the policy objectives set out in Pathway Four of Housing for All.
In July 2022, the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was launched as part of the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund. The grant benefits those who wish to turn a formerly vacant house or building into their principal private residence. The grant, which was initially launched in respect of vacant properties in towns and villages, was expanded to include eligible vacant properties in both cities and rural areas from 15 November, 2022.
A grant of up to a maximum of €30,000 is available for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence, including the conversion of a property which has not previously been used as residential.
Where the refurbishment costs are expected to exceed the standard grant of up to €30,000, a top-up grant amount of up to €20,000 is available where the property is confirmed by the applicant to be derelict or if the property is on the Derelict Sites Register, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €50,000.
Properties considered for inclusion must be vacant for two years or more and built before 1993. Proof of both vacancy and ownership are required to support the grant payment.
The grant process involves the local authority receiving, reviewing and validating applications and arranging for a qualified person to visit the property. Grant funding is available for refurbishment works as detailed in the scheme outline and issued in respect of works approved in the application and verified during the technical site visit. Currently, it is not envisaged to include feasibility grants for the purposes of assessing the overall viability of the refurbishment works undertaken.
Following confirmation of works being completed, the local authority will conduct a final property visit to review that the work has been completed in-line with grant application. Once the local authority is satisfied, the grant will be paid.
The scheme has been kept under ongoing review since its launch and Government has decided to further expand the Grant eligibility to increase the number of vacant and derelict properties being brought back into use. This includes changing the eligibility date for properties to include properties built prior to 2007, and expanding the grant to include properties which are made available for rent and not solely for owner occupation. My Department is currently working on details of this expansion and I will make a further announcement on the changes to the scheme when this work has concluded.
Question No. 158 answered with Question No. 157.
Building Regulations
Questions (159, 160)
Colm Burke
Question:159. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider conducting a review of the relevant building regulations, that is, part B, relating to fire, and part A, relating to structure, to address challenges with renovating existing units to residential use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15857/23]
View answerColm Burke
Question:160. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will engage with the relevant agencies to provide specific and technical guidance documents for renovating older buildings to assist construction professionals, builders and owners to better understand buildings regulations and to achieve compliance in older buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15858/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Building Regulations 1997 to 2022 provide for the safety and welfare of people in and about buildings and apply to the design and construction of a new building (including a dwelling) or an extension to an existing building. The minimum performance requirements that a building must achieve are set out in the Second Schedule to the Building Regulations.
They are subject to ongoing review in the interests of safety and the well-being of persons in the built environment and to ensure that due regard is taken of changes in construction techniques, technological progress and innovation.
On 20 January 2023, I launched a three-month public consultation on proposed amendments to Part B of the Building Regulations relating to fire safety and the associated Technical Guidance Document. The proposed changes aim to improve fire safety in new buildings and support the re-use of existing buildings by simplifying, clarifying and rationalising fire safety requirements and guidance.
In relation to the call for guidance on building regulations for refurbishment or conversion of existing buildings for residential use, my Department has published the “Bringing Back Homes - Manual for the Reuse of Existing Buildings’, which is available on the following link www.gov.ie/en/publication/3c790-bringing-back-homes-print-version/. Created as a reference guide, the manual aims to provide property owners, members of the public, local authorities and those involved in the construction industry with clear guidance on how current regulatory requirements apply to common, existing building types.
In addition, on 30 January 2023, I launched the Vacant Homes Action Plan. The Plan outlines the progress that has been made in implementing actions to address vacancy and make efficient use of existing stock, contained in Housing for All. It also identifies the actions to be pursued in order to continue to return as many vacant properties back to viable use as possible, increase the supply of housing available, and revitalise the vibrancy of local communities. A copy of the Vacant Homes Action Plan can be accessed on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/df86c-vacant-homes-action-plan-2023-2026/
Departmental Funding
Questions (161)
Colm Burke
Question:161. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if will consider funding a campaign to promote living over the shop; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15859/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Planning and Development (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2018 provided for an exemption, up until the end of 2021, from the requirement to obtain planning permission in respect of the change of use of certain vacant commercial premises, including vacant or under-utilised areas over ground-floor shops and offices, to residential use. This measure was aimed at facilitating the productive re-use of qualifying vacant commercial buildings as homes, while also facilitating urban renewal and increasing housing supply.
