Peter Burke
Question:92. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Education if she will review an application for an emergency works scheme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46838/23]
View answerSchool Accommodation
Questions (92)
Written answers
I would like to inform the Deputy that the school in question submitted an application for funding under my Department's Emergency Works Scheme (EWS) for the resurfacing of their playground. This application was rejected as it did not fall within the scope of the EWS.
The main purpose of the Emergency Works Grant Scheme is to provide for unforeseen emergencies that impact on school buildings. An emergency is a situation which poses an immediate risk to health, life, property or the environment, which is sudden, unforeseen and requires immediate action and, in the case of a school, if not corrected would prevent the school or part thereof from opening.
It is open to the school to use minor works grant funding or submit an application for funding to resurface the yard under the Summer Works Scheme when it next opens for applications or alternatively they may appeal the refusal of funding if they furnish additional information which if known at the time of the original application may have effected the outcome of the decision.
School Transport
Questions (93)
Denise Mitchell
Question:93. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Education if transport will be made available for a person (details supplied). [46839/23]
View answerWritten answers
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2022/2023 school year, over 149,000 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
In addition, school transport scheme services were provided for over 5,400 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.
Already over 133,000 tickets have issued for the 2023/2024 school year which is an increase of 12% when compared with the start of the 2022/2023 school year. The number of tickets issued so far has already exceeded the total number of tickets issued in the 2022/23 school year.
A pupil with special educational needs is eligible for school transport if they are attending the nearest recognised: mainstream school, special class/special school or a unit, that is or can be resourced, to meet the child's special educational needs under Department of Education criteria.
Eligibility is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENO).
There was a 30% increase in the number of special educational transport journeys from 2019 to the 2022/2023 school year, and already over 1,400 new applications have been received since July for the 2023/2024 school year.
New applications for the 2023/2024 school year will be catered for through a mix of new services (some being individual), children being accommodated on existing services where capacity exists, extensions of existing routes and grants to families.
Bus Éireann has reported that unfortunately, for a small number of families assigned to Special Educational Needs transport services that had been secured, difficulties have arisen in some localities with a small number of contracted services.
A Special Transport Interim Grant is available to families of children with special educational needs who, following the application process, are eligible under the terms of the school transport scheme and are awaiting a School Transport service to be put in place. The Department will be in direct contact with families in regard to full details of this grant.
This grant is a once off payment. The interim grant is offered from the date of application to assist with the cost of private transport arrangements that families have to put place until a transport service has commenced.
Bus Eireann have confirmed that this pupil is currently availing of transport.
School Transport
Questions (94)
Denise Mitchell
Question:94. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Education if transport will be made available for a person (details supplied). [46840/23]
View answerWritten answers
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2022/2023 school year, over 149,000 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
In addition, school transport scheme services were provided for over 5,400 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.
Already over 133,000 tickets have issued for the 2023/2024 school year which is an increase of 12% when compared with the start of the 2022/2023 school year. This number of tickets has already exceeded the total number of tickets issued in the 2022/23 school year.
Bus Éireann have confirmed that this pupils new service is currently in the procurement process and once a contractor has been sourced, the service will commence. They have advised that they will contact the family directly in this matter.
A Special Transport Interim Grant is available to families of children with special educational needs who, following the application process, are eligible under the terms of the school transport scheme and are awaiting a School Transport service to be put in place.
This grant is a once off payment. The interim grant is offered from the date of application to assist with the cost of private transport arrangements that families have to put place until a transport service is ready to commence.
You do not need to make an application; the School Transport Section in the Department of Education will email you directly with further details of the grant.
Bus Éireann has put in place a dedicated customer care call centre to assist families specifically with School Transport queries during this period. Families that have queries can contact the call centre on: LoCall 0818 919 910. Operating hours are usually 9.00am – 5.00pm Monday to Friday.
Families can also submit queries via the ‘contact form’ which can be found on our website (buseireann.ie/schooltransport).
School Accommodation
Questions (95)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:95. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Education when a decision will be made in relation to the submission to build an ASD unit in a school (details supplied) in County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46845/23]
View answerWritten answers
The school referred to by the Deputy, was approved under the Additional Schools Accommodation (ASA) scheme for a 2 classroom SEN base, which has been devolved for delivery to the school authority.
The project is at Stage 1 of the design process. A Stage 1/2A report was submitted by the school’s design team, and my Department’s Professional and Technical team have reviewed and issued comments including the requirement to align the design with the approved brief of works. In this case the client and their design team have extended considerably the scope outside the approved works brief of a 2 classroom SEN base.
The progression of the project now lies with the school authority and their design team. The Department will continue to offer assistance where necessary, in addition to support from patron body JMB who are currently engaged with the school.
School Accommodation
Questions (96)
Mattie McGrath
Question:96. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Education where a preschool facility is currently being operated within a school and where her Department is seeking an ASD unit within the school that will result in the closure of the preschool facility, if her Department can force the closure of the preschool facility to take over the space within which it is operating; if her Department will provide funding in circumstances (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46888/23]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department prioritises its capital funding for the provision of school accommodation to meet school place requirements, including for children with special educational needs. It does not provide funding towards the provision of accommodation for childcare or other non-school related services.
