Written Answers Nos. 319-339
320. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage how many people are waiting to be housed under the social housing scheme in County Longford in total; and if he will provide the details, in tabular form (men, women and children, etc). [52102/23]
View answerDetails on the number of households qualified for social housing support in each local authority administrative area is provided in the annual statutory Summary of Social Housing Assessments (SSHA). The most recently published summary for all counties, conducted in November 2022, is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/62486-summary-of-social-housing-assessments/
The report shows that there were 272 households qualified for social housing in Longford County Council whose need was unmet in 2022. It also includes a breakdown by local authority across a range of categories, including household size, which provides detail on household composition and the number of persons in each household type including children.
The SSHA exercise for 2023 is currently under way and the summary is due to be published in 2024.
321. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has proposals to amend planning laws to permit the excavation of peat for horticulture purposes in tandem with efforts to determine alternatives to the use of peat by the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52104/23]
View answerUnder the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, (the 2000 Act) all development, unless specifically exempted under the Act or associated Planning and Development 2001 Regulations (the 2001 regulations), requires planning permission.
Under the 2001 Regulations, peat extraction:
(i) in a new or extended area of less than 10 hectares or
(ii) in a new or extended area of 10 hectares or more, where the drainage of the bog land commenced prior to 21 January 2002,
is exempted development.
This exemption is subject to a restriction at Section 4(4) of the 2000 Act, whereby that exempted development status is lost if an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) under the EU EIA Directive or Appropriate Assessment (AA) under the Habitats Directive is required in respect of that development.
Peat extraction involving a new or extended area of 30 hectares or more requires an EIA and therefore planning permission.
Peat extraction of an area of greater than 50 hectares requires both planning consent from a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála, and Integrated Pollution Control (IPC) licensing from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), both of which regimes require EIA to be carried out by the respective competent authorities (i.e. planning authority and the EPA) and also AA if relevant.
As the current legislative framework is both legally fit for purpose and proportionate to the environmental impacts of industrial peat extraction, there are no plans to amend the planning laws in this regard.
322. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware of a proposed development (details supplied) in County Cork which has been approved under section 179A of the planning regulations; if he is aware of the local concern regarding design in this development ; if he is prepared to carry out a review of the design given locally expressed concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52109/23]
View answerLegislation enacted in December 2022 amended the Planning and Development Act. The provisions under sections 3, 13 and 14 of the Planning and Development and Foreshore (Amendment) Act 2022 which insert section 179A into the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, have commenced. These provisions provide that housing development by, on behalf of, or in partnership with a local authority which commences construction before the end of 2024 will be exempt from planning permission and from the Local Authority ’Part 8’ process, subject to a number of specific conditions. Where a development does not satisfy the conditions set out in section 179A, the normal Local Authority own development arrangements under the ‘Part 8’ process will apply.
As part of their role in delivering social housing, in line with the targets agreed under Housing for All, local authorities are responsible for bringing forward proposals to my Department. It is the responsibility of local authorities to identify potential projects that will deliver social housing, in line with their social housing needs. My Department has no direct role in that regard. Each capital appraisal (business case) submitted to my Department must comply with all policy and legislative requirements in place.
323. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he is aware that landlords who enter a HAP agreement are having their HAP payments suspended if the tenant fails to pay their portion to HAP (details supplied); if he will amend the system that all HAP payments will continue to be made whilst the tenant remains in the house; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52111/23]
View answerTenants in the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme are required to sign a rent contribution agreement to pay a weekly rental contribution to the relevant local authority, in line with the local authority’s differential rent scheme. As set out in the rent contribution agreement, this weekly rental contribution must be paid by them so that they remain eligible for the HAP scheme.
As one of the mitigation measures on the lifting of the winter eviction ban, the HAP Landlord Payment Guarantee was introduced on 1 May 2023. From that date, should a HAP tenant default on their differential rent payment to the local authority, they will be offered the option of a payment plan to assist them in maintaining their tenancy and allow the HAP payment to the landlord to continue.