Under Housing for All, the 2018 Regulations were subsequently extended until the end of 2025 by way of the Planning and Development (Exempted Development) Regulations 2022. These Regulations included a new and additional class of premises eligible to avail of the planning exemption, that of public houses capable of providing up to a maximum of 9 residential units.
Since the planning exemptions for the conversion of vacant commercial premises were first introduced in 2018, local authorities have received a total of 898 notifications relating to the provision of 2,066 additional homes throughout the country.
While not specifically focused on promoting living over the shop, my Department recently completed a six week multi-channel advertising campaign highlighting the supports available to people who wish to buy, lease or sell a vacant property, or convert vacant commercial property into a home. The first phase of the campaign focused on the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant while the second phase focused on some of the other supports and schemes available such as the Repair and Leasing Scheme and the planning exemption for the conversion of commercial premises into residential units. Further information on available schemes and supports is contained in the following link: www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/ef77b-refurbishing-vacant-property/.
This work is in addition to the “Bringing Back Homes - Manual for the Reuse of Existing Buildings’, (www.gov.ie/en/publication/3c790-bringing-back-homes-print-version/) that was published by my Department. Created as a reference guide, the manual aims to provide property owners, members of the public, Local Authorities and those involved in the construction industry with clear guidance on how current regulatory requirements apply to common, existing building types, when seeking to refurbish or convert existing buildings for residential use.
Considerable work has being carried out by my Department to ease the regulatory requirements relating to the conversion of over the shop floor areas to living quarters and this work is facilitating considerable activity in this regard. The success of the changes which have been made are being kept under review and will help inform any further actions deemed necessary.
Housing Schemes
Questions (162)
Colm Burke
Question:162. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider extending the first home scheme to include renovation projects, subject, if required, to the retention of a modest equity stake; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15860/23]
View answerWritten answers
The policy objective of the First Home Scheme, launched on 7 July 2022, is to encourage greater supply of new build homes and to increase home ownership by supporting eligible first-time buyers in acquiring new homes in the private market through the use of an equity share model.
The First Home 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. It would be a matter for the DAC to consider whether to extend the First Home Scheme to include renovation projects and I am not aware of any plans to extend the scheme in that regard.
Facilities are already available through mortgage providers for households to access top up mortgages where that household may want to renovate or improve their existing dwelling. An SEAI Better Energy Home Scheme Grant may also be available.
Separately, the Government’s Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund can provide a grant of up to a maximum of €30,000 for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence, including the conversion of a property which has not been used as residential heretofore. Where the refurbishment costs are expected to exceed the standard grant of up to €30,000, a maximum top-up grant amount of up to €20,000 will be available where the property is confirmed by the applicant to be derelict (i.e. structurally unsound and dangerous) bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €50,000. In addition, an SEAI Better Energy Home Scheme Grant may be available in combination with this grant.
Details of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant can be accessed on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/service/f8f1b-vacant-property-refurbishment-grant/.
Departmental Schemes
Questions (163)
Colm Burke
Question:163. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider extending the repair and lease scheme to include private sector tenants as well as social tenants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15861/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Repair and Leasing Scheme (RLS) provides an upfront loan, to a maximum of €60,000 (including VAT) per unit, to owners of vacant properties that require work to bring the units up to the required standard for rental properties.
Under the scheme, the local authority, or approved housing body, pays for the repairs upfront and the home is taken into social housing stock by way of lease for a period of between 5 and 25 years. The cost of repairs is offset against reduced lease payments to the property owner and therefore has a neutral cost to the Exchequer.
RLS is a social housing delivery mechanism. Given the current demand for social housing across all local authorities, the principal aim of the scheme remains the provision of social housing.
Local authorities have recently reported increased interest in the scheme, and it is expected that this will be seen in delivery of units in 2023. Take up of the scheme will be kept under review.
As the cost of repairs in RLS are recouped from the property owner through reduced lease payments, the current RLS model is not considered appropriate to the private rental market.
It worth noting however that the Government and I have decided to further expand the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund, to include properties which are made available for rent and not solely for owner occupation. My Department is currently working on details of this expansion and I will make a further announcement in this regard when this work has concluded.