As the Deputy may be aware, my Department has historically funded a very small number of pre-school services in schools in areas at particular risk of disadvantage and social exclusion. Outside of these initiatives, schools themselves are free to decide if they wish to make their facilities available for the running of early learning and care and/or school-age childcare services, and my Department understands that some schools do so. Any decision to make school facilities available lies with the relevant Trustees/ Property owners having regard to the requirements of the school, staff and students.
In 2017 guidelines, which were developed in consultation with school authorities, on the use of school buildings outside of school hours were published (Guidelines on the use of School buildings outside of School Hours) and a copy of these Guidelines is available on my Department's website. These Guidelines include information which school authorities should consider in the event that they receive an application for the use of their school in connection with a pre-school. Where that proposed use may take place within school hours consideration has to be given to the impact on the capacity of the school to meet its requirements, including special education provision. The priority use for school accommodation is, necessarily, the provision of mainstream primary and post primary school places, as well as provision for children with special educational needs. Therefore, where a school is letting of part of its property as an early learning and care setting during school hours, they must first have the prior approval of the Minister. In addition, where schools enter an agreement for the use of their facilities it should include a condition that the agreement may be terminated should the facility be required for education provision.
The Board of Management is responsible for the direct governance of a school and for the use of school resources and facilities subject to the approval of the Trustee/Patron. The onus is on the Board of Management and the Patron to ensure that there is sufficient accommodation to meet the school’s long-term projected enrolment and any development which may arise in the area. In that regard, where additional accommodation is required at the school in the future, any accommodation used for purposes other than primary school provision must revert to mainstream use as soon as the need arises. The use of classrooms for teaching and learning is the priority for the school.
In general, capital funding by my Department is reserved for the provision of mainstream school accommodation for primary education upwards, as well as for children with special educational needs. Funding for pre-school services is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
School Transport
Questions (97)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:97. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 249 of 17 October 2023, what actions she has undertaken to investigate spare seat capacity on the school bus in question from Ballivor to Trim, County Meath, when it has been confirmed to the parents at a local level that there are spare seats on the bus not used; her reasons for stating there are no spare seats; who informed her; if she will apply practical common sense in allocating a spare seat to the student referenced without further delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46916/23]
View answerWritten answers
The School Transport Scheme is a significant operation managed by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education. In the 2022/2023 school year, over 149,000 children, including over 18,000 children with special educational needs, were transported on a daily basis to primary and post-primary schools throughout the country.
In addition, school transport scheme services were provided for over 5,400 children who have arrived to Ireland from Ukraine.
The total cost of the scheme in 2022 was €338.9m.
Already over 133,000 tickets have issued for the 2023/2024 school year which is an increase of 12% when compared with the start of the 2022/2023 school year. The number of tickets issued so far has already exceeded the total number of tickets issued in the 2022/23 school year.
The purpose of the Post Primary School Transport Scheme is, having regard to available resources, to support the transport to and from school of children who reside remote i.e. 4.8 kilometres (kms) or more from their nearest education centre, having regard to ethos and language.
Children who are not eligible for school transport, under the terms of the scheme, may apply to Bus Éireann for transport on a concessionary basis subject to the following conditions:
a Transport Application Form is completed and submitted to Bus Éireann;
•there is a suitable service, as determined by Bus Éireann, operating into their education centre;
•there is spare capacity on the service;
•the appropriate annual charge is paid; Medical Card waiver is not applicable
The availability of concessionary transport may vary from year to year, is not available on public scheduled services and cannot be guaranteed for the duration of a child’s post primary school education cycle. Where the number of applications for transport on a concessionary basis exceeds the number of seats available, Bus Éireann will determine the allocation of the tickets.
It is recognised that all pupils issued with tickets will not travel every morning and every evening. In addition, certain after school activities may also result in pupils not travelling on certain days.
Bus Éireann organises for vehicles to be full to capacity with tickets based on applications received and based on the seating capacity of the vehicle. For safety reasons, it is not possible to issue additional tickets over and above the seating capacity of the vehicle which could result in a potential overload situation arising and all pupils not being carried on the service.
Bus Éireann has advised that this pupil referred to is not eligible for mainstream transport as they are attending their 3rd nearest Post Primary Centre.
Bus Éireann further advise they were unsuccessful in obtaining a concessionary ticket for the 2023/24 school year and the existing service is currently operating to capacity at present.
Bus Éireann advise that a 51 seater vehicle services the route referred to and 51 tickets have issued.
Schools Building Projects
Questions (98)
Steven Matthews
Question:98. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Education the position regarding the new school building for a school (details supplied); if a timeline for completion can be provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46939/23]
View answerWritten answers
The site identification and assessment exercise for the school referred to by the Deputy is ongoing and a potential property has been identified.
An architectural consultant has been appointed to commence an assessment of this potential property.
Given the commercial sensitivities associated with land acquisitions generally I am not in a position to comment further at this time.
I wish to assure the Deputy that the provision of a permanent location for this school is a priority for the Department.
Departmental Bodies
Questions (99)
Ged Nash
Question:99. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Education further to Parliamentary Question No. 203 of 19 October 2023, if she will supply the complete terms of reference provided to the working group in question, as requested; the dates of all meetings of the group, whether virtual or in-person, since the group was established; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46985/23]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to thank the Deputy for his further question on this matter. The Working Group met on the 6th June and the 11th September 2023. Both meetings were in-person with a virtual option for staff who were unable to attend in person.
The Terms of Reference for the Group, as requested, are set out at the following link.