If the tenant defaults on payment of differential rent or the payment plan, under the Landlord Payment Guarantee, the HAP payment to the landlord will be guaranteed for a 12 month period or earlier if the tenancy ends. The Landlord Guarantee is only applicable to tenancies reaching suspension stage of the debt management process from the 1 May 2023.
The implementation of this measure should encourage landlords to remain in the private rental market and make properties available for HAP tenants.
324. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will contact local and national Traveller organisations to assess the level of difficulty Travellers have in accessing social housing lists; if he will further initiate appropriate research to meet his Department’s outstanding commitment on this matter since 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52119/23]
View answerThe Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998 provides that the role of my Department is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist housing authorities in providing accommodation for Travellers, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding.
As part of the work of the Programme Board, established to drive the implementation of the recommendations of the Expert Review report, work is ongoing on a number of actions in relation to social housing for members of the Traveller community. In particular, the Social Housing Assessment (Amendment) Regulations 2022 came into operation on 14 March 2022 allowing for the inclusion of a Traveller identifier on the statutory Social Housing Support application. This will support the monitoring and oversight of assessment and allocations to members of the Travelling community.
325. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will ensure that amendments to the Housing Act 1988 will not narrow the definition of homelessness or restrict access to emergency homeless accommodation and other supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52129/23]
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. Section 2 of the Housing Act 1988 outlines how local authorities can form an opinion on whether or not an individual/household shall be regarded as homeless, while section 10 outlines the actions that a local authority may take regarding the accommodation of those regarded as homeless.
My Department, along with nominated representatives of the local authority regional homelessness leads, undertook a review of sections 2 and 10 of the Housing Act 1988 in recognition of the significant changes in homelessness since the drafting of the Housing Act 1988 and to enable local authorities and homeless services to better address homelessness.
The review is now complete and potential amendments to the legislation are being considered by my Department. My Department is also engaging with stakeholders in relation to potential legislative amendments.
326. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total costs incurred by his Department arising from the placing of advertisements with the national broadcaster, RTÉ, in any format, for each of the years 2016 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52167/23]
View answerThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded in accordance with Standing Orders.
|
RTÉ Advertising Expenditure |
|
|
2016 |
105,975.14 |
|
2017 |
130,869.25 |
|
2018 |
43,236.95 |
|
2019 |
66,118.10 |
|
2020 |
51,312.80 |
|
2021 |
154,544.68 |
|
2022 |
93,216.85 |
|
To 22 Nov 2023 |
346,810.31 |
327. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update by his Department to combat Japanese knotweed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52182/23]
View answerThe National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of my Department is responsible for the implementation of the Wildlife Acts and the European Communities (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011, both of which prohibit the spreading of invasive species.
There is a legislative framework in place for dealing with invasive alien species, including Japanese Knotweed. Public bodies, Government Departments and State agencies throughout the country work within this framework, in the context of species listed both nationally and on the list of invasive alien species of European Union concern (the Union list), to manage, control and, where practicable, eradicate these species.
Under this legislative framework, responsibility for dealing with invasive alien species rests with the landowner. Much of the work in tackling Japanese Knotweed happens at local level and is carried out by local authorities in their areas through their own biodiversity action plans.
My Department is currently leading on the development of a National Management Plan for Invasive Alien Species. This Plan, an important Programme for Government measure, has been drafted with a steering committee of national experts from Government Departments, agencies, local authorities and representative groups. Wider stakeholder engagement workshops were held recently in Dublin and in Limerick, and the draft Plan is now being readied for the public consultation stage in the new year.
328. 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 by organisations (details supplied) from 2020 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. [52194/23]
View answerThe information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
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State Body |
Contact E-mail Address |
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An Bord Pleanála |
oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie |
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An Fóram Uisce (the Water Forum) |
info@nationalwaterforum.ie |
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Approved Housing Bodies Regulatory Authority |
oireachtasqueries@ahbregulator.ie |
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Docklands Oversight and Consultative Forum |
infodocklands@dublincity.ie |
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Ervia |
oireachtas@ervia.ie |
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Gas Networks Ireland |
oireachtas@ervia.ie |
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Heritage Council |
oireachtