Written Answers Nos. 371-390
374. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the budget allocated to the National Parks and Wildlife Service for each of the past five years, in tabular form; and the proportion of that budget allocated to supporting work related to the development of renewable energy projects. [33679/23]
View answerThe Total Gross Allocations provided by my Department to the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in the years 2018-2022 are set out in the table at the link.
The NPWS support the planning process as a statutory consultee including in relation to the renewable sector, however there is not a dedicated budget allocated for this in respect of renewable energy and therefore it is not possible to quantify the apportionment of staff time and the associated cost in advance of the number of likely referrals.
2018-2022
|
Current |
Capital |
Capital Carryover |
Total |
||
|
Year |
Subhead |
Provision €000 |
Provision €000 |
Provision €000 |
Provision €000 |
|
2018 |
B.5. NATURAL HERITAGE - NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE (NPWS)* |
9,324 |
2,658 |
- |
11,982 |
|
B.8. PEATLANDS RESTORATION, CONSERVATION & MANAGEMENT |
1,000 |
- |
1,000 |
||
|
2019 |
B.5. NATURAL HERITAGE - NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE (NPWS)* |
9,394 |
4,333 |
- |
13,727 |
|
B.8. PEATLANDS RESTORATION, CONSERVATION & MANAGEMENT |
3,000 |
- |
3,000 |
||
|
2020 |
F.5. NATURAL HERITAGE - NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE (NPWS) |
9,644 |
8,283 |
- |
17,927 |
|
F.8. PEATLANDS RESTORATION, CONSERVATION & MANAGEMENT |
10,850 |
- |
10,850 |
||
|
2021 |
F.5. NATURAL HERITAGE - NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE (NPWS) |
19,382 |
9,500 |
- |
28,882 |
|
F.8. PEATLANDS RESTORATION, CONSERVATION & MANAGEMENT |
14,000 |
3,000 |
17,000 |
||
|
2022 |
F.5. NATURAL HERITAGE - NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE (NPWS) |
19,832 |
10,280 |
- |
30,112 |
|
F.8. PEATLANDS RESTORATION, CONSERVATION & MANAGEMENT |
10,280 |
3,500 |
13,780 |
375. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 236 of 5 July 2022, the number of staff and their specific roles sanctioned by his Department for An Bord Pleanála's new Marine and Climate Unit; the number of those sanctioned roles which have been recruited and are in place; the number of those roles which have been advertised but not yet filled and to name those posts; the number of those roles which have not yet been advertised; and whether he plans to provide funding to An Bord Pleanála, and in what amount, to facilitate the recruitment of additional posts for this unit. [33680/23]
View answerAn 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.
The Board has received an Exchequer allocation of €26.9 million for 2023, which is an increase of €4.7million on the 2022 allocation. The Board has advised that there is sufficient funding in this Exchequer allocation to facilitate the recruitment of all sanctioned posts.
Arrangements have been put in place by all bodies under the aegis of my Department to facilitate the provision of information directly to members of the Oireachtas. This provides a speedy, efficient and cost effective system to address queries directly to the relevant bodies. The contact email address for An Bord Pleanála in this regard is Oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie.
In order to assist, my Department obtained the information requested from the Board.
Details of the staffing of the Marine and Climate Unit are set out in the table below. The Board has also advised that, in the case of vacancies in the Marine and Climate Unit, cover is provided from the Board Inspectorate while vacant positions are in the process of being filled.
Table 1 Marine and Climate Unit Staffing as of 30th June 2023
|
Role |
Number of Approved and Sanctioned posts |
Status of Role |
|
Director of Marine Planning |
1 |
Appointed |
|
Assistant Director of Planning |
1 |
Appointed |
|
Senior Administrative Officer |
1 |
Competition Advertised |
|
Senior Planning Inspector |
9 |
5 Appointed 4 Vacant |
|
Specialist Role |
2 |
2 Advertised 30/06/2023 |
|
Senior Executive Officer |
1 |
Filled |
|
Executive Officer |
4 |
1 Filled 3 offers made |
|
Administrative Assistant |
4 |
Appointed |
|
|
Total: 23 |
|
376. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider issuing an updated circular that provides greater flexibility to Uisce Éireann to deal with outstanding debt during the taking-in-charge of a group water scheme that exists under circular WSP01/16; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33683/23]
View answerUisce Éireann has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels. The scope, prioritisation and progression of individual projects – including the taking in charge of group water schemes - is a matter for Uisce Éireann and is approved through its internal governance structures.