School Accommodation
Questions (100)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:100. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Education to sanction works at a school (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46990/23]
View answerWritten answers
The school to which the Deputy refers has been granted approval for the provision of 2 x Special Educational Needs classrooms under the Department’s Devolved SEN Reconfiguration and Modular Accommodation programme.
This programme provides project management supports to enable the accommodation to be provided as quickly as possible and helps to ease the administrative workload for individual schools in relation to the management and delivery of the project. The use of the Department's Modular Accommodation Framework also assists in ensuring lead in periods for procurement of modular accommodation are minimised to the greatest extent possible.
Timeline for delivery of the modular unit has been discussed with the School Authority with works anticipated to commence on site shortly, practical completion is expected in Q1 2024. The School Authority has responsibility for delivery of this accommodation.
Departmental Consultations
Questions (101)
Carol Nolan
Question:101. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her Department, or any body under the aegis of her Department, has facilitated in-person or remote briefings on any issue from organisations (details supplied) from 2021 to date; if so, the topic discussed; the fees paid to the organisations for these briefings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46762/23]
View answerWritten answers
I am advised that officials in my Department have not had any in-person or remote briefings with the organisations, Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI) and BelongTo from 2021 to-date.
With regard to Agencies/Bodies under my Department's remit, such arrangements would be an operational matter for the respective Agency/Body.
Sports Funding
Questions (102, 103)
Catherine Murphy
Question:102. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if her officials conduct due diligence in advance of awarding a sports capital grant. [46836/23]
View answerCatherine Murphy
Question:103. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will clarify whether the granting and use of a sports capital grant to a body (details supplied) has been reviewed by her Department. [46837/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 102 and 103 together.
The Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Over 13,000 projects have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998, bringing the total allocations in that time to over €1.15 billion.
Grants are available to voluntary, not-for profit sports clubs, community groups, NGBs, and local authorities. Third level colleges, Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and schools may apply for funding jointly with sports clubs or organisations.
Any organisation that wishes to make an application must first be registered on the Department's online application system (www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie). One of the conditions of the Programme is that funding is only provided to "not-for-profit" organisations and in this regard the Department may seek proof of the applicant's status in order to determine eligibility. More details of the Programme including the latest "Guide to Making an Application" which sets out the terms and condition of the scheme can be found at www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie.
In terms of any grant applications, all applicants must confirm that they have read and understood the Guide to Making an Application and agree to comply fully with all the terms and conditions. Applicants must certify that all information in the application and supporting documents is truthful and accurate and accept that, if any information is found to be false or misleading, the Department may withdraw grants, require repayment of all or part of a grant and/or bar applications from this organisation for a period of time. Applicants are also reminded that the Department may inform An Garda Síochána if it is found that false or misleading documentation has been submitted.
If an application under the SCEP is successful, a letter of "provisional allocation" is issued. Before "formal approval" issues, a number of other requirements must be met. These standard requirements include the need to get at least three quotations for each element of the work being funded, proof of planning permission (if relevant) and the need to supply a Tax Clearance Certificate for the applicant and the supplier carrying out the work. If the value of the grant is above a certain threshold, an appropriate charge is put on the property to protect the funding provided. A grant agreement or declaration (depending on the value of the grant) must also be finalised.
All grant payments are made subject to requirements of the relevant circulars from the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform. Grants are only paid on a vouched basis upon the production of proof of payment to the relevant contractor/supplier. Furthermore a percentage of the grant is retained until confirmation is received from the grantee's technical advisor that the project has been satisfactorily completed in all respects.
Grants under the SCEP are subject to regular audit and my Department also undertakes spot checks of grants. The Department also has a detailed procedures manual for dealing with any suspected instances of non-compliance with the Terms and Conditions of the Programme.
In relation to the grant specified by the Deputy, I can confirm that my Department is in ongoing contact with the grantees and no further payments will issue until the outstanding matters raised with the grantee are clarified to my Department's satisfaction.
Question No. 103 answered with Question No. 102.
Local Authorities
Questions (104)
Patricia Ryan
Question:104. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason, when retrofitting old council housing with more efficient air-to-water heating systems, the council did not replace windows and doors with energy-efficient ones, resulting in higher heating costs for tenants due to heat loss through inefficient windows and doors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46973/23]
View answerWritten answers
In 2021 a new holistic approach was applied to the Energy Efficient Retrofit Programme (EERP), designed around the Programme for Government's commitment led by the Department for the Environment, Climate and Communications that calls for the 'retrofit' of 500,000 homes to a B2 (BER)/Cost Optimal Equivalent standard by 2030, of which, approximately 36,500 are expected to be local authority owned homes, with grant funding provided by my Department for those local authority housing retrofits.
This new programme sets a BER performance requirement of “B2” or cost optimal level. The upscaling of the works included in the programme sees a substantial overall increase in funding being made available for attic and wall insulation, windows and doors where required and heating upgrades, specifically the installation of a heat pump and associated works. A heat pump is installed only were the Heat Loss Indicator is below a particular threshold according to the type of dwelling, which ensures the efficiency of the system.
The detailed administration of the programme is a matter for each individual local authority including the selection of homes and programme of works to comply with the technical specifications of the scheme.
