Wednesday, 20 Sep 2023

Written Answers Nos. 423-439

Departmental Reports

Questions (423)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

423. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason no Q1 social housing pipeline report was published this year; and when the Q2 report will be published. [39706/23]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

My Department publishes comprehensive programme level statistics on a quarterly basis on social and affordable housing delivery activity by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) in each local authority. This data is available to the end of 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.

My Department also publishes the Social Housing Construction Status Report (CSR). The CSR provides details of social housing developments and their location that have been completed, are under construction or are progressing through the various stages of the design and tender processes. The most recent publication was for Quarter 4 2022. All Construction Status Reports are available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/cb885-social-housing-construction-projects-status-reports/.

A version of the CSR file can also be downloaded for analysis of completions, locations, approvals stage etc. at the link below: www.gov.ie/en/publication/14f82-social-housing-construction-projects-status-report-q4-2022/.

Data for Quarter 1 and Quarter 2 2023 is currently being collated and will be published shortly, in conjunction with the Construction Status Reports.

Planning Issues

Questions (424)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

424. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of new positions sanctioned at An Bord Pleánála in the past 12 months; the positions granted; the cost implications of each position; and the number of these positions that have been filled to date. [39707/23]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

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.

There are now more people working at the Board than at any time previously. Since October 2021, my Department has agreed to 117 new staffing posts in the Board, as detailed below.

• In October 2021, my Department approved an additional 24 posts across a range of technical and administrative grades including the setting up of a new Marine and Climate Unit.

• In December 2022, 34 additional posts were sanctioned, and the Board is in the process of filling these positions.

• In April 2023, the Board submitted sanction requests for a total of 59 new posts, all of which were approved by my Department.

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 [e-mail].

In order to be of assistance, my Department obtained the information requested from the Board who have provided the following information.

The Board has received approval and sanction from my Department for a total of 313 posts for 2023, and 93 of these posts are new positions sanctioned in the past 12 months. A breakdown of the type, cost and status of each of the 93 posts sanctioned in the last 12 months is provided by An Bord Pleanála in Table 1 below.

Table 1: Posts Sanctioned in An Bord Pleanála in the past 12 months

Posts Sanctioned	Cost Per Post	Status of Posts as of 15/09/23
Assistant Director of Planning x1	€88,093	Filled
Senior Planning Inspector x25	€78,656	13 Filled 12 Vacant
Planning Inspector x12	€68,491	7 Filled 5 Vacant
Senior Administrative Officer x1	€74,701	Vacant
Senior Executive Officer Specialist x2	€53,955	2 Vacant
Senior Executive Officer x5	€53,955	1 Filled 4 Vacant
Executive Officer x20	€33,812	8 Filled12 Vacant
Administrative Assistant x21	€27,132	2 Filled19 Vacant
Director of Marine Planning x1	€100,995	Filled
Director of Legal Affairs x1	€97,207	Filled
Ethics Officer x1	€74,701	Vacant
Director of Transformation x1	€97,207	Vacant
Marine Specialist x2	€78,656	2 Vacant

Emergency Accommodation

Questions (425)

Ivana Bacik

Question:

425. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on the review of guidance for local authorities in relation to assisting victims of domestic violence with emergency and long-term accommodation needs. [39714/23]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

In 2017, my Department issued policy and procedural guidance to housing authorities relating to the role they can play to assist victims of domestic violence. The issuing of this 2017 policy and guidance was a significant action in the second national strategy on Domestic, Sexual & Gender-Based Violence (DSGBV) 2016-2021, and has since played an important role in addressing the housing needs of victims and survivors of DSGBV, providing direction to housing authorities in supporting victims of domestic violence.

On the 28 June, 2022 the Department of Justice published Zero Tolerance, the third National Strategy on DSGBV 2022-2026. As an action in this strategy, my Department committed to a review of the 2017 Policy and Procedural Guidance for Housing Authorities in relation to assisting victims of domestic violence with emergency and long-term accommodation needs in order to ensure continuing effectiveness and consistency in responses to assist victims of domestic violence. This review is now complete and emerging recommendations will be shared with external stakeholders for input in the coming weeks. Any updates to the policy and guidance will be communicated to local authorities in due course.

In the meantime, local authorities should continue to have regard to the 2017 Guidance.

Question No. 426 answered with Question No. 405.