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is the independent economic regulator of Uisce Éireann. The CRU approves Uisce Éireann's Water Charges Plan which reflects the allowed revenue, connection charging policy and the domestic and non-domestic tariff regime.
As Minister, I have no role in how Uisce Éireann applies tariffs or addresses matters related to debt.
377. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider the centralisation of the defective concrete blocks grant scheme, the pyrite remediation scheme, the defective apartments and duplexes remediation scheme and any other relevant scheme to expedite and simplify the roll-out of these schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33730/23]
View answerThe question refers to three housing remediation schemes. One that is mature and has been operating for a decade and another which was launched just two weeks ago. The legislation for the final one, apartment defects, is still under development. For that reason it would be difficult at this point in time to centralise the approach taken to all three.
All the schemes refer to addressing underlying defects with our national housing stock. However, they are fundamentally different in other ways in for example, the nature and causes of defects, and the scale and scope and the geographical impact. That said, one thing they do have in common is the active involvement of the Housing Agency. I can give an assurance that any synergies that can be leveraged will certainly be actively explored. I understand that the Housing Agency has already begun a process of internal restructuring in order to bring all the elements of their involvement in the various schemes together under one coherent directorate within the Agency. In addition, policy responsibility for all three schemes is being brought together in one unit of my Department.
Furthermore, as part of the recently announced Enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) Scheme I have set up an Implementation Steering Group, comprised of officials from the relevant local authorities, my Department, the Housing Agency, and the Homeowner's Liaison Officer. This Group will meet shortly and will keep the operation of the regulations and guidelines under review. Whilst I am satisfied that the approach being taken under the DCB Scheme is the right one and that the current delivery model for the Pyrite Remediation Scheme has worked well I remain open to an examination of whether or not there are compelling reasons to look at how the operation and delivery model of the various schemes can be monitored, simplified and streamlined for the benefit of all concerned.
378. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of times either he, his junior Ministers or departmental officials met with representatives of an organisation (details supplied) in 2021, 2022 and 2023; the purpose of each meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33767/23]
View answerMy Department is responsible for the implementation of the Wildlife Acts and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, which underpin the legislative and policy framework for the protection and conservation of our natural heritage. My Department is also responsible for implementing the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and the National Marine Planning Framework (NMPF) on behalf of the government, with input from other departments and agencies. My Department meets with organisations representing nature and biodiversity on a regular basis, including the organisation in question.
Meetings organised by my Department attended by Department the organisation in question during 2021, 2022 and 2023, and the purpose of such meetings, are outlined in the table below. In addition to the scheduled meetings listed, regional staff of the National Parks and Wildlife Service interact with staff of the organisation in question on a regular basis, sharing advice and general information.
With regard to meetings and the attendance of the Minister at them, the Ministers’ diaries are published and available to access online at: www.gov.ie/en/collection/5f6f1-ministers-diaries/
|
Date |
Purpose |
|
19/01/2021 |
Stakeholder consultation on development of a LIFE funding application for machair breeding waders |
|
21/01/2021 |
Irish Wetland Bird Survey |
|
25/01/2021 |
Irish Wetland Bird Survey contract management |
|
27/01/2021 |
Corncrake Life Project Steering Group |
