Written Answers Nos. 317-341
317. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she is responsible for approving index linked or any other increases to pensions paid by the RTÉ superannuation scheme, and if so, to outline what approvals have been made each year since 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41611/23]
View answerRequests for pension increases to be paid by the RTÉ Pension Scheme, which is not index-linked, are made by the Trustees of the Scheme to my Department. The requests are subject to review by NewERA in the first instance, and are then submitted for my own consideration and recommendation. My recommendation then needs to be reviewed and approved by the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.
One pension increase request has been approved since September 2020 (the formation of my Department) – approval was given for a 2% increase in May 2022 by DPER and implemented by the RTÉ Pension Scheme Trustees in August 2022 (and backdated to January 2021). I also understand that this is the only increase since 2017.
The Trustees of the RTÉ Pension Scheme made an application, in September 2022, for a 2.5% increase to pensions in payment, backdated to 1st January 2022. This request has been evaluated by NewEra and I am currently considering it. My recommendation will be subject to the review and approval of the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.
The Trustees of the RTÉ Pension scheme also made an application, in September 2023, for a 4.0% increase to pensions in payment, backdated to 1st January 2023. This request has been sent to NewEra for their evaluation and I am awaiting their response.
318. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department plans included plans to develop serviced parking for touring motorhomes close to sites and town in the overall tourism strategy; if, given the popularity of touring both inside and outside the State, he can elaborate on the number of these sites that are in the State; and to outline any proposed initiatives via local authorities where these serviced areas could be developed. [41243/23]
View answerThe planning and development of new areas for tourism and recreational purposes is a matter for local authorities, within the context of their role as planning authorities in the Irish planning system. Section 63(3) of the Local Government Act 2001, provides that a local authority is independent in the performance of its functions.
A core function of local authorities, as planning authorities, is to develop a city or county development plan for their administrative area every six years. The development plan is the principal planning strategy document of the relevant local authority and sets out the relevant local planning policies and development objectives related to the provision of amenities, the protection of the landscape and an overall spatial pattern of development in the city or county area.
Under Section 10(2) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), the development plan must set out objectives for the zoning of land or particular areas for the development of particular types of uses. Under the Act, decisions on policymaking and land use zoning are a reserved function of the elected members in the preparation of their development plan.
The Development Plans Guidelines for Planning Authorities issued by my Department in June 2022 provide an important reference manual to assist local authorities in ensuring that their city or county development plan is consistent with the strategic national and regional planning policy, and thereby establish a ‘plan-led’ context for decision-making by planning authorities.
The Development Plans Guidelines provide guidance for local authorities in drafting development plan objectives and promote an evidence-based approach to the provision of new amenities and facilities based on an analysis of existing local amenities and the anticipated demand for new development, in line with the principles of proper planning and development. They also set out guidance in relation to the provision of standardised zoning objectives in the development plan, including for the provision of tourism related facilities and amenities, while noting that the need for and provision of certain zonings will depend on the strategic policies and the context of the relevant planning authority.
Accordingly, it is a matter for each planning authority to determine an overall policy approach for tourism-related activities, which may include the provision of serviced parking areas for motorhomes where necessary and appropriate, within the context of the overall spatial strategy and relevant local policies in their development plan. The development plan will subsequently provide the policy framework for future development and ensuing planning decisions on planning applications in their administrative area.
319. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the multi-annual rural water programme will be open for applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41602/23]
View answerI 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, 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.
320. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on a matter (details supplied). [41664/23]
View answerElected members of local authorities are considered to be office holders and not employees of the local authority.
They are not included in the definition of 'public servant' under the terms of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004.
Elected members are entitled to a gratuity payment on retirement, rather than an annual pension. This is a non-contributory scheme which sets a minimum retirement age at 50 years and provides for a maximum gratuity of €76,664 to a retiring member after 20 years in local government service.
321. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage what interventions his Department have made in the matter of FORSA and its industrial action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40966/23]
View answer335. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage what progress is being made with resolving industrial action (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41174/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 321 and 335 together.
Under the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he or she is responsible and each local authority is an individual employer. The Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) provides support to local authority management in this regard.
The Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform is responsible for public pay policy. I have no role in respect of this dispute.
With regard to the Forsa-led industrial action relating to a job evaluation claim, I am aware that talks concluded without resolution at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) in July. It was open thereafter for Forsa to utilise the provisions of the Public Service Agreement and / or the State Industrial Relations process. Forsa, instead, escalated immediately to industrial action.