Vacant Sites
Questions (164)
Colm Burke
Question:164. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider developing a national registry to identify vacant and derelict sites, with clear definitions in relation to same, for the purposes of identifying how best to utilise such properties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15862/23]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Derelict Sites Act 1990 (the Act), local authorities are required to maintain a derelict sites register, which includes the name and address of each owner and occupier, where these can be ascertained by reasonable enquiry, of any land which, in the opinion of the local authority, is a derelict site. Under section 8(5) of the Act, a copy of the derelict sites register for any local authority can be inspected at the offices of that authority during office hours. Members of the public can engage with their local authority in relation to addressing individual derelict sites in their local areas.
Every year my Department requests a data return from local authorities on the implementation of the Act. This return includes information on, inter alia, the number of sites on the register at the beginning of the year, the number of sites entered onto, and removed from, the register during that year, and the number of sites on the register at the end of the year. Also included is information on the derelict site levies imposed, paid and outstanding, as well as information on compulsory acquisition.
In relation to vacant sites, under the provisions of the Urban Regeneration and Housing Act 2015, each local authority maintains a Vacant Sites Register in respect of their functional area. As provided for under the Act, the register in respect of each local authority is available for inspection at its offices and online on its website.
A Vacancy Survey project, supported by my Department, commenced in 3 local authorities in December 2022. The objective of the survey is to capture data on the number of vacant dwellings in each local authority. This will facilitate direct engagement with property owners at local authority level in order to bring the properties identified back into use. This will be rolled out across local authorities in 2023.
In addition, the Residential Zoned Land Tax (RZLT), a key commitment under Housing for All, is a new tax which was established in the Finance Act 2021. The RZLT is designed to activate suitably zoned and serviced land for housing and is a key pillar of the Government’s response to address the urgent need to increase housing supply in suitable locations. The primary aim of the tax is as an active land management measure, to incentivise landowners to activate existing planning permissions for housing on identified lands, or to engage with planning authorities and seek planning permission on land which is suitably zoned and appropriately serviced. Landowners will be liable for the tax, even if they have planning permission, until such time as development on the site is activated.
The Department of Finance leads on the implementation of the RZLT with the involvement of my Department, the Revenue Commissioners and the 31 local authorities. In this regard, my Department published section 28 Guidelines for Planning Authorities on the Residential Zoned Land Tax on 29 June 2022, which provided guidance on identifying the land which is in scope for the tax. A copy of the Guidelines can be accessed on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/fbc41-residential-zoned-land-tax-guidelines-for-planning-authorities/.
The implementation of RZLT consists of two phases as set out below.
Phase 1: the preparation and publication of maps by the 31 local authorities identifying land within the scope of the measure. All 31 local authorities published draft maps on 1 November 2022. This was followed by a period of consultation during which landowners can make submissions to the relevant local authority. The initial mapping process will conclude with the preparation and publication of final maps on 1 December 2023. From 2025 onwards, local authorities will update the maps on an annual basis.
Phase 2: the administration of the tax by the Revenue Commissioners. This will commence in 2024, with the initial liability date for the tax arising on 1 February 2024 and the first pay and file date following on 23 May 2024.
Further details with regard to the RZLT, including a full description of the submission process and milestones, can be accessed at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/fbad0-residential-zoned-land-tax/.
Tax Reliefs
Questions (165)
Colm Burke
Question:165. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will engage with local authorities with a view to introducing amended rates relief for commercial property, whereby the rate of relief available on commercial property would be reduced each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15863/23]
View answerWritten answers
I understand the Question refers to both vacancy relief and rates alleviation schemes.
Local authorities have a statutory obligation to levy rates on the occupiers of rateable property in accordance with the details in the valuation lists prepared by the Commissioner of Valuation under the Valuation Acts 2001 to 2015.
Legislative provision is made for the refund of rates paid on vacant commercial properties in certain circumstances. The Local Government Act 1946 provides that where a property is unoccupied on the date of the making of the rate, the owner becomes liable for rates. However, the owner is entitled to a refund if the property is vacant for specified purposes, these being if the premises are unoccupied for the purpose of additions, alterations or repairs; where the owner is bona fide unable to obtain a suitable tenant at a reasonable rent; and where the premises are vacant pending redevelopment. The collection of rates and the determination of eligibility for a refund in this context are matters for each individual local authority.