Rental Sector

Questions (427)

Patrick Costello

Question:

427. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a landlord requires their tenant to run a dehumidifier 24/7 to prevent growth/spread of mould, whether the landlord or tenant is liable to pay for the associated energy costs. [39727/23]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The minimum standards for rental accommodation are prescribed in the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2019 and specify requirements in relation to a range of matters, such as structural repair, sanitary facilities, heating, natural light, fire safety, ventilation and the safety of gas, oil and electrical supplies. Responsibility for the enforcement of the Regulations in the private rental sector rests with the relevant local authority. These Regulations apply to all properties let or available for let. All landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their rented properties comply with the standards set down in the Regulations.

Regulation 8(1) requires that every room used, or intended for use, by the tenant of the house as a habitable room shall have adequate ventilation. Dehumidifiers are not specified as a requirement under the Regulations.

The Government is committed to ensuring that a stock of high quality accommodation is available for those who live in the private rented sector. Housing for All sets a target for the inspection of 25% of all registered private residential tenancies. A total of €9 million in Exchequer funding is being made available by my Department to local authorities this year to help them meet their private rental inspection targets.

My Department has produced a video and leaflet with the aim of educating the general public on the importance of proper ventilation in the home. They are available here:

• www.gov.ie/homeventilation

• www.gov.ie/aeráiltí

Housing Schemes

Questions (428)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

428. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the criteria on the price limit of properties for acquisition under the local authority and cost rental tenant-in-situ schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39732/23]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

My Department issued Acquisition Cost Guidelines (ACGs) in April of this year for each local authority area. These ACGs are updated by my Department on an annual basis.The ACGs provide cost guidelines for the acquisition by housing authorities, of second-hand properties for the provision of social housing. These guidelines reference lower and upper cost ranges along with an average/benchmark cost, which is representative of the average range of current (at the time of issue) prices across the local authority area. The same ACGs are used by the Housing Agency for the acquisition of homes under the Cost Rental Tenant in Situ (CRTiS) scheme. The ACGs reflect anticipated benchmark levels at the time released, most recently Q2 of 2023. My Department continues to monitor tender price trends on an ongoing basis and all incoming funding applications are considered with such trends in mind. The ACGs are not applied as absolute ceiling/limits, but instead act as a key benchmark for the development and costing of scheme designs at capital appraisal stage. Similarly, we will continue to consider acquisition proposals, of both schemes, where the cost of acquiring the property may exceed the guidelines provided, having regard to appropriate value for money considerations.

Rental Sector

Questions (429, 518)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

429. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider extending the rent pressure zone across the country to all areas. [39734/23]

Ivana Bacik

Question:

518. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to extend the duration of rent pressure zones beyond their current expiry date of 31 December 2024; if not, whether work has begun on plans for a step down from the regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40162/23]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

I propose to take Questions Nos. 429 and 518 together.

I have no plans to apply Rent Pressure Zone (RPZ) rent controls to every tenancy in the country. In all cases, section 19(1) of the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2022 (RTA) prohibits the setting of a rent that exceeds market rent. The Housing Agency and the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) continually monitor rents across the country and if any area meets the designation criteria under the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2022 (RTA), it will be designated as a RPZ.

As part of the RTA, the Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016 taking account of the constitutionally protected property rights of landlords, introduced a targeted Rent Predictability Measure to moderate rent increases in those parts of the country where rents are highest and rising fastest. Rent controls are applied on the basis of the objective evidence available via the RTB Quarterly Rent Index Report. Currently, 77% of tenancies across the country are subject to rent controls.

Section 24A of the RTA provides that the Housing Agency, in consultation with housing authorities, may make a proposal to me, as Minister, that an area should be considered as a RPZ. Following receipt of such a proposal, I, as Minister, request the Director of the RTB to conduct an assessment of the area to establish whether or not it meets the criteria for designation and to report to me on whether the area should be designated as a RPZ.

Each RTB Quarterly Rent Index Report includes a table of the data used to establish whether each local electoral area (LEA) fulfils the criteria for designation as a RPZ.

My Department is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of the private rental sector. This review will take into account the significant regulatory changes, including rent controls, over the past several years in the residential rental market, and will report on how our housing system can be enhanced to provide an efficient, affordable, viable, safe and secure framework for both landlords and tenants. The review includes consideration of submissions made as part of a public consultation process which ran from 26 June to 8 August 2023 and targeted engagement through a Stakeholder engagement forum on the review, which was held on 6 July. Work is progressing on finalising this review.

Water Services

Questions (430)

Alan Dillon

Question:

430. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39761/23]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

I can confirm that my Department is in the final stages of completing comprehensive Framework documentation that will assist and support the launch of the upcoming Multi-annual Rural Water Programme. Extensive engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, including the Rural Water Working Group which includes the key stakeholders in the Sector, was a valuable and necessary requirement to allow my Department finalise this work.I expect to receive a submission soon for my consideration setting out the details of each of the funding measures that will be available under the programme. Subject to approval, local authorities will then be invited to submit applications for funding for specific priority projects in their areas.