Government has engaged with staff representative associations collectively since the early days of social partnership to reach a decision on multi-annual pay agreements for public servants. The current agreement, Building Momentum, runs to the end of 2023 and provides a 9.5% pay increase over 3 years for most public servants, increasing to 12.5% for lower paid staff. All forms of industrial action are precluded in respect of any matters relating to remuneration or to any matter covered by the Agreement.
It is important that the industrial relations mechanisms available are utilised and in this regard I understand that both parties attended conciliation at the WRC on 25 September. Following this engagement, the parties have agreed that subject to the provisions of the next Public Service Agreement, there will be further engagement on the matter.
322. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a facilitator has been appointed to oversee the roll-out of his Department's defective concrete block redress scheme in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40968/23]
View answerI 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/.
I have been supportive of applications by designated local authorities for Defective Concrete Block Facilitator posts to support homeowners through the grant scheme process. My Department issued a letter of sanction for the appointment of a facilitator by Clare County Council on 4 August 2023 and I understand a facilitator was appointed by the Council on 11 September 2023.
323. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on progress to support the National Parks and Wildlife Service's farm plan scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40977/23]
View answerThe NPWS Farm Plan Scheme, administered by my Department's National Parks and Wildlife Service, is an important instrument that allows for proactive engagement with farmers and land managers, to go above and beyond their statutory requirements in supporting nature. I recognise the central and vital role that those who manage our landscapes and habitats have in addressing the biodiversity crisis and since I came into office, I have increased the funding and personnel support for the NPWS Farm Plan Scheme. At one point in 2020, there were just 39 farm plans active. Today, with a 2023 budget of over €3m, there are presently 348 active NPWS farm plans nationally, with more to come on stream in a new tranche of plans that have been selected from a recent call for applications. My Department continues to engage with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to ensure alignment of objectives across national schemes and to avoid any risk of double funding, as appropriate.
324. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the establishment of a youth biodiversity forum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40978/23]
View answerFollowing the declaration by the Dáil of a Biodiversity Emergency in 2019 and in recognition of the vital role that biodiversity plays in the continued health of our society, economy, species and planet, the Programme for Government included a commitment to hold a Citizen's Assembly on Biodiversity Loss. The Assembly presented its’ report in April 2023 and agreed 159 recommendations, including the recommendation that the state take into account the recommendations from the Children and Young People’s Assembly on Biodiversity Loss, and continue to engage with young people on the environment.
The recommendations of the Citizen's Assembly on Biodiversity Loss are currently being deliberated by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Environment and Climate Change. The Committee will, in turn, bring its conclusions to the Houses for debate. The Government will provide in the Houses of the Oireachtas a response to each recommendation of the Assembly and, if accepting some or all of the recommendations, will indicate the timeframe it envisages for implementing those recommendations.
Without prejudging the whole-of-government response and recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee, and in alignment with Target 22 of the Global Biodiversity Framework to ensure inclusive representation and participation in decision making, the draft 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan proposes an action for the National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department to support the establishment of a Youth Biodiversity Forum through an appropriate channel. We all have a role to play in the protection and restoration of nature and a collective response is needed to reverse the decline in biodiversity.
325. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his role in co-ordinating the states response to the biodiversity emergency. [40979/23]
View answer326. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his role in co-ordinating the states response to the biodiversity emergency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40980/23]
View answer327. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage which Minister and Department is responsible for co-ordinating the response to the national biodiversity emergency. [40981/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 325, 326 and 327 together.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department is responsible for the implementation of a range of legislation and policy relating to biodiversity and nature in Ireland and is the National Focal Point for the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), an overarching international agreement underpinning the Global Biodiversity Framework. In this context, the NPWS is the lead authority for the National Biodiversity Action Plan (NBAP). Working with the support of the interdepartmental Biodiversity Working Group and the independent experts of the Biodiversity Forum, the NPWS draft, consult with stakeholders on and monitor the implementation of the Plan.
The NPWS also have responsibility for coordinating the whole-of-government response to the recommendations of the Citizens’ Assembly on Biodiversity Loss. The recommendations of the Assembly are currently being deliberated by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Environment and Climate Change. The Committee will, in turn, bring its conclusions to the Houses for debate. The Government will provide in the Houses of the Oireachtas a response to each recommendation of the Assembly and, if accepting some or all of the recommendations, will indicate the timeframe it envisages for implementing those recommendations.
The renewal of the NPWS is a commitment in the Programme for Government and is a key action underpinning the Government’s response to the biodiversity emergency. The Strategic Action Plan for the renewal of the NPWS, published in May 2022, includes a suite of actions designed to transform the NPWS and equip it to embrace our ambitions for nature and to deliver on its mandate to protect nature. The Strategic Action Plan supports and empowers the NPWS to play its part in our collective response to the biodiversity emergency, both at home and on the international stage.
328. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide a circular to local authorities in relation to the administration of housing adaptation grants, given that different local authorities are administering the scheme to different grant caps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40987/23]
View answer329. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware that some local authorities do not cover tiling in relation to the construction of downstairs bathrooms, adaptation of bathrooms, is not covered by the housing adaptation grants scheme and that this actually means a price increase for the end user who requires their home adapted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40988/23]
View answer330. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware that Revenue is now requiring applicants of the housing adaptation grants scheme to furnish medical evidence and a full break down of costs; if he can clarify whether there has been a change to the system, whereby grant allocations were based on net costs given that the applicant could reclaim VAT; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40989/23]
View answer357. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to confirm what version of a document is a local authority using (details supplied); when was the last time this document was reviewed; if this document will be revised in view of increasing construction costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41547/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 328 to 330, inclusive, and No. 357 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. The grants include the Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability, the Mobility Aids Grant and the Housing Aid for Older People, which are 80% funded by my Department, with a 20% contribution from the resources of the local authority. The detailed administration of the schemes is the responsibility of the local authorities, therefore the qualifying works is a matter for consideration and decision on a case-by-case basis by the local authority within the scope of the grant scheme.
The framework for the operation of the scheme, including the maximum grant limits, is laid down in statutory regulations, namely the Housing (Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability) Regulations 2007, the Housing (Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability) (Amendment) Regulations 2014 and the Housing (Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with Disability) (Fixed Track Hoists) Regulations 2023.
In addition, updated guidance issued by my Department, most recently in July 2023, recommends that local authorities assemble a schedule of standard costs for each element of works available for funding under the scheme, which accurately reflects the market costs within the local authority area. It is also recommended that local authorities should review their schedule of standardised cost on a twice yearly basis using the services of a Quantity Surveyor. This standardisation of costs is intended to improve consistency and have a cost stabilisation effect on grant levels in each local authority area. It is not open to local authorities to reduce the percentage cost of any element of works below what has been identified as the standard cost. It is open to authorities to fund a higher cost than the identified standard cost for that set of works, if the authority considers that such a higher cost is justified. The guidance outlines that local authorities should administer the scheme in a sympathetic manner bearing in mind the purpose of the scheme. I am satisfied that this guidance provides sufficient administrative guidance to local authorities on the administration of the scheme.
The administration of VAT refunds is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Finance and the Revenue Commissioners.
331. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to clarify whether both South Dublin County Council and Dublin City County Council are applying the clawback the same way for previously purchased homes under the affordable housing scheme part V. [40992/23]
View answerThe legislation governing the clawback on a previously purchased affordable homes is Section 99 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 or Section 9 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2002, depending on the home in question. Both of these pieces of legislation set the same clawback rule: where the property is resold within 20 years, the homeowner must pay a clawback amount equal to a percentage of the proceeds of the sale. The clawback is a legal requirement which all relevant parties would have been made aware of in advance of the purchase, but the percentage reduces over time and withers after 20 years. All issues pertaining to the clawback are processed by the relevant local authority, which as a contracted party to the agreement, is the more appropriate and best placed party to inform the owner of an affordable home on their current position.
The Affordable Housing Act 2021 now applies to all homes currently being made available under the new Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme. Rather than a withering clawback, as was the case previously, there is an equity share interest which is effectively the local authority’s share in the value of the affordable home. The equity share is equal to the discount from market price on the home at the time of purchase.
332. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the progress to date on his Department's review of current and future taxation and levy policies, regulations and incentives to assess their impact on biodiversity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41010/23]
View answerThe National Parks and Wildlife Service of my Department co-funded a research project with the Irish Research Council which will result in a Financial Needs Assessment for Biodiversity. Part of this research identified solutions for biodiversity including: biodiversity offsets, biodiversity friendly subsidies and certification, carbon credits, carbon tax, community based natural resources management, corporate taxes, levies and contributions, easements, green and impact bonds, green lending and wildlife permits and penalties. The main area of the research was to determine the financial needs for biodiversity.
The draft EU Nature Restoration Regulation is currently under negotiation and aims to restore at least 20% of the EU's land and sea areas by 2030 and repair all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050. The research to date on the Financial Needs Assessment for Biodiversity will be revised, if required, to take into account targets associated with the Regulation, once they have been finalised.
333. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to outline what legal obligation the State has to provide emergency accommodation to persons who are citizens of countries outside the UK or EEA; whether his Department has examined the reasons for the disproportionate increase in the number of such persons entering emergency accommodation in recent months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41080/23]
View answerMy Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of local authorities in addressing homelessness at a local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of homeless accommodation and related services rests with individual local authorities.
Under the Housing Act 1988 it is a matter for each local authority to determine whether a person is regarded as homeless; section 2 of the Act sets out the requirements in this regard. When a household has been assessed as homeless, section 10 of the Housing Act 1988 provides that a local authority may provide accommodation and related services to that household.
Having regard to the statutory role of local authorities under the Housing Act 1988, all households are assessed, and provided with homeless services, in accordance with the provisions of the legislation. Any household assessed as homeless may be placed into temporary emergency accommodation without the requirement to undergo a social housing assessment, allowing local authorities the flexibility that is essential to respond quickly and effectively to the various needs of cases that may arise.
My Department currently gathers and publishes data on a monthly basis on the number of homeless persons accommodated in emergency accommodation funded and overseen by housing authorities. These reports are based on data provided by housing authorities, produced through the Pathway Accommodation & Support System (PASS).
The monthly homelessness report includes details of individuals, families and the dependants of these families who accessed emergency accommodation during the relevant count week of the month in question. The most recently published data is in respect of July 2023. The reports are collated on a regional basis and are available on my Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/80ea8-homelessness-data/ and are also published to the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform's open data portal data.gov.ie/.
Since April 2022 my Department has gathered information from local authorities on citizenship of adults accessing emergency accommodation. The citizenship information is broken down by Irish, EEA/UK and Non-EEA and is available on a regional basis at the link above.
The Department carefully monitors the data contained in the reports to identify trends and drivers of homelessness and to allow for informed policies and measures to address homelessness.
334. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to intervene with the Approved Housing Body, Clúid Housing, regarding a stipulation in their tenancy agreement (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41139/23]
View answerThe Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2022 (the Acts) regulate the landlord-tenant relationship in the residential rental sector and set out the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants.
The Acts apply to every dwelling that is the subject of a tenancy, subject to a limited number of exceptions. Dwellings covered by the Acts include the private rental sector, the cost rental sector, the approved housing body sector and student accommodation (including tenancies and licences in student specific accommodation).
Generally, it is “house rules”, adhering to any Owner Management Company requirements, agreed between a landlord and a tenant at the start of a tenancy that might deal with the issue referred to in the details supplied. Landlords should ensure that their tenants are familiar with any house rules by including them in the tenancy agreement. House rules cannot impose obligations that are inconsistent with the Residential Tenancies Acts nor contravene any legal rights and protections afforded to landlords and tenants including privacy, data protection, equality legislation, etc. There is no role for me as Minister in the matter.
336. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he can clarify which functions have been delegated under legislation (details supplied); if an order is still in place; if not, when it expired and what has replaced it; if he or named persons consulted with the Commission for Public Service Appointments prior to issuing said order; if so, if there is any documentation evidencing of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41181/23]
View answerSection 160 of the Local Government Act 2001 provides the Minister with the power to declare qualifications of such classes and descriptions as he or she thinks fit for a specified employment under a local authority or for such of the employments as belong to a specified class, description or grade. An Order under section 160 of the Local Government Act 2001 declaring the qualifications for the role of Senior Executive Engineer was signed on 28 April 2017 and a copy of the Order is available on my Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/c450a-engineering-services-in-local-authorities-qualifications/
The Public Appointments Service (PAS) are the recruiters for certain permanent posts in the local government sector including Senior Executive Engineer. Accordingly, as PAS are the recruiters with the recruitment licence and operate under the Codes of Practice issued by the Commission for Public Service Appointment (CPSA), PAS were consulted prior to declaring the Senior Executive Engineer qualifications in 2017.
337. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to state whether his Department centrally monitors the number of tenants of local authorities or approved housing bodies who are in arrears of rent, and the total amount due in arrears; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41184/23]
View answerMy Department does not hold information in relation to the numbers of tenants of local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies who are in rent arrears. This information may be sought from the local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies directly.
Details of the total rent collected by local authorities and the levels of arrears are contained in the annual local authority Audit Reports prepared by the Local Government Audit Service and published by my Department. The 2022 Audit Reports have not yet been published and the most recent reports, for 2021, can be found at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/collection/902ac-audit-reports-2021/
338. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to state or estimate the number of housing units in the State in each year from 2010 to date. [41185/23]
View answerData on the total housing stock in the State are gathered by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) as part of the Census.