|
09/03/2021 |
Nature Dialogue for Ireland |
|
10/03/2021 |
Countryside Bird Survey |
|
08/04/2021 |
Countryside Bird Survey - Advisory |
|
19/04/2021 |
Irish Birds Journal - Editorial Panel |
|
13/05/2021 |
Corncrake LIFE Steering Group |
|
17/05/2021 |
Rodenticides poisoning in Birds of Prey |
|
14/06/2021 |
Irish Wetland Bird Survey Steering Group |
|
15/06/2021 |
Irish Wetland Bird Survey contract management |
|
29/06/2021 |
Discussions of Curlew research |
|
06/07/2021 |
Corncrake LIFE |
|
07/07/2021 |
Hen Harrier Threat Response Plan Consultative Committee |
|
08/07/2021 |
Marine Protected Area stakeholder forum |
|
28/07/2021 |
Marine Protected Area stakeholder forum |
|
17/08/2021 |
Corncrake LIFE Steering Group |
|
22/09/2021 |
Farmland Birds Hotspot Mapping |
|
18/10/2021 |
Irish Wetland Bird Survey Steering Group |
|
20/10/2021 |
CAP Strategic Plan and birds |
|
28/10/2021 |
Irish Wetland Bird Survey contract management |
|
28/10/2021 |
Irish Birds Monitoring - Scientific Research |
|
29/11/2021 |
Irish Wetland Bird Survey contract management |
|
03/12/2021 |
Corncrake Life working Group |
|
17/12/2021 |
Irish Wetland Bird Survey contract management |
|
17/12/2021 |
Call with National Survey Partners on 2022 National Hen Harrier Survey Planning |
|
12/01/2022 |
Call with National Survey Partners on 2022 National Hen Harrier Survey Planning |
|
18/01/2022 |
Irish Wetland Bird Survey contract management |
|
26/01/2022 |
Call with National Survey Partners on 2022 National Hen Harrier Survey Planning |
|
31/01/2022 |
National Biodiversity Forum |
|
15/03/2022 |
Irish Wetland Bird Survey Steering Group |
|
17/03/2022 |
The Living Bog Final Conference |
|
23/03/2022 |
Hen Harrier Threat Response Plan Consultative Committee |
|
12/04/2022 |
Review of current forestry procedures for protection of hen harrier and merlin |
|
28/04/2022 |
National Biodiversity Forum |
|
16/05/2022 |
Countryside Bird Survey |
|
01/06/2022 |
Marine Strategy Framework Directive |
|
22/06/2022 |
Countryside Bird Survey |
|
01/07/2022 |
Nitrates Acion plan implications for winter stubbles and farmland birds |
|
04/07/2022 |
organised by DAFM - Winter Stubbles and Wild Birds |
|
02/08/2023 |
Farmland Birds - research gaps |
|
10/08/2022 |
MOU - Farmland Birds Hotspot Mapping Project |
|
11/08/2022 |
Countryside Bird Survey and Irish Wetland Bird Survey |
|
16/09/2022 |
Merlin Irish Wildlife Manual report |
|
22/09/2022 |
Review of current forestry procedures for protection of hen harrier and merlin |
|
26/09/2022 |
Discussions on bird data |
|
29/09/2022 |
Sharing of Chough Data/records for Cliff of Moher SPA |
|
17/10/2022 |
National Biodiversity Forum |
|
20/10/2022 |
Countryside Bird Survey PM |
|
21/10/2022 |
Irish Wetland Bird Survey contract management |
|
25/10/2022 |
Irish Wetland Bird Survey Steering Group |
|
27/10/2022 |
Merlin Irish Wildlife Manual report |
|
08/11/2022 |
Tern colony Dalkey Island |
|
10/11/2022 |
Rockabill Island |
|
18/11/2022 |
National Hen Harrier Survey Partners |
|
13/01/2023 |
Connemara Merlin Monitoring - Update |
|
01/02/2023 |
Rogerstown Estuary |
|
10/02/2023 |
National Hen Harrier Survey Partners |
|
15/02/2023 |
National Hen Harrier Survey Partners |
|
13/03/2023 |
Rockabill Island |
|
06/03/2023 |
Portrane terns |
|
24/03/2023 |
National Hen Harrier Survey Partners |
|
24/03/2023 |
Marine Protected Area stakeholder forum |
|
17/04/2023 |
Slieve Aughtys Merlin monitoring contract |
|
18/05/2023 |
Conservation Measures |
|
21/04/2023 |
Open Seasons Order stakeholder forum |
|
25/05/2023 |
Progress call on Slieve Aughtys Merlin monitoring contract |
|
31/05/2023 |
Merlin Monitoring |
|
05/06/2023 |
Conservation Measure proposal at Annaghmarsh, Belmullet, Co. Mayo. |
|
14/06/2023 |
Breeding wader workshop - hosted by LIFE On Machair |
|
19/06/2023 |
Breeding wader workshop, hosted by contractor working on behalf of NPWS |
|
21/06/2023 |
Introductory meeting between the Director General of NPWS, the Director of Nature Conservation Directorate NPWS and CEO of organisation |
|
30/06/2023 |
National Hen Harrier Survey Partners |
|
06/07/2023 |
Conservation Measures at Annaghmarsh, Belmullet, Co. Mayo. |
379. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of experts' and consultants' reports his Department commissioned in 2021, 2022 and 2023; the cost of each report; to whom each consultancy was awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33768/23]
View answerThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
|
Cost € |
Company |
|
2021 |
|
|
22,878.00 |
Governance Ireland |
|
5,000.00 |
Dr Carol Westrik |
|
2,100.00 |
Dr Will Megarry |
|
3,000.00 |
Dr Alison Sheridan |
|
1,550.00 |
Ms Jane Jackson |
|
86,567.40 |
RPS Consulting Engineers Ltd. |
|
34,501.50 |
Maeve Thornberry & Assoc |
|
14,700.00 |
European Forum of Conservation and Pastoralism |
|
145,100.64 |
RPS Consulting Engineers Ltd |
|
144,962.88 |
RPS Consulting Engineers Ltd |
|
19,200.00 |
Bruce McCormack Consulting |
|
23,278.98 |
Land Use Consultants |
|
204,079.14 |
TOBIN Consulting Engineers |
|
1,845.00 |
Niall Crowley |
|
5,596.50 |
Ove Arup & Partners Ireland Ltd (Arup) |
|
4,425.00 |
Deer Management Solutions |
|
12,300.00 |
Bax & Co |
|
18,136.97 |
RPS Consulting Engineers Limited |
|
4,797.00 |
Quadra Ltd |
|
738.00 |
Quadra Ltd |
|
3,358.00 |
RPS |
|
2022 |
|
|
84,808.50 |
Roughan and O' Donovan |
|
45,202.50 |
Waystone Compliance Solutions |
|
24,907.50 |
IPA |
|
17,500 |
International Expert Comparator Group reporting on NPWS Staffing |
|
6,094.03 |
RPS |
|
126,345.60 |
RPS Consulting Engineers Ltd |
|
278,700.78 |
Indecon |
|
33,067.00 |
Economic and Social Research Institute |
|
20,000.00 |
Belfast School of Architecture and the Built Enviornment |
|
43,618.00 |
Remy Farrell Senior Counsel |
|
7,565.00 |
Christopher Mills BL |
|
2,286.00 |
Fire Safety Solutions |
|
12,950.00 |
Libirel Communications |
|
11,992.50 |
2RN |
|
6,346.80 |
Drone Consultants |
|
2023 |
|
|
62,900.00 |
IPA |
|
48,891.27 |
CBEC Eco Engineering |
|
128,878.00 |
RPS Consulting Engineers Ltd |
|
24,900.00 |
Atkins |
|
1,605.00 |
Libirel Communications |
|
23,498.83 |
Version 1 (3 reports) |
|
18,216.57 |
|
|
17,454.54 |
380. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage how many biologists are employed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service; what areas they specialise in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33769/23]
View answerThe National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department has responsibility for the protection and conservation of Ireland’s natural heritage and biodiversity at national government level. The Review of the NPWS, published in February 2022, outlined the significant qualifications and experience across the organisation and the Strategic Action Plan for the renewal of the NPWS, published in May 2022, seeks to ensure that the NPWS is resourced and equipped to deliver fully on its mandate. Recruitment of a number of key roles within NPWS is underway.
There are currently 46 persons employed as ecologists in the NPWS, working in the areas of ecological assessment, ecological guidance and advice, agri-ecology, plants, bryophytes, invertebrates, vertebrates, conservations measures, conservation planning, conservation monitoring, birds, marine habitats and mammals, uplands habitats, raised bogs, aquatic habitats and species, woodlands, grasslands, coastal habitats, and including ecologists working on LIFE projects. This figure does not include staff who have trained as biologists or who have may have extensive biology qualifications and experience, but where their primary role is not as a biologist.
381. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 388 of 27 June 2023, the details of the agreement reached with the Banking Federation of Ireland regarding the imposition of a second charge on properties in respect of the vacant homes grant; his plans to ensure that banks are compliant with the terms of the agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33799/23]
View answerIn July 2022, the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was launched to support bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use.
From 1 May 2023, a grant of up to a maximum of €50,000 is available for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence and for properties which will be made available for rent, including the conversion of a property which has not been used as residential heretofore, subject to appropriate planning permission being in place.
Where the refurbishment costs are expected to exceed the standard grant of up to €50,000, a maximum top-up grant amount of up to €20,000 is available where the property is confirmed by the applicant to be derelict or where the property is already on the local authority’s Derelict Sites Register, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €70,000.