An independent Expert Panel, set up for the task, will assess each valid application and make recommendations for funding. I will consider the recommendations made and, where appropriate, approve funding for individual projects.

Housing Schemes

Questions (431, 525)

Paul Murphy

Question:

431. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage whether the income thresholds for housing adaptation grants for older people and people with a disability will be increased. [39787/23]

Robert Troy

Question:

525. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will review the means test criteria on housing adaptation for people with disability grants; and if he will examine the possibility of not considering income earned by adult children who live in the home and can prove that they are saving for a deposit on a home of their own. [40221/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (Deputy Kieran O'Donnell)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 431 and 525 together.

My Department provides Exchequer funding to local authorities to support the suite of Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability which support older and disabled people living in private houses to adapt their home to meet their needs.

Housing for All commits to reviewing the grants scheme and a report on the review has been prepared by my Department. The review was informed by engagement with external stakeholders, including the Department of Health, the HSE, the Disability Federation of Ireland and the Irish Wheelchair Association. Written submissions were also invited and considered as part of this process. Among the areas which the review considered are the income thresholds (including the means test provisions) and grant limits, and the application and decision-making processes including the supplementary documentation required.

On foot of my consideration of the Review report, I have asked my Department to engage with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform on the recommendations in the Review report, and this engagement is ongoing at present. I will publish the report, including the agreed amendments to the scheme, once that engagement has concluded.

Defective Building Materials

Questions (432)

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn

Question:

432. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has engaged with the Minister for Finance on the requests from homeowners affected by defective blocks that the works they are carrying out to remediate their homes and related professional fees, under the enhanced defective block grant scheme, be exempt from VAT; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39793/23]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

I commenced the Remediation of Dwellings Damaged by the Use of Defective Concrete Blocks Act 2022 (the Act) on 22 June 2023 which contains the enhanced grant scheme and adopted the related Regulations on 29 June 2023. The new scheme is now open to applications in four counties: Clare, Donegal, Limerick and Mayo with comprehensive information of all aspects of the Scheme available on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/service/8002e-enhanced-defective-concrete-blocks-grant-scheme/.

As part of the implementation of the enhanced DCB scheme the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) produced a report on up to date construction costs for the type of remediation works carried out under the scheme. The SCSI Construction cost report includes VAT at 13.5% on building costs and 23% on professional fees.

The Expert Group on the enhanced DCB scheme operationalised rebuild cost figures as provided by the SCSI in grant rates recommended to me for inclusion in the scheme regulations. Thus, the Scheme as designed already takes account of VAT.

Planning Issues

Questions (433)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

433. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to explain the long delay in the publication of the draft rural planning guidelines; and to state when these guidelines will be published. [39828/23]

Awaiting reply from the Department.

Housing Schemes

Questions (434)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

434. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to set out in tabular form the progress to date with both the social and cost-rental tenant-in-situ schemes, including number of applications for each scheme, number of rejections, number gone sale agreed and number purchased, with a breakdown by local authority for both schemes. [39829/23]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

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 at least 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 target for social housing acquisitions in 2023 and these allocations are being kept under review.

It is matter for each local authority to decide on appropriate acquisitions having regard to the arrangements for the scheme. My Department publishes comprehensive programme level statistics on a quarterly basis on social and affordable housing delivery activity by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) in each local authority, including completed acquisitions. This data is available to the end of 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. Data for Quarter 1 and Quarter 2 2023 is currently being collated and will be published shortly. My Department does not collect information on the numbers of acquisitions that do not proceed.

The Government has developed the ‘Cost Rental Tenant In-Situ’ scheme for tenants in private rental homes who are at risk of homelessness because a landlord intends to sell the property, but who are not in receipt of social housing supports. The scheme was established on a temporary administrative basis from 1 April 2023, pending further policy development over the longer term with the intention of transitioning these tenants and homes to the standard Cost Rental model.

The household income limit for scheme eligibility increased to €66,000 net for Dublin and €59,000 net elsewhere. This limit is in line with the recent changes to cost rental eligibility limits from 1 August 2023.

Local Authority Housing Officers have responsibility for assessing the risk of homelessness to tenants who have received a valid notification of termination due to an intended sale of a property, and so it is the local authority that tenants should first approach.

If the local authority is satisfied that the applicant tenant household is eligible for CRTiS they will pass the details of the tenant and the property to the Housing Agency for consideration for potential acquisition. The Housing Agency will then engage with the tenant and the landlord with a view to acquiring the property. The Housing Agency will partner with an independent third party, potentially an Affordable Housing Body (AHB), to manage and maintain the homes.