The Local Government Reform Act 2014 gives discretion to the elected members of individual local authorities to vary the level of rates refunds that apply in individual local electoral areas within the authority’s administrative area. The Act allows local authorities to offer less than 100% refund and to vary the level of refund for vacant properties at its annual budget meeting. Since the introduction of the Act, a number of local authorities have taken the decision to reduce the percentage refund of rates available.
The Local Government Rates and Other Matters Act 2019 was enacted in July 2019. Section 9 of the Act, which is not yet commenced, provides that a local authority may provide a temporary abatement for vacant properties, subject to a maximum relief which may be specified by the Minister, to ensure that all property owners (other than those whose rates liability would be below a de minimis threshold) make some level of payment to the local authority and that vacant property is discouraged in towns, villages and cities.
Section 15 which is also not yet commenced, provides for local authorities to introduce rates alleviation schemes to support specific national and local authority policy objectives. The approval of these schemes would be a reserved function of the elected members.
Vacant Properties
Questions (166)
Colm Burke
Question:166. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department will engage with local authorities in adopting a more proactive policy in relation to implementing compulsory purchase order powers in relation to properties that have been left vacant for a significant period of time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15864/23]
View answerWritten answers
Pathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock. Many areas of cities, towns and villages of all sizes face the blight of vacant properties, which, if brought back into use, could add real vibrancy and provide new accommodation in those areas. While the reasons for vacancy are often complex, the re-use and regeneration of vacant properties in cities, towns, villages and rural areas can provide much needed housing while also transforming areas and the communities living in them.
The Vacant Homes Action Plan, which I launched in January, outlines the progress that has been made in addressing vacancy, along with the actions that are being pursued to return as many vacant properties back to viable use as possible.
A number of measures have been implemented to address vacancy and bring properties back into use. Initiatives such as the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant and Ready to Build Scheme, under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund, provide financial incentives for people to buy and refurbish vacant properties and sites to be their principal private residence; while the Repair and Leasing and Buy and Renew Schemes involve the local authority leasing or buying the vacancy property from the owner to assist in the provision of social housing.
As part of the Action Plan, my Department will shortly be introducing a new Programme for the compulsory purchase and acquisition of vacant and derelict properties, where engagement with owners has not brought these properties back into use. My Department is liaising with each local authority in respect of the identification of targets under this Programme. The key objective is the activation of the vacant and derelict properties, bringing them into residential use as quickly as possible.
As part of the Programme, my Department is developing a Guidance document to assist local authorities in compulsorily purchasing and acquiring vacant and derelict properties. Consultation has taken place with local authorities experienced in this area, which has informed the guidance being produced. My Department will be supporting local authorities in adopting a proactive approach in utilising their legislative powers to bring vacant and derelict properties back into use.
Vacant Properties
Questions (167)
Colm Burke
Question:167. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider ring-fencing dedicated funding to enable local authorities to purchase and renovate vacant buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15865/23]
View answerWritten answers
On 30 January 2023, I announced details regarding a third round of funding under the URDF. Supporting key objectives of Housing for All, Town Centre First, and the Vacant Homes Action Plan, this round of URDF support has been specifically designed to address long term vacancy and dereliction across URDF eligible cities and towns.
It is proposed that a revolving fund of up to €150m of URDF support will be made available for local authorities to acquire vacant or derelict properties (residential and/or commercial) and to carry out any associated works needed to de-risk or improve the site to make it more attractive for re-use or sale. The intention is that the fund would be replenished from the proceeds received from the end use/user thereby allowing the local authority to put in place a rolling programme of acquisitions in order to tackle long term vacancy and dereliction without recourse to borrowing and the associated financial risk.
My Department is currently engaging with the local authority sector on finalising individual allocations, project criteria and reporting arrangements, the details of which will be announced in due course. While the third round of funding is specifically tailored to help deliver specific objectives of Housing for All, Town Centre First and the Vacant Homes Action Plan, a fourth round of funding support will be made available later in 2023.
Additionally, my colleague, the Minister for Rural and Community Development announced on Monday 27 March, 2023 a €13m fund to tackle vacancy and dereliction in rural Ireland. Under the initiative, each local authority can apply for funding of up to €500,000, which they can use to purchase up to three properties to re-develop into multi-purpose community facilities. The funding, under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, is designed to make our towns and villages more attractive places in which to live, visit, invest and raise a family.