As part of the conditions associated with the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, there is a requirement that the applicant(s) will live in the qualifying property or rent it for a period of at least five years from the date of payment of the Grant. If at any time they sell the property, it ceases to be their principal private residence or if the property is no longer available to rent within ten years, they must reimburse the local authority an element of the full value of the Grant, as follows:
• Up to 5 Years – 100% of the monetary amount of the Grant
• Over 5 Years and less than or equal to 10 years – 75% of the monetary amount of the Grant
• Over 10 Years – No Clawback
On completion of works and prior to the issuing of the Grant, an agreement must be concluded between the local authority and the applicant. This contains the clawback agreement, including a charge on the property, which shall be binding on the applicant upon drawdown of the grant. The charge secures the local authority’s interest in the property.
In cases where an applicant has a mortgage on the property for which the grant has been applied for, this will be a second charge on the property. Where the applicant has a mortgage, it will always be the first or priority charge on the property.
Due to issues in respect of banks providing consent to a second charge relating to the grant, for properties with mortgages, my Department has been engaging with Banking and Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) on behalf of its members since February of this year. This engagement has been ongoing and resulted in an agreement being reached with the main lending banks (AIB and subsidiaries EBS and Haven, Bank of Ireland, PTSB and Finance Ireland) to providing consent to a second charge on properties with mortgages, in respect of the grant. This agreement is being communicated by these banks across across their branch network and by my Department across local authorities. My Department will continue to engage regularly with BPFI to ensure that the main lending banks are compliant with the terms of the agreement.
383. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he and his Department will provide grants of €50,000 to first-time buyers who build their own houses for permanent occupancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33815/23]
View answerI refer to the reply to Question No. 344 of 4 July 2023 which outlines the position on the matter.
384. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware that many apartments built to high insulation standards seem to be without any method for achieving reasonable temperatures during a very hot spell; and whether the regulatory standards have considered how this matter might be addressed, without recourse to very energy intensive air conditioning. [33847/23]
View answerThe Building Regulations set out minimum standards for the design and construction of buildings and works to ensure the health and safety of people in and around buildings.
Part L of the Building Regulations-Conservation of Fuel and Energy implemented the requirements for Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) for dwellings in 2019. NZEB means a building that has a very high energy performance. The nearly zero or very low amount of energy required should be covered to a very significant extent by energy from renewable sources, including energy from renewable sources produced on-site or nearby.
These regulations significantly reduce carbon emissions, lessen dependence on fossil fuels and lower energy costs for occupants. They also create healthier indoor environments by prioritising proper ventilation, reducing pollutants and enhancing overall comfort and well-being. Part F (Ventilation) 2019 of the building regulations requires adequate ventilation in all new homes.
The Technical Guidance Document to Part L also provides guidance on limiting heat gains, risk assessments to avoid high internal temperatures, and recommendations to reduce or avoid solar overheating for dwellings
The Dwelling Energy Assessment Procedure (DEAP) used to calculate the Building Energy Rating for dwellings provides a method for assessing the propensity of a dwelling to have high internal temperature in hot weather.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has undertaken a comprehensive review of the DEAP overheating methodology that will draw on a combination of overheating risk analysis and an appraisal of existing international methodologies for assessing overheating risk in new dwellings. This review is still ongoing.
In 2019 SEAI published a report on overheating risks in new dwellings which is available at the following link. www.seai.ie/business-and-public-sector/standards/nearly-zero-energy-building-standard/Overheating-risk-in-new-dwellings.pdf This report carried out an assessment of the overheating risk in dwellings using CIBSE TM59 methodology, and reviewed the available risk assessment tools to avoid/minimise cooling being retrofitted in new homes.
Met Éireann has recently produced new reports which maps extremes in temperature, soil temperature, snow loadings and rainfall frequencies and utilise the driving rain index (an important climatological consideration when designing buildings). These can be used by architects and engineers to model overheating risk for individual new and existing buildings at various locations in Ireland. Climate data for use in building design consisting of past and future weather files for overheating risk assessment are also presented. The outputs of this analysis can be used in numerous ways to inform public policy and to future-proof investment, particularly relating to the built environment - such as the building of buildings, bridges and roadways.
The work was completed in consultation with a steering group made up of representatives from the National Standards Authority of Ireland, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and members of my Department’s Building Standards committee under Climate Action Plan 2021. The output of this research will be used to inform national standards and guidance documents relating to the built environment to ensure Irish buildings continue to be climate resilient over their full design life.