It is the longer-term intention of the scheme, however, to transition these tenancies and homes to the standard framework for Cost Rental, where rents are set at a level to meet the costs of acquiring, managing, and maintaining the home. It is for this reason that the CRTiS eligibility criteria align with those in the standard Cost Rental framework.

Data on the number of Cost Rental acquisitions being progressed will be published in conjunction with the Social Housing Quarterly Statistics shortly.

Housing Schemes

Questions (435)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

435. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the progress made to date with the review of the mortgage to rent scheme; whether the conclusions of the review will be published; the date it is expected to be completed by; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39837/23]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Both the Programme for Government and Housing for All commit to strengthening the Mortgage to Rent (MTR) scheme and ensuring that it is helping those who need it. Building on the significant amendments already made to the scheme in 2017, the 2021 Review, which was published on the 24 January 2022, examined the impact of these changes and what further changes would benefit those in need of the scheme. While the scheme is performing well, it was assessed that some further enhancements were needed to enable more households in need of State support with their long-term housing needs to avail of this scheme.

Four broad categories of actions are identified in the review, including:

a) Broadening the eligibility criteria;

b) Improving the scheme process, structure and financing;

c) Increasing communication and awareness raising; and

d) Responding to developments around mortgage arrears solutions.

A number of actions have been completed and progress is also being made under other actions within the review.

One key priority action of the Review was to broaden the eligibility criteria of the scheme and this was implemented in February 2022. These include changes to the positive equity and property acquisition limits and more flexibility on over-accommodation where a member of the household is aged 65 or over, or has a disability.

The increase in the income threshold for social housing has also opened the MTR scheme up to more borrowers because households entering Mortgage to Rent must qualify for social housing support. These changes have enabled borrowers to apply for the scheme, who wouldn't have been eligible previously.

An advertising campaign on urban and regional buses was conducted in Q4 2022 under the 'Communication and awareness raising' action and further initiatives to increase awareness of the scheme will be undertaken. There is continued engagement with Abhaile, the Insolvency Service of Ireland (ISI) and Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) to disseminate information on the MTR scheme.

My Department, in conjunction with the Housing Agency is currently running an Expressions of Interest (EOI) process which invited participants from both the private and Approved Housing Body (AHB) sector to put forward their interest in becoming MTR providers who can deliver the scheme at scale. This EOI process is necessary for the long-term sustainability of the scheme and will offer lenders more providers with whom they can engage and process cases. The results of this process will be announced shortly.

The Cross Sectoral Working Group was established and meetings were held in 2022 with the next meeting due to take place once the EOI process referred to above is fully concluded.

Full details of the recommendations and associated actions are outlined within the 2021 Review of the Mortgage to Rent (MTR) scheme for people who have borrowed from commercial private lending institutions and this review is available on my Department's website under Publications: www.gov.ie/en/publication/ed57b-2021-review-of-the-mortgage-to-rent-scheme-for-borrowers-of-commercial-private-lending-institutions/.

There are currently no plans to publish a further report on this review.

Housing Schemes

Questions (436, 514, 537)

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

436. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an updated figure for the number of croí cónaithe towns refurbishment grants that have been drawn down; the number of applications made; and the number of applications approved to date. [39839/23]

Eoin Ó Broin

Question:

514. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of croí cónaithe towns refurbishment grants that have been drawn down to date, with a breakdown by local authority; and the average amount drawn down in each county and the total draw-down State wide in 2023. [40139/23]

Niamh Smyth

Question:

537. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage how many croí cónaithe vacant property refurbishment grants have been approved in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40465/23]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

I propose to take Questions Nos. 436, 514 and 537 together.

Pathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock. In 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. The grant is available in respect of vacant and derelict properties built up to and including 2007, in towns, villages, cities and rural areas.

My Department publishes data on applications for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant on its website on a quarterly basis, which can be accessed at the following link: Vacancy grant statistics

Foreshore Issues

Questions (437)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

437. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when a decision will issue in relation to a foreshore licence application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39844/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

The expected time for processing and determining foreshore applications can vary considerably and is influenced by the quality of the application and supporting documents received, the nature and complexity of the application, the level of public engagement during the consultation process among other matters.

Seaweed harvesting applications are complex, particularly given the legal challenges that have arisen over the years, the existing rights of individuals, as well as the lack of significant scientific and environmental impact data on the natural resource.

Prior to the commencement of Part 5 of the Maritime Area Planning (MAP) Act 2021 and the establishment of the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority or MARA on the 17 July 2023, Section 3 of the Foreshore Act provided for the granting of a licence for the removal of or the disturbance of beach material on the Foreshore.