Departmental Consultations
Questions (105)
Carol Nolan
Question:105. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department, or any body under the aegis of his Department, has facilitated in-person or remote briefings on any issue from organisations (details supplied) from 2021 to date; if so, the topic discussed; the fees paid to the organisations for these briefings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46755/23]
View answerWritten answers
During the period under question, my Department has facilitated two remote and one in-person briefings from BelongTo. My Department has not facilitated any in-person or remote briefings from Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI) during the same period. The information requested has been outlined in Table 1.
My Department does not maintain the requested information in respect of the State bodies under its aegis. These bodies may be contacted directly by e-mail by members of the Oireachtas, as set out in Table 2.
Table 1
|
Organisation |
Type of briefing (In-person or remote) |
Topics Discussed |
Fees paid to the organisation |
Date of the briefing |
|
BelongTo |
Remote – Lunch & Learn Information Session for staff via WEBEX |
LGBTI+ 101: An universal introduction to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex community |
€750.00 |
22-Jun-21 |
|
BelongTo |
Remote – Via Webex[1] |
Youth Homelessness Strategy |
N/A |
25-Apr-22 |
|
BelongTo |
In-person[2] |
Youth Homelessness Strategy |
N/A |
15-Jun-23 |
Table 2
|
State Body |
Contact E-mail Address |
|
An Bord Pleanála |
oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie |
|
An Fóram Uisce (the Water Forum) |
info@nationalwaterforum.ie |
|
Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority |
oireachtasqueries@ahbregulator.ie |
|
Docklands Oversight and Consultative Forum |
infodocklands@dublincity.ie |
|
Ervia |
oireachtas@ervia.ie |
|
Gas Networks Ireland |
oireachtas@ervia.ie |
|
Heritage Council |
oireachtas@heritagecouncil.ie |
|
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
publicreps@housingagency.ie |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
oireachtas.enquiries@hfa.ie |
|
Land Development Agency |
oireachtas@lda.ie |
|
Local Government Management Agency |
corporate@lgma.ie |
|
Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) |
info@mara.gov.ie |
|
National Oversight and Audit Commission |
info@noac.ie |
|
National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee |
ntacc@housing.gov.ie |
|
Office of the Planning Regulator |
oireachtas@opr.ie |
|
Pyrite Resolution Board |
oireachtasinfo@pyriteboard.ie |
|
Residential Tenancies Board |
OireachtasMembersQueries@rtb.ie |
|
Tailte Éireann |
reps@tailte.ie |
|
Uisce Éireann |
oireachtasmembers@water.ie |
|
Valuation Tribunal |
info@valuationtribunal.ie |
|
Waterways Ireland |
ceoffice@waterwaysireland.org |
Local Authorities
Questions (106)
Alan Farrell
Question:106. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on the number of biodiversity officers appointed to each local authority, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46767/23]
View answerWritten answers
The programme to provide funding for Biodiversity Officer roles within local authorities is being delivered by the Heritage Council, which is funded 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 the Heritage Council is oireachtas@heritagecouncil.ie.
Housing Provision
Questions (107)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:107. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total number of social housing units delivered by AHBs accessing the capital loan and subsidy scheme loans where the loans have now been fully repaid, in tabular form; the total number of social housing units delivered by AHBs accessing the CLSS loans where the loans or part of the loans remain outstanding; to provide a timeline for this second category of CLSS loans, indicating the number of properties where loans will be repaid in full for each year until all CLSS loans have been repaid; the total number of units of social housing delivered by AHBs with capital advance leading facility funding; and if he will provide a timeline for CALF loans, indicating the number of properties where loans will be repaid in full for each year until all CALF loans have been repaid. [46803/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Capital Loan and Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) operated from 1991 to 2009 and provided capital funding to Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to meet the cost of constructing accommodation for social housing use. The local authorities borrowed the funding they provided to the AHBs from the Housing Finance Agency (HFA) over a 30-year period. CLSS Funding was provided to the AHBs by way of a non-refundable loan, subject to compliance with the conditions of the scheme.
Approximately 10,200 homes have been delivered through the CLSS. However, following a review, a decision was taken in 2009 to wind down the scheme, which has now terminated. The loan charges (Principal and Interest) remain to be paid on a bi-annual basis (January to June & July to December).
The table below sets out the number of social homes provided, the number of loans drawn down, the original loan amount advanced and the balance owing on the loans at the end of June 2023.