The relevant reports and data can be accessed at the following links: www.met.ie/education/publications/climatological-notes
www.met.ie/education/publications/technical-notes
These will guide the design and construction of Irish building projects into the future. This is an important action of our Climate Action Plan as well as the National Adaptation Framework – the strategy to reduce the vulnerability of the country to the negative effects of climate change.
385. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of applications and total funding sought from individual local authorities under the land acquisition fund; how much funding has been approved and drawn down to date by local authorities; and if there are plans for future land acquisition funding for local authorities. [33849/23]
View answer386. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of applications and total funding sought from approved housing bodies under the land acquisition fund; how much funding has been approved and drawn down to date by AHBs; and if there are plans for future land acquisition funding for AHBs. [33850/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 385 and 386 together.
Housing for All sets a target to deliver an average of 33,000 new build homes each year in the period 2022-2030. This includes the delivery of an average of 10,000 new build social homes during this period. To support the delivery of new build projects, Housing for All includes an action to support local authorities to acquire the necessary land to deliver new build projects.
In November 2022, I established the Housing for All Land Acquisition Fund, with the Housing Agency responsible for the management and the operational arrangements for the Fund. An allocation of €125m was paid to the Agency to establish the Fund. The Agency is continuing to assess applications made by local authorities for the acquisition of sites. Increased construction activity by Approved Housing Bodies will be supported by the long-term leasing of sites acquired on behalf of local authorities.
The Housing Agency will be submitting a report to my Department following the completion of the current assessment process, including details of the numbers of applications and expenditure. I will provide details on this matter following receipt and consideration of the report in my Department.
387. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the required amendments to the section 25 (2) (b) (II) of the Housing (Regulation of Approved Housing Bodies) Act 2019 (details supplied) will be introduced; and to detail any assessment that has taken place in terms of the impact of the new amending legislation on registrations. [33851/23]
View answer388. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage how many AHBs are currently affected by the existing wording of section 25 (2) (b) (II) of the Housing (Regulation of Approved Housing Bodies) Act 2019 in terms of their ability to register. [33852/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 387 and 388 together.
As provided for in the Housing (Regulation of Approved Housing Bodies) Act 2019, the Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority (AHBRA) was formally established on 1 February 2021. On 1 January 2022 responsibility for the register of AHBs, previously managed by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, was transferred to AHBRA. The Authority now has responsibility for maintaining the register and for registering organisations as AHBs.
My Department is aware that the eligibility criteria, in particular Section 25(2)(b)(II), provide significant challenges to many AHBs and have been considering the issue in consultation with AHBRA. In July 2022 the timeline for registration was extended by 12 months to allow for this consideration. There are now 20 “deemed” organisations that need to formally apply for registration by 31 December 2023.
As part of the consideration of the issue, an assessment has taken place to ensure that the role of an AHB in providing housing is enshrined in their constitution whilst not making it onerous for an organisation to register.
I intend to bring forward amending legislation in the Autumn for enactment before year end as a priority.
389. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to outline a timeline for the roll-out of a scheme for approved housing bodies affected by defective concrete block. [33853/23]
View answerI commenced the the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 on 22 June 2023 which contains the enhanced grant scheme and adopted the related Regulations on 29 June 2023.
Section 36 of the Act allows the Government to make a scheme for the purpose of enabling a designated local authority or an approved housing body to remedy damage caused to dwellings by the use of defective concrete blocks in their construction.
A pilot project is being developed with Donegal County Council and a locally based AHB to inform the requirements for the parallel scheme for local authority and Approved Housing Body owned social homes.
390. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage how much funding from the state's EU National Recovery and Resilience Plan has been earmarked and drawn down to date for the delivery of social and affordable housing; how this EU funding is being administered; and if this funding is additional to existing State funding provided through Housing For All. [33854/23]
View answerIreland’s National Recovery and Resilience Programme (NRRP) is funded by the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). It is based on sixteen investment projects and nine reform measures with their 109 associated milestones and targets covering the green, digital and social and economic priorities. The RRF is a performance based instrument with the Irish RRF allocation of €915m contingent on achieving milestones and targets. The nine reform measures underpinning the plan contribute to addressing a significant subset of the 2019 and 2020 Country-Specific Recommendations (CSRs).
There is no funding associated with delivery of social or affordable housing under the NRRP. 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 and 54,000 affordable 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.