Beach material is defined in the Foreshore Act and includes in its definition “seaweed whether growing or rooted on the seashore or deposited or washed up thereon by the action of tides, winds, and waves or any of them”.

In considering an application for a foreshore consent, it must be verified that the particular activity complies with regulations that will safeguard the ecological integrity of the proposed site in view of the site's conservation objectives under the under Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive and also have regard to the requirements of the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive. The activity must also be deemed to be in the public interest.

As previously indicated, in addition to licensed wild seaweed harvesting, there also exists the right of individuals to harvest wild seaweed, namely those who hold appurtenant rights and profit-a-prendre rights. Their rights to harvest wild seaweed may be related to a property known as a folio or appurtenant right or built up through harvesting from the same area over a period of time known as a profit-a-prendre rights. The process of registering seaweed harvesting rights on a property folio is matter for the Property Registration Authority of Ireland.

Advice provided by the Attorney General’s Office in 2018 to my Department was that these rights were to be respected. Therefore, where these rights apply, a licence under the 1933 Foreshore Act is not required by the holder of that right in order to harvest seaweed, nor can any other entity be licenced under the Foreshore Act to harvest seaweed in an area where existing formal or informal rights to harvest seaweed already exist.

Ireland's National Marine Planning Framework commits to supporting the sustainable harvesting of seaweed, having regard to the important economic and social contribution it makes to coastal communities. However, it is agreed that there is currently a need for enhanced policy development in this area at a time when the sector is attempting to capitalise on the growing uses for seaweed and its by-products emerging across a number of industries.

The Marine Institute contracted a Socio-Economic Study of Seaweed Harvesting in Ireland with a view to promoting the sustainable development of our marine resources; safeguarding our marine environment through research and environmental monitoring and realising the economic potential of Ireland’s 220 million acre marine resource. My Department is currently considering the findings of this study and its role in supporting the development of wide ranging national policy for this sector.

Any application that has been received under the Foreshore Act prior to the 17 July 2023 will continue to be processed by the Foreshore Unit of my Department. However, applicants who wish to transition from the Foreshore Consenting System to the new regulatory regime under MARA may do so by formally withdrawing their application from the Foreshore Unit and applying to MARA.

MARA is inviting potential new applicants or applicants who wish to transition from the Foreshore Consenting System, to partake in a non–statutory, pre-application meeting before a formal application is submitted to them in order to minimise delays and ensure that all relevant information is available to them. This pre-application meeting with MARA may also take place prior to formally withdrawing an application from the foreshore consenting process.

Housing Policy

Questions (438)

Robert Troy

Question:

438. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a rebate will be made available to people who paid development contributions on planning permission prior to April 2023 and on water connections for new builds prior to April 2023. [39847/23]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

On 25 April 2023, the Government approved additional measures under the Housing for All Action Plan to incentivise the activation of increased housing supply and help reduce housing construction costs, including the introduction of temporary time-limited arrangements for the waiving of local authority “section 48” development contributions and the refunding of Uisce Éireann water and waste water connection charges.

These temporary time-limited arrangements apply for 1 year to all permitted residential development –

• that commences on site between 25 April 2023 and 24 April 2024, and

• is completed not later than 31 December 2025.

My Department issued Circular Letter PL 08/2023 on 21 July 2023 and the associated supplementary Guidance Note on the detailed operational arrangements in relation to the development contribution waiver scheme and the Uisce Éireann connection charge refund scheme. The Circular Letter and Guidance Note are available at the following link - www.gov.ie/en/circular/9b113-circular-pl-082023-temporary-time-limited-waiver-in-respect-of-development-contributions-operational-guidance-for-local-authorities/.

These temporary arrangements are being applied irrespective of the date of planning permission for the residential development. It is not proposed to extend the terms or timeline of the scheme beyond those as approved by the Government in its Decision of 25 April last i.e. that houses must be commenced between 25 April 2023 and 24 April 2024, and be completed by 31 December 2025 in order to qualify for the waiver.

Building Regulations

Questions (439)

Ivana Bacik

Question:

439. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if any reviews or studies have been conducted by his Department into the use of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete in the construction of public buildings and buildings providing public, social, educational or health services in Ireland over past decades; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39869/23]

Written answers

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage

Responsibility for existing public buildings as raised in the question is a matter for the relevant Government Department or the Office of Public Works as appropriate.

In relation to social housing, the management and maintenance of existing 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.

I am aware of the issue of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete in schools in the UK and my colleague the Minister for Education is monitoring that situation closely. No reviews or studies have been conducted by my Department on the matter.