Pension Provisions
Questions (168)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:168. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of a business case submitted by Dublin City Council regarding the pension entitlements for workers retiring in the coming years; if he can provide an estimated timeframe for the response to this request; when the workers can expect a response; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15879/23]
View answerWritten answers
I am aware of a submission made by Dublin City Council to my Department in respect of the pay-related social insurance classifications of certain Council employees.
The issue is currently the subject of ongoing engagement between my Department and the Department of Social Protection. As engagement is ongoing on this complex issue, it is not possible at this time to provide a timeframe for the conclusion of those discussions but my Department will progress them without delay.
Housing Provision
Questions (169)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:169. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he would consider increasing the specification of houses and the funding for houses being built by dedicated housing associations for permanent use by people with significant disabilities so that the houses can accommodate support staff as well as service users and are suitable for people with high dependency and needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15911/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has published a Design Manual for Quality Housing which is available on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/b3e02-design-manual-for-quality-housing/. The Manual is intended to guide local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies, and their consultants, on the design of social housing including the internal layouts of individual social homes. The manual includes guidance on the approach to ‘Housing for People with Disability’ (Section 5.3.2) and specific design approaches developed with the input of the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design (CEUD).
The Manual also recognises that to best meet the needs of people with disabilities, certain design modifications may be required and in that regard, through an occupational therapist’s report where needed, spatial and other required adaptations for a particular household can be set out.
My Department is encouraging all local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies to utilise this Design Manual as the best way to ensure funding support for the wide range of housing situations that can arise.
The National Housing Strategy for Disabled People (NHSDP) 2022-2027, was published in January 2022, and can be accessed on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/60d76-national-housing-strategy-for-disabled-people-2022-2027/
The Strategy sets out the vision for the cooperation and collaboration of Government Departments, state agencies and others in delivering housing and the related supports for disabled people over the next five years. The Strategy operates 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.
Tourist Accommodation
Questions (170)
John Paul Phelan
Question:170. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the launch of the Fáilte registration scheme for short-term tourist lettings requires the prior publication of planning guidelines issued by the Minister to local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15962/23]
View answerWritten answers
I refer to the reply to Questions No. 420, 475, 476 and 513 of 21 March 2023 which sets out the position in this matter.
Wastewater Treatment
Questions (171)
Michael Moynihan
Question:171. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is satisfied with the progress made to date in the upgrade of 21 wastewater treatment plants announced on 30 September 2021 under the small towns and villages growth programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15990/23]
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Uisce Éireann has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels. The prioritisation and progression of individual projects and programmes is a matter for determination by Uisce Éireann.
The Programme for Government supports the uptake of Uisce Éireann's Small Towns and Villages Growth Programme (STVGP), which will provide growth capacity in smaller settlements that would otherwise not be provided for in Uisce Éireann’s capital investment plan.
I understand from Uisce Éireann that an allocation of almost €100 million for this programme was approved by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities. Uisce Éireann is working with local authorities across the country in ensuring the investment supports the growth of identified settlements where these are prioritised in line with the local authority development plans.
The programme was launched in the summer 2021 with the selection of 15 projects followed by the selection of an additional 21 projects in September 2021. As of the end of 2022 a total of 46 wastewater treatment plant upgrade projects have been selected under the STVGP.
The delivery of capital projects is not dependent solely on funding and resources. Uisce Éireann must comply with the planning and consenting regime and as a body in receipt of public funding, with the relevant requirements of the Public Spending Code.
While Uisce Éireann allocates the necessary funding and resources to projects, it takes on average around 5-7 years to bring a wastewater project through from selection to completion.
Uisce Éireann continues to work with local authorities across the country in ensuring the investment supports the growth of identified settlements where these are prioritised in line with the local authority development plans.
Uisce Éireann has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via email to oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on a dedicated number, 0818 578 578.
Housing Schemes
Questions (172)
Brendan Griffin
Question:172. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there are any circumstances in the tenant purchase scheme where a derogation can be given to an applicant in respect of the ten-year social support requirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15999/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme provides for the purchase by eligible tenants, or joint tenants, of local authority homes available for sale under the scheme. To be eligible, applicants must meet certain criteria, including minimum time in receipt of social housing supports.
The tenant or, in the case of applications from joint tenants, both tenants, must be in receipt of social housing support (which includes Housing Assistance Payment) for a minimum period of 10 years. This requirement seeks to encourage long-term tenants to stay in their homes and support development of socially sustainable communities.