|
LA |
No. of SH Units |
No. of Loans |
Original Advance Amount |
Balance at 30/06/2023 |
|
Carlow County Council |
254 |
71 |
€26,000,076 |
€9,470,565 |
|
Cavan County Council |
48 |
46 |
€7,577,925 |
€4,190,571 |
|
Clare County Council |
131 |
89 |
€13,830,697 |
€5,871,117 |
|
Cork City Council |
249 |
71 |
€36,894,889 |
€21,761,775 |
|
Cork County Council |
585 |
174 |
€87,286,131 |
€38,995,091 |
|
Donegal County Council |
420 |
140 |
€49,697,965 |
€21,837,114 |
|
Dublin City Council |
1670 |
242 |
€334,033,747 |
€160,456,996 |
|
Dun laoghaire/Rathdown County Council |
372 |
31 |
€88,693,512 |
€48,704,381 |
|
Fingal County Council |
598 |
55 |
€107,234,792 |
€59,787,936 |
|
Galway City Council |
182 |
25 |
€19,335,234 |
€7,921,901 |
|
Galway County Council |
178 |
84 |
€20,720,741 |
€9,212,917 |
|
Kerry County Council |
174 |
89 |
€24,589,984 |
€12,422,091 |
|
Kildare County Council |
469 |
190 |
€54,794,583 |
€24,582,737 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
137 |
62 |
€11,601,074 |
€2,711,923 |
|
Laois County Council |
271 |
196 |
€42,212,240 |
€21,982,957 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
44 |
10 |
€7,377,885 |
€2,424,925 |
|
Limerick City and County Council |
212 |
90 |
€23,977,513 |
€10,513,921 |
|
Longford County Council |
200 |
77 |
€29,423,341 |
€15,163,511 |
|
Louth County Council |
694 |
211 |
€83,222,447 |
€41,270,472 |
|
Mayo County Council |
193 |
36 |
€25,525,405 |
€13,754,493 |
|
Meath County Council |
180 |
128 |
€19,176,927 |
€7,339,752 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
76 |
49 |
€9,586,444 |
€4,581,396 |
|
Offaly County Council |
270 |
142 |
€28,879,678 |
€12,104,970 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
25 |
7 |
€2,870,331 |
€1,100,571 |
|
Sligo County Council |
237 |
100 |
€20,664,964 |
€7,879,868 |
|
South Dublin County Council |
992 |
109 |
€147,033,682 |
€66,773,345 |
|
Tipperary County Council |
522 |
155 |
€77,532,692 |
€38,923,742 |
|
Waterford City and County Council |
427 |
110 |
€42,058,000 |
€14,766,885 |
|
Wexford County Council |
284 |
136 |
€26,601,011 |
€9,243,214 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
85 |
26 |
€8,060,232 |
€2,983,298 |
|
Total |
10179 |
2951 |
€1,476,494,142 |
€698,734,435 |
The table below shows the maturity profile of the loans at the end of June 2023.
|
Expiry Year |
Original Advance Amount |
Balance at 30/06/2023 |
No. of Loans |
|
2000 |
€1,345,922 |
€0 |
1 |
|
2022 |
€1,712,591 |
€0 |
13 |
|
2023 |
€8,426,406 |
€169,777 |
52 |
|
2024 |
€17,616,877 |
€1,135,028 |
89 |
|
2025 |
€22,671,552 |
€2,568,901 |
94 |
|
2026 |
€24,320,452 |
€3,019,318 |
109 |
|
2027 |
€21,660,284 |
€2,868,808 |
86 |
|
2028 |
€13,453,175 |
€3,189,699 |
62 |
|
2029 |
€32,218,553 |
€8,863,405 |
76 |
|
2030 |
€66,663,942 |
€20,732,557 |
165 |
|
2031 |
€88,711,209 |
€28,504,583 |
163 |
|
2032 |
€92,506,619 |
€33,185,654 |
176 |
|
2033 |
€114,618,612 |
€47,548,128 |
266 |
|
2034 |
€95,835,296 |
€43,578,908 |
171 |
|
2035 |
€85,537,619 |
€37,268,826 |
158 |
|
2036 |
€81,264,624 |
€42,305,990 |
183 |
|
2037 |
€157,005,853 |
€86,232,672 |
190 |
|
2038 |
€239,849,276 |
€138,314,551 |
296 |
|
2039 |
€139,046,824 |
€83,795,366 |
201 |
|
2040 |
€92,036,932 |
€59,543,162 |
145 |
|
2041 |
€44,510,859 |
€29,876,847 |
116 |
|
2042 |
€13,052,147 |
€9,072,021 |
48 |
|
2043 |
€8,845,250 |
€6,388,249 |
36 |
|
2044 |
€6,807,373 |
€5,145,713 |
29 |
|
2045 |
€2,605,484 |
€1,894,050 |
12 |
|
2046 |
€2,202,791 |
€1,803,731 |
5 |
|
2047 |
€1,201,626 |
€1,017,327 |
3 |
|
2048 |
€131,229 |
€115,255 |
2 |
|
2050 |
€550,620 |
€514,930 |
3 |
|
2051 |
€84,145 |
€80,977 |
1 |
|
Total |
€1,476,494,142 |
€698,734,435 |
2,951 |
The Capital Advance Leasing Facility (CALF) funding is capital support provided to Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) by local authorities to facilitate the funding of construction, acquisition or refurbishment of new social housing units. This loan facility can support between 25% and 30% of the eligible capital cost of the housing project, with the housing units provided to local authorities for social housing use under long-term lease arrangements known as Payment and Availability agreements. A nominal interest rate of 2% fixed per annum is charged by the local authority on the initial capital amount. Repayments on either the capital or interest are not required during the term of the loan (between 10 and 30 years), although where an AHB chooses to, repayments can be made during the term. At the end of the term, the outstanding capital amount plus the interest accrued, is owed and repayable to the local authority. The local authority issues the CALF monies to the AHB and the local authority, in turn, recoups same from the Department. The remainder of the capital cost is sourced by the AHB through other borrowings, to which the local authorities are not party.
My Department does not hold the loan agreements under CALF, as the loan agreement, is between the local authority and the relevant AHB. Accordingly, information on the number of CALF loans and associated due date, is held by the relevant local authorities. The value and the term of each CALF loan varies by project.
CALF was introduced in 2011, with a small number of AHBs only availing of the facility from 2011 to 2016, delivering a total of 1,456 social homes through the scheme. Since 2017, the number of homes delivered using the CALF scheme has increased significantly year-on-year. Homes delivered through the CALF scheme since 2017 is as follows:
|
CALF |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
|
Homes Delivered |
1,221 |
1,834 |
2,995 |
2,454 |
2,799 |
3,407 |
The first loan due for repayment under the CALF scheme is in 2028.
Vacant Properties
Questions (108)
Danny Healy-Rae
Question:108. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason a building (details supplied) is being left idle and falling into disrepair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46806/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Derelict Sites Act 1990 imposes a general duty on every owner and occupier of land to take all reasonable steps to ensure that the land does not become, or continue to be, a derelict site. The Act also imposes a duty on local authorities to take all reasonable steps, including the exercise of appropriate statutory powers, to ensure that any land within their functional area does not become, or continue to be, a derelict site. Local authority powers include requiring owners or occupiers to take appropriate measures on derelict sites; acquiring derelict sites by agreement, or compulsorily; and applying a derelict sites levy on derelict sites.
It is a matter for local authorities to determine the most appropriate use of the legislation within their respective functional areas.
My Department launched a new CPO Activation Programme in April 2023. It provides for a planned, systematic and proactive approach to bringing vacant and derelict properties into use. Targets have been set for each local authority for the number of identified vacant and derelict properties to enter the Programme and for properties to enter the compulsory acquisition process. The Programme includes guidance and supports for local authorities to actively use their legislative powers to acquire vacant and derelict properties, where engagement with owners has been unsuccessful.
The main steps of the Programme include:
• identification of vacant and derelict properties,
• identification of and engagement with owners,
• communication regarding the various schemes and measures which are now in place to support bringing the property back into use, and
• where owners of vacant and derelict properties cannot be identified or where they are unwilling to engage, use of available legislative powers to compulsory purchase such properties.
Local authorities can compulsorily acquire a property using either the compulsory purchase powers contained within the Housing Act, 1966 and complementary Planning and Local Government legislation, or by carrying out compulsory acquisitions under the Derelict Sites Act, 1990. The guidance issued by my Department as part of the CPO Activation Programme supports local authorities in using their legislative powers.
Overall, there is a target of 4,000 properties entering the Activation Programme in 2023. These are based on levels of vacancy in the local authority area. Of these, a target of 400 has been set for properties to enter the compulsory acquisition process, where engagement with the owner has not resulted in the vacant or derelict property being brought back into use, to be subsequently used for social housing or made available for sale on the open market.
Housing Schemes
Questions (109)
Thomas Gould
Question:109. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the cost rental acquisition price guidelines for Cork city. [46816/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Cost Rental Tenant In-Situ (CRTiS) Scheme was introduced, on an administrative basis, to address the immediate circumstances of the ending of the 'Winter Emergency Period' on 31 March 2023. This scheme is available where a tenant faces the termination of a tenancy due to the landlord’s intention to sell the property.
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.
I will arrange to share a copy of the ACGs, as it relates to Cork City, with the Deputy.
Planning Issues
Questions (110)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:110. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the average time taken for An Bord Pleanála decisions from the date an appeal is lodged in each of the years 2019 to 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; the projected average timescales for decisions in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46872/23]
View answerWritten answers
An Bord Pleanála (the Board) is the national independent statutory body with responsibility for the determination of planning appeals and direct applications for strategic infrastructure and other developments under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, and certain other Acts.
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 be of assistance, my Department requested the information from the Board who have provided the information in the table below.
|
Year |
Average weeks to dispose – Normal Planning Appeals (NPA) only |
|
2019 |
18.42 |
|
2020 |
18.52 |
|
2021 |
18.77 |
|
2022 |
25.06 |
|
End Sept 2023 |
46.97 |
The Board have advised that the intake of over 600 Residential Zoned Land Tax (RZLT) cases in May 2023, has impacted on the capacity of the Board to significantly reduce the backlog of planning cases but the Board will continue to address that backlog for the remainder of 2023.
Housing Provision
Questions (111, 112)
Alan Farrell
Question:111. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if local authorities have the appropriate sanction through Circular: NRUP 02/2021 to permit lower densities than 30 units per hectare for serviced sites (ready-to-build scheme) on the edges of towns and villages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46878/23]
View answerAlan Farrell
Question:112. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the appropriate density for serviced sites on the edges of towns will typically be lower than a standard greenfield residential development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46879/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 111 and 112 together.
Section 28 guidelines for planning authorities on Sustainable Residential Development in Urban Areas (the ‘Sustainable Residential Development Guidelines’), were issued in 2009. Section 28 of the Act provides that planning authorities and An Bord Pleanála (ABP) shall have regard to Ministerial guidelines in the performance of their functions under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended). The provisions of the guidelines apply to all planning decisions made after the guidelines came into force.
Circular Letter: NRUP 02/2021 was issued on 21 April 2021. The Circular sought to provide clarity in relation to the interpretation and application of the Sustainable Residential Development Guidelines with regard to residential densities in towns and villages. The Circular noted that there is a need for more proportionate and tailored approaches to residential development in these locations. This means that it is necessary to adapt the scale, design and layout of housing in towns and villages, to ensure that suburban or high-density urban approaches are not applied uniformly and that development responds appropriately to the character, scale and setting of the town or village.
The Circular refers to the relevant sections of Sustainable Residential Development Guidelines, noting:
o On the edge of Large Towns (those population in excess of 5,000 people) net densities in the 35-50 dwellings per hectare range are generally encouraged. However, net densities of 30-35 dwellings per hectare may be regarded as acceptable in certain large town contexts and net densities of less than 30 dwellings per hectare, although generally discouraged, are not precluded.
o On the edge of towns and villages (those with a population of 400- to 5,000 people), density ranges at the edge of a small town/village may range form 15 - 20 dwellings per hectare, provided such lower density development does not represent more than about 20% of the total new planned housing stock for the particular town/village.
While the principles, approaches and general requirements of the Sustainable Residential Development Guidelines continue to be relevant to the objectives of the National Planning Framework, namely the development of compact, sustainable and liveable settlements, the 2009 Guidelines are in need of review and updating.
‘Draft Sustainable and Compact Settlements Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ and associated environmental reports were published for a focused period of consultation from 30 August 2023 to 5 October 2023. These guidelines, when finalised, will replace the Sustainable Residential Development Guidelines 2009.
The Draft Sustainable and Compact Settlements Guidelines build on and update current guidance in relation to density. There is no policy distinction made between serviced sites and other types of residential development sites. The draft guidelines specify a density range of 30 to 50 dwellings per hectare at the edge of Large Towns (Regional Growth Centres, Key Towns and Towns with a population of 10,000+) and a density range of 25 to 40 dwellings per hectare at the edge of Small to Medium Sized Towns (1,500 to 10,000 population). There is no stated minimum density for Rural Towns and Villages.
Following a review of all submissions received during the consultation period, and with any subsequent changes made to the draft guidelines, the Sustainable and Compact Settlements Guidelines will be submitted to me for approval to issue under Section 28 of the Planning and Development Act (the Act). The Sustainable Residential Development Guidelines 2009 will thereafter be withdrawn.
Question No. 112 answered with Question No. 111.
Housing Schemes
Questions (113)
Alan Farrell
Question:113. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of developments that are currently being developed or have been developed by each local authority under the ready-to-build scheme (serviced sites scheme), and their location, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46880/23]
View answerWritten answers
Pathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock. Many areas of cities, towns and villages of all sizes face the challenge of vacant properties, which, if brought back into use, could add vibrancy and provide new accommodation in those areas. The Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund is a key initiative which underpins these policy objectives set out in Pathway 4 of Housing for All.
In November 2022, the Ready to Build Scheme, funded by the Croí Cónaithe (Towns) Fund, was launched. Under the Scheme, local authorities will make serviced sites in towns and villages available to potential individual purchasers to build their homes. These sites will be available at a discount on the market value of the site for the purposes of building a property for occupation as the principal private residence of the purchaser.
It is a matter for the local authority to identify a suitable site that is either already in their ownership or that can be acquired. It is intended that the local authority will develop existing sites in their control or purchase sites and make them available for development by providing services and access to the sites concerned.
A number of potential sites that could be made available for sale have been identified by Laois, Kildare, Tipperary and Clare County Councils. Eight sites have been made available for sale to date in Laois.
My Department is continuing to liaise with all local authorities with respect to the scheme.
When the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund was launched, a commitment was given that the schemes funded by it would be kept under ongoing review. It is intended that a comprehensive review and evaluation of the schemes under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund will be undertaken by mid-2024.
Departmental Functions
Questions (114)
Richard Bruton
Question:114. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will outline the environmental standards and nature protection provisions his Department oversees; the level of activity of enforcement in each case, covering inspections, issuing of notices, and prosecution; and if he plans to step up activity. [46966/23]
View answerWritten answers
The protection of nature and the environment in Ireland is a responsibility shared by all of society. Various sectors and organisations, including several different Government departments, agencies and bodies all have key responsibilities in this regard.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is an executive agency within my Department with primary responsibility for nature conservation, wildlife protection and the presentation and preservation of our National Parks and Nature Reserves. It oversees a wide range of nature conservation legislation including the transposition of the EU Birds Directive, the transposition of the EU Habitats Directive, the Wildlife Acts and all associated regulations. Section 11 of the Wildlife Act, 1976, as amended, sets out the functions of the Minister in relation to the protection of nature.
The government’s commitment to protecting nature is evident in the substantial increases in budget and resources for NPWS in recent years. NPWS's Strategic Action Plan equips it with the organisational capability and supporting structures to enable it to deliver its mandate in protecting our natural heritage. There are over 470 staff working in the area of natural heritage throughout the NPWS with additional resources being recruited across all grades and specialisms.
Recognising the importance of tackling wildlife crime, a dedicated Directorate for Wildlife Enforcement and Nature Protection is now established in NPWS, along with 6 other Directorates. The function of this Directorate is to support the wildlife enforcement work that has been, and continues to be carried out by NPWS staff working across all regions of the country. These include Conservation Rangers and District Conservation Officers, supported by Regional Managers and Divisional Managers, administrative and scientific staff.
The Government has committed to increasing the number of Conservation Rangers who deal with enforcement matters.
Since January 2020, 150 prosecutions for wildlife crime have been taken by my Department. We are actively prosecuting 83 of these cases and have successfully closed 67 prosecution cases. In addition to taking prosecutions, under wildlife legislation Ministerial Directions can issue to restore lands where damage has occurred to designated sites and use other regulatory and administrative measures to ensure compliance with wildlife legislation.