Total housing stock per the last four Censuses is as follows:
• 2006 - 1,769,613
• 2011 - 1,994,845
• 2016 - 2,003,645
• 2022 - 2,112,121
My department does not capture any additional data on the quantum of housing stock in the State, e.g. for intercensal years.
339. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the assistance available, if any, to a person (details supplied) who suspects the issue of pyrite in their home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41202/23]
View answerThe Pyrite Resolution Act 2013 (the Act) provides the statutory framework for the establishment of the Pyrite Resolution Board (PRB) and for the making of a pyrite remediation scheme to be implemented by the PRB with support from the Housing Agency.
The provisions of the Act apply only to dwellings affected by significant damage attributable to pyritic heave consequent on the presence of reactive pyrite in the subfloor hardcore material and not to damage arising in any other circumstance.
The Pyrite Remediation Scheme (PRS) is applicable to dwellings which are subject to significant damage attributable to pyritic heave, established in accordance with I.S. 398-1:2017. In this regard, it is a condition of eligibility under the scheme that an application to the PRB must be accompanied by a Building Condition Assessment with a Damage Condition Rating of 2. Dwellings which do not have a Damage Condition Rating of 2 are not eligible to apply under the scheme. This ensures that, having regard to the available resources, the focus of the scheme is on dwellings which are most severely damaged by pyritic heave.
The dwelling must have been constructed and completed between 1 January 1997 and 12 December 2013 within the administrative areas of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, Fingal, Kildare, Meath, Offaly, Limerick City and County Council, South Dublin County Council, Westmeath County Council or Dublin City Council.
The full conditions for eligibility are set out in the scheme which is available on the PRB’s website: www.pyriteboard.ie.
The PRB may be contacted by phone at Lo call 1890 252842 or by email to info@pyriteboard.ie.
340. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage what supports are available for homeowners whose houses are affected by pyrite but were built prior to 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41274/23]
View answerThe Pyrite Resolution Act 2013 (the Act) provides the statutory framework for the establishment of the Pyrite Resolution Board (PRB) and for the making of a pyrite remediation scheme to be implemented by the PRB with support from the Housing Agency.
The provisions of the Act apply only to dwellings affected by significant damage attributable to pyritic heave consequent on the presence of reactive pyrite in the subfloor hardcore material and not to damage arising in any other circumstance.
The pyrite remediation scheme is a scheme of “last resort” for affected homeowners who have no other practical option to obtain redress and is limited in its application and scope.
It is a condition of eligibility under the scheme that an application to the PRB must be accompanied by a Building Condition Assessment with a Damage Condition Rating of 2. In addition to this, the scheme applies to dwellings that have been constructed and completed between 1 January 1997 and 12 December 2013 within the administrative areas of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, Fingal, Kildare, Meath, Offaly, Limerick City and County Council, South Dublin County Council, Westmeath County Council or Dublin City Council. This ensures that, having regard to the available resources, the focus of the scheme is on the greatest majority of dwellings affected by significant damage attributable to pyritic heave.
The full conditions for eligibility are set out in the scheme which is available on the PRB’s website: www.pyriteboard.ie.
The PRB may be contacted by phone at Lo call 1890 252842 or by email to info@pyriteboard.ie.
341. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage what oversight, if any, his Department has in the awarding of public contracts by Uisce Éireann, particularly in relation to the Hybrid 2 project at Ringsend, which has been awarded to a company (details supplied); and if he is satisfied that this company is complying with obligations under public procurement regulations, Statutory Instrument no. 284/2016 Section 18 subsection (4) (a), in the fields of 'Environmental, Social and Labour Law'. [41364/23]
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, procurement and progression of individual projects is a matter for Uisce Éireann and is approved through its own internal governance structures and board.
Under the Water Services Act 2013, Uisce Éireann is required to seek the consent of the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage - given with the approval of the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform (DPENDR) - to enter into capital commitments. Uisce Éireann must seek Ministerial consent prior to entering into any individual capital commitment of a value in excess of €50 million. This is a financial control and not a project consent.
The Ringsend WWTP Project did not require Ministerial consent owing to the Project's stage in the project lifecycle prior to the publication of the Public Spending Code. However, the project was noted by Government in 2021: no specific approval by Government is required for the project.
The Department in consultation with Uisce Éireann, DPENDR, NewERA and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU), has developed the Water Services Sector Specific Guidelines for Uisce Éireann, as required by the Public Spending Code. The Guidelines ensure that Uisce Éireann is in compliance with the principles and guidance set out in the Public Spending Code for the management and appraisal of capital projects.
Uisce Éireann has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via email to oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on a dedicated number, 0818 578 578.