All sales under the scheme must meet the criteria set down in Part 3 of Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 and associated Regulations. While the sale of dwellings under the scheme are entirely matters for local authorities, they have no scope to derogate from the legislative requirements.
Changes to the scheme are currently being examined as part of the work on the broader social housing reform agenda.
Vacant Properties
Questions (173)
Brendan Smith
Question:173. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the 2023 allocation will be made to local authorities for the voids programme, given the importance of this scheme in bringing vacant local authority homes back to habitable use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16010/23]
View answerWritten answers
The management and maintenance of local authority housing stock, including pre-letting repairs to vacant properties, the implementation of a planned maintenance programme and carrying out of responsive repairs, are matters for each individual local authority under Section 58 of the Housing Act 1966.
Notwithstanding this, my Department provides annual funding support to local authorities in preparing vacant units for re-let under the Voids Programme. This funding was introduced originally to tackle long term vacant units and is now increasingly targeted to support authorities to ensure minimal turnaround and re-let times for vacant stock.
From 2014 to 2022, expenditure of some €290 million was recouped to local authorities under the Voids Programme which funded the return to active use of 20,834 properties nationwide. Local authorities also provide significant funding from their own resources to address the level of vacancy within the social housing stock.
My Department will continue to support local authorities in their work in this area. Funding allocations under the 2023 Programme will be announced shortly.
It is important to note that given the very significant investment into the Voids Programme over recent years my Department and local authorities are working to transition from a largely response and voids based approach to housing stock management and maintenance, to a planned maintenance approach as referenced in Housing for All, policy objective 20.6. This will require the completion of stock condition surveys by all local authorities and the subsequent development of strategic and informed work programmes in response.
Passport Services
Questions (174, 175)
David Stanton
Question:174. Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of personnel employed in the Passport Office in March 2022; the number currently employed in the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15797/23]
View answerDavid Stanton
Question:175. Deputy David Stanton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of passport applications received by the Passport Office each month from September 2022 to February 2023 inclusive; the number of applications processed in each of those months; the current average processing times for each application type; the total number of applications currently awaiting processing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15798/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 174 and 175 together.
The Passport Service is is successfully meeting the current high demand for passports. All turnaround times are at their target level and there are no backlogs. Over 275,000 passports have been issued to date in 2023. The busy season for passports in 2023 is underway, and demand forecasts indicate that the Passport Service will issue just under 1.1 million passports this year.
Thanks to significant investment by the Government and the dedicated work of the Passport Service staff, substantial improvements were made in 2022 and full, normal service was restored following disruptions to the service during the pandemic.
The Passport Service has implemented operational and staffing plans for 2023 and as a result it is successfully meeting demand.
My Department has run 16 competitions since 2021 to address staffing needs in the Passport Service and another is currently underway. Adequate staffing remains a priority and recruitment will continue in the coming months. Additional office space on the Balbriggan campus provides over 200 additional workstations to accommodate the increase in staff numbers. This brings the total capacity of the Balbriggan campus to 500 workstations. In March 2022 there were 727 staff in the Passport Service. There are currently 828 staff in the Passport Service.
Currently, 100% of calls are being answered by the Customer Service Hub and the staffing plan for 2023 aims to ensure that excellent customer service is maintained during periods of peak demand.
There are currently 69,850 fully complete applications in the Passport Service system. There are a further 68,925 applications that are awaiting further action by the applicant.
The current processing times are as follows:
Online simple adult renewal - 10 working days
Online child/complex adult renewal - 15 working days
Online first time application, adult or child - 20 working days
Post Passport via An Post, adult or child - 8 weeks
The number of passport applications received by the Passport Service in each month from September 2022 to February 2023 are outlined below in tabular form, along with the number of applications processed in each of these months.
|
Month |
Applications received |
Applications processed |
|
September 2022 |
62,899 |
81,018 |
|
October 2022 |
57,756 |
66,225 |
|
November 2022 |
57,363 |
64,049 |
|
December 2022 |
44,797 |
38,280 |
|
January 2023 |
148,703 |
100,778 |
|
February 2023 |
116,531 |
106,559 |
I am confident that the staffing and accommodation measures implemented, along with other improvements, will continue to have a positive impact on passport processing times for 2023.