The NPWS is also working to review, consolidate and modernise the Wildlife Act and the Birds and Habitats Regulations. The updates to this legislation will be wide-ranging but will have a particular focus on deterrence and on improving the enforceability of wildlife laws.
In terms of environmental standards in other areas which my Department oversees, the Maritime Area Planning Acts 2021 to 2023 require that Strategic Environmental Assessment is carried out in line with the relevant legislation on all high-level plans such as the National Maritime Planning Framework, Maritime Spatial Plans, Department-produced guidelines and any regulations where it is required.
On an individual project level, the recently-established Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) and An Bord Pleanála are responsible for ensuring Appropriate Assessment and Environment Impact Assessment are undertaken in respect of applications made to those bodies for planning consent or licences. MARA is responsible for the enforcement of all authorisations in the maritime area.
In relation to the marine environment, my Department is responsible for the implementation of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). The MSFD is implemented in regular cycles with new environmental targets set every six years. These targets set the standards for the health of the marine environment.
At the level of the North Atlantic, my Department leads Ireland’s participation in the Oslo-Paris Convention for the North-East Atlantic (OSPAR) Commission and its subsidiary bodies. The OSPAR vision of ‘a clean, healthy and biologically diverse North-East Atlantic Ocean, which is productive, used sustainably and resilient to climate change and ocean acidification’ is implemented through the delivery of the North-East Atlantic Environment Strategy to 2030.
My Department is responsible for the Dumping at Sea Act and the Microbeads (Prohibition) Act, with implementation and enforcement undertaken by the EPA.
Local Authorities
Questions (115)
Patricia Ryan
Question:115. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason social housing tenants applying for adaptation grants-works are being told by Kildare County Council there is no money remaining for these works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46971/23]
View answerWritten answers
My Department provides funding to local authorities under the Disabled Persons Grants scheme to carry out works on social housing stock to address the needs of older people, people with a disability or overcrowded situations. Extensions to provide for ground floor bathrooms and bedrooms can also be supported. The detailed administration of this scheme including assessment, approval and prioritisation of applications is the responsibility of local authorities.
My Department's approach every year, in the first instance, is to allow local authorities complete works up to 65% of the previous year’s allocation in the absence of formal approval to keep this important work going.
Following this and based on the actual need of the sector, my Department issues a single full year allocation to each local authority, so they can plan, prioritise and implement the programme to carry out the varying works necessary to meet the needs of their tenants in this year.
Local authorities can apply for additional funding for emergency cases as they arise throughout the year and Kildare County Council have received approval for additional funding above their initial allocation for their 2023 programme. Furthermore, my Department will make every effort to accede to any further requests for additional funding this year.
Heritage Sites
Questions (116)
Patricia Ryan
Question:116. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the plans, if any, the Government has to purchase the property and lands at Moore Abbey, Monasterevin, in the interests of heritage and local tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46974/23]
View answerWritten answers
In respect of acquiring or accepting properties, my Department acquires heritage structures and monuments, which are either of national importance or strategic importance, from time to time as resources and opportunities permit. Usually this is in the interests of the protection, preservation, conservation and management of monuments or sites. Such acquisitions are considered within the context of available resources which includes public expenditure management considerations.
In all cases, my Department assesses potential acquisitions carefully, taking into consideration similar existing properties within the State portfolio, gaps in the State portfolio, any conservation works required, and the cost of acquisition and maintenance over the short and longer term to the Exchequer.
Accordingly, my Department is only ever in a position to make a very limited number of acquisitions as all related expenditure must be met from within existing voted allocations.
Housing Schemes
Questions (117)
Noel Grealish
Question:117. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the deserted wives payment, which is currently paid to a person in their 70s, is an eligible payment under the tenant (incremental) purchase scheme, when it is the tenant’s only income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46993/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme provides for the purchase by eligible tenants, or joint tenants, of local authority homes available for sale under the scheme.
To be eligible, applicants must meet certain criteria, including a minimum annual reckonable income. The Tenant Purchase Scheme was reviewed in 2021, with a number of amendments implemented from 1 February 2022. These included reducing the minimum reckonable income required from €15,000 to €12,500, facilitating older tenants, whose only income might be the contributory or non-contributory State pension, to buy their homes if they have the financial means to do so.
The minimum income requirement has a dual purpose. It ensures the scheme is sustainable and the tenant purchasing the house has the financial means to maintain and insure the property for the duration of the charged period. For these reasons, certain income is not considered when determining an applicant's reckonable income. This includes the Deserted Wife's Benefit and Allowance which, for some recipients, is currently below the minimum reckonable income threshold.
Further changes to the scheme are currently being examined as part of the work on the broader social housing reform agenda and I look forward to receiving proposals shortly.
Septic Tanks
Questions (118)
Dara Calleary
Question:118. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if grants are available for inspected and condemned septic tanks that were not registered with a local authority in 2013 but have been registered in 2023, at a cost of €50. [46994/23]
View answerWritten answers
There are currently three Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems (DWWTS) grant schemes, commonly known as Septic Tank Grants, available to householders. The purpose of the grants is to provide financial assistance to householders to repair or upgrade septic tanks including those that fail inspections by a local authority.
I can confirm that my Department, in consultation with key stakeholders, have completed a review of the three grant schemes. The review process included extensive consultation with stakeholders in the Rural Water Sector to identify where improvements could and should be made to the terms and conditions of the grants.
I expect to make an announcement on the outcome of the review in the coming weeks.