Written Answers Nos. 219-236
219. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will list the number of vacant property refurbishment grant applications received, approved and issued to date, by each respective local authority, since the introduction of the grant, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20482/23]
View answer220. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the budget allocation to Croí Cónaithe towns refurbishment grant scheme for 2023; and the target for delivery under this scheme in 2023. [20490/23]
View answer222. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of persons who have received funding in County Mayo for refurbishments under the Croí Cónaithe scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20515/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 219, 220 and 222 together.
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. The Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund is a key initiative which underpins these 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.
Building on the success of the scheme to date and to further increase the number of vacant and derelict properties brought back into use, the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant is being expanded from 1 May. Details of the expansion are as follows:
i. The inclusion of one property which will be made available for rent, by the owner, in addition to one grant for a property which will be a principal private residence of the applicant i.e. a maximum of two applications for a grant will be available;
ii. Changing the eligibility date, which was set at 1993 for the build date, to include vacant and derelict properties built up to and including 2007; and
iii. Increasing of the maximum grant rates from €30,000 to €50,000 for vacant properties and from €50,000 to €70,000 for derelict properties.
My Department publishes data on the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant on its website on a quarterly basis, which can be accessed at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/collection/4bbe4-vacant-property-refurbishment-grant-statistics/
The Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund is targeted to deliver some 2,000 homes by 2025 and €24 million is being provided through the Fund in 2023, which will be kept under review in line with demand.
When the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund was launched, a commitment was given that the schemes funded by it would be kept under ongoing review and it is intended that a comprehensive review and evaluation of the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant will be undertaken by mid-2024 as part of this.
221. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the arrangements in place to ensure cross-local authority tenant-in-situ purchases proceed; and if a circular or guidance note has been issued to local authorities on this issue. [20491/23]
View answer232. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if local authorities were required to submit an acquisition plan to his Department before the lifting of the eviction ban on 1 April 2023; if so, if he has received the acquisition plans from each local authority; and if they will be published. [20651/23]
View answer235. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of tenant-in-situ purchases by local authorities since the scheme reopened in 2022, with a breakdown by local authority, in tabular form. [20713/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 221, 232 and 235 together.
Under Housing for All, the Government will deliver 47,600 new build social homes and 3,500 social homes through long-term leasing in the period 2022-2026. Our clear focus is to increase the stock of social housing through new build projects delivered by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs).
For 2023, the Government has agreed that there will be increased provision for social housing acquisitions and my Department will fund local authorities to acquire up to 1,500 social homes. The additional acquisitions will be focused on properties where a tenant in receipt of social housing supports has received a Notice of Termination due to the landlord’s intention to sell the property. My Department issued a circular letter to all local authorities in March, setting out details of these arrangements and each local authority was provided with a provisional allocation for social housing acquisitions in 2023. This allocation will be kept under review There was no requirement for local authorities to submit an acquisition plan to my Department.
Where a household is on the housing list in one local authority but has secured a HAP tenancy in another local authority area, the arrangements in place will support the acquisition of the property, where appropriate. The City and County Management Association (CCMA) has assured me that local authorities are collaborating on such situations and my Department will work closely with local authorities on this measure. I understand that the CCMA has prepared guidance for the sector to support the prevention of homelessness and co-ordinate on tenant-in-situ acquisitions across boundaries, where required and where possible for the period of the current Tenant in Situ acquisitions. My Department has not yet issued a circular or guidance on this matter but is liaising closely with local authorities (as part its ongoing engagement with the Cross-Sectoral Steering Group on Acquisitions) to identify those elements of the current process, if any, which are proving challenging and which would benefit from further guidance from the Department, before finalising a circular on the matter.
Details of social housing acquisitions will be published as part of the comprehensive programme level statistics published by my Department on a quarterly basis. This data is available for all local authorities to the end of Quarter 4 2022 and is published on the statistics page of my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/.
While data published to date does not include a breakdown of properties acquired where a tenant has received a Notice of Termination due to the landlord’s intention to sell the property, from Q1 2023 an amendment has been made to my Department's statistical returns to collect information in this regard.
223. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he intends to bring forward a Supplementary Estimate for 2023 to fund the cost rental subsidy scheme and development levies waiver; and, if so, how much the Estimate will request. [20524/23]
View answerThe cost rental viability measure and temporary development contribution waiver and Uisce Éireann connection charge rebate were approved by Government as part of a package of new measures to address the housing supply situation and supplement the actions in Housing for All.
In line with Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform guidance, my Department will endeavour in the first instance to accommodate new expenditure from within existing ceilings.
224. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider putting a cap on how many social houses a local authority can purchase in a private housing development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20526/23]
View answerUnder Housing for All, the Government will deliver 47,600 new build social homes and 3,500 social homes through long-term leasing in the period 2022-2026. Our clear focus is to increase the stock of social housing through new build projects delivered by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs).
Under Housing for All, there was provision for 200 social housing acquisitions each year. However, with increased pressures on housing and the exit of landlords from the market, my Department reinstated delegated sanction to local authorities in April 2022 to acquire social housing properties for a number of specific categories which included:
• One-bedroom units to deliver on Housing First and meet the short supply in this category;
• Other properties that allow persons/families to exit homelessness; and
• Specific housing required for/suitable for individuals with a disability or other particular priority needs.
For 2023, the Government has agreed that there will be increased provision for social housing acquisitions and my Department will fund local authorities to acquire up to 1,500 social homes. The additional acquisitions will be focused on properties where a tenant in receipt of social housing supports has received a Notice of Termination due to the landlord’s intention to sell the property. My Department issued a circular letter to all local authorities on 14 March, setting out details of these arrangements. The circular provided each local authority with a provisional allocation for the number of acquisitions, which will be kept under review.
Given that every local situation can be different and that it is the local authorities that make decisions on the suitability or otherwise of properties for acquisition - including the need to maintain an appropriate balance in property tenures - I am satisfied that those individual situations are best judged by the respective local authority housing teams.
It is important that our local authorities have the flexibility to secure such acquisitions and I have given a commitment to continue to support them in this regard, especially to prevent homelessness where a landlord is selling the property.
225. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a grant is available to all local authorities to upgrade an existing septic tank; if so, the criteria used in the assessment of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20527/23]
View answerI can confirm that my Department provides grant assistance to householders to replace, carry out remediation work, repair or upgrades to their domestic waste water treatment systems (also known as septic tanks).
In order to qualify for the grant the properties concerned must be identified as requiring action under the National Inspection Plan or be in an area prioritised for environmental protection.
Further details of the grant can be found on my Department's website at www.gov.ie/en/publication/6cc1e-domestic-waste-water-treatment-systems-septic-tanks/ or from the local authorities who are responsible for the day to day administration of these grants.
226. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage with regard to reform of the university panel, if he will advise on plans to include additional higher education institutions in the university panel; if he will advise on the status of those plans and provide a timeline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20559/23]
View answerThe Seanad Electoral (University Members) Act 1937 sets out the current legislative provisions governing the election of university senators to Seanad Éireann. In a recent judgment the Supreme Court determined that sections 6 and 7 of that Act which provide for the election of members of the Seanad by certain university graduates are unconstitutional because they are not consistent with Article 18.4.2 of the Constitution. The Supreme Court has suspended its declaration of invalidity until 31 July 2023 in the first instance.
In order to respond fully to the Supreme Court judgment, my Department, along with the Office of the Attorney General, is currently considering the judgment with a view to preparing options for consideration by the Government. This work is being progressed as a matter of priority in my Department.
227. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the Housing Commission is due to report back on the wording of the housing referendum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20564/23]
View answerIn line with commitments in the Programme for Government and Housing for All: A New Housing Plan for Ireland, the Housing Commission was established by Government in December 2021 to independently examine and review the housing system in Ireland.
The Commission’s Terms of Reference cover a wide range of issues connected to housing, one of which is to consider the complex constitutional issues arising in this area and to propose appropriate wording for a referendum on housing.
The proposed timeline for a referendum on housing will be a matter for Government to consider following receipt of the proposed wording from the Commission. The Commission is scheduled to conclude its work by the third quarter of this year.
It should be noted that the Housing Commission is independent from my Department. Further information in relation to the Housing Commission can be accessed on its website at the following link: www.gov.ie/housingcommission/
228. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department will create a webpage to centralise all information and applications for affordable housing, including cost-rental, considering the different streams of delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20565/23]
View answerThe Housing Agency, on behalf of my Department, is managing the delivery of a public facing information website which will provide explanatory information on each of the affordable housing options available as set out in the Affordable Housing Act 2021, including Cost Rental housing. It is anticipated that this will be operational shortly.
The Housing Agency, on behalf of my Department, is also managing the delivery of a centralised application web portal for affordable homes. This web portal is intended to cater for applicants for affordable purchase homes and cost rental homes throughout the country and will involve a substantial IT procurement process. A working group consisting of local authorities, the LGMA and my Department with input from the AHB sector has been established to assist in the identification of the requirements for this web platform. It is anticipated that a tender document will be ready to issue in June 2023.
Specifically in relation to the advertisement of Cost Rental homes, all Cost Rental providers are legally obliged to make Cost Rental homes available in line with the provisions of Part 3 of the Affordable Housing Act 2021. The process of advertising a tenancy under Cost Rental is set out the Cost Rental Letting and Eligibility Regulations 2021.
Under these regulations, vacancies in all Cost Rental properties must be advertised online for a period of at least 7 days, during which time households can express their interest in leasing the properties in a form designated by the landlord, including through the submission of applications by electronic means. The manner in how these obligations in relation to the advertisement of Cost Rental vacancies are most effectively met is matter for the individual Cost Rental landlords.
229. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the plans in place to advance wastewater treatment plants under the multi-annual developer-provided water services infrastructure resolution programme; if a scheme (details supplied) will be advanced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20591/23]
View answer230. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the planned refurbishment of houses at an area (details supplied). [20614/23]
View answerMy Department has confirmed post-tender funding approval to Longford County Council for the housing project raised in this question.
The management of the project, including the timing of the appointment of contractors and the commencement of the works on site, are matters for Longford County Council and Tuath Housing Association and I am very keen that it advances as soon as possible. Further detailed information on the project, if needed, should be available directly from Longford County Council.
231. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will examine and extend the designated bathing water season, taking into account the growth in popularity of bathing and the fact it is now a year-round activity; if he will mandate Uisce Éireann to provide UV treatment all throughout the year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20629/23]
View answerIn Ireland the bathing season is from 1 June to the 15 September each year. This was selected in line with the World Health Organisation Guidelines and reflects the customary period when larger numbers of people use bathing waters.
Following engagement with stakeholders, my department is examining the policy needs to protect those people bathing outside of the regulated bathing water season. University College Cork (UCC) has been commissioned to complete a research study to collate scientific evidence to inform the development of policy regarding ‘out of season’ bathing. I expect UCC to report on this work to my Department in the coming weeks.
233. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is concerned about the declining number of hares captured for coursing over the past ten years; and if, on the basis of this and in the interests of conservation, he will refuse to grant a licence for the capture of hares for coursing in 2023. [20704/23]
View answerThe Irish hare is listed on Annex V of EU Directive 92/43/EEC (the Habitats Directive) and this listing requires member states to manage the species’ sustainably. The Habitats Directive also requires Ireland to make a detailed report every six years on the conservation status of all listed species, including the Irish hare. Ireland’s most recent report in 2019 included a comprehensive assessment of the range, population status, habitat and threats for the Irish hare. The report can be viewed here:
www.npws.ie/publications/article-17-reports/article-17-reports-2019
The 2019 report notes that the hare is widespread and common in Ireland with a broad habitat niche; it is found throughout the country from coastal habitats to upland heath and bog. While the report does highlight some concerns about the loss of habitat quality due to agricultural intensification and afforestation, overall the species is considered to be in favourable conservation status. In addition, the most recent Red Data List for Mammals in Ireland (2019) confirmed that the species is not threatened; it assessed the Irish hare as “Least concern". Further details are available at the following link:
www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/Red%20List%20No.%2012%20Mammals.pdf
234. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there is a scheme local authorities can apply to in order to resolve housing stock defects. [20706/23]
View answerThe 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.
Local authorities also have a legal obligation to ensure that all of their tenanted properties are compliant with the provisions of the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations, 2019. Local authority officials and elected members have a very important role to play in this regard by making adequate budgetary provision for housing repairs and cyclical maintenance utilising the significant housing rental income available to them as part of the annual budgetary process.
Notwithstanding the legal obligations on local authorities to manage and maintain their housing stock, my Department does provide annual funding to local authorities to support their work in this area across a number of focused local authority stock improvement programmes, namely the Disabled Persons Grant Scheme/Improvement works in lieu scheme and the Remedial Works Scheme, the Voids programme, the Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme,
Full details in relation to output under the various programmes up to and including 2022 are available on the department’s website and can be accessed using the links below.
Disabled Person Grants 2011 - 2022
www.gov.ie/ga/foilsiuchan/061cd-disabled-persons-grant-and-improved-works-in-lieu-schemes-allocation-and-drawdown/
Voids 2014 - 2022
www.gov.ie/en/collection/0906a-other-local-authority-housing-scheme-statistics/#voids-programme
Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme 2013 - 2022
www.gov.ie/en/publication/668c1-energy-efficiency-retrofitting-programme-expenditure-output/
Given the very significant investment into the Programmes over recent years, local authorities should now be in a strong position to begin the transition to a strategic and informed planned maintenance approach to stock management and maintenance.
To that end, 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 set out under action 17.4 of the Housing for All Action Plan Update (November 2022). This will require the implementation of an ICT asset management system, the completion of stock condition surveys by all local authorities and the subsequent development of strategic and informed work programmes in response.
236. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if hunting female deer in calf (details supplied) is accepted practice during deer hunting season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20720/23]
View answerThe Open Seasons Order [Wildlife (Wild Mammals) (Open Seasons) Orders 2005 to 2012] outlines the species of protected wild mammals that may be hunted during specific periods in specified places in the State. Female Sika, Fallow and Red Deer may be hunted from 1 November each year until the last day of February in the following year and Muntjac Deer can be hunted year round.
All hunters are expected to humanely dispatch any deer that they hunt. The National Park and Wildlife Service of my Department (NPWS) has approved three deer hunting training courses for all first-time deer hunters, details of which can be accessed on the NPWS website at the following link: www.npws.ie/licencesandconsents/hunting/deer-hunting-licences-2023-2024/mandatory-certification-deer-hunters. This training is also a mandatory requirement when applying for a deer hunting licence under Section 29(1) of the, Wildlife Acts, as amended.
In addition, landowners may apply for a licence, outside of the open seasons, under Section 42 of the Wildlife Acts where serious damage is being caused by protected wild animals to:
a. food (including human food products and animal feeds) livestock, poultry or agricultural crops (including vegetables or fruit) either on pasture or on cultivated land,
b. pen-reared wild birds on any land,
c. other fauna,
d. flora,
e. a woodland or a forest plantation
f. a fishery,
g. buildings and other structures and their contents, or
h. aquaculture installations
As part of the mandatory training hunters are taught about the biology and life cycle of the deer species in question which allows them to make informed decisions as to how and when they hunt or cull deer notwithstanding the legal rights of landowners and land managers to protect their farms, woodlands and conservation sites from damage by deer, that impact on their livelihoods and bio-diversity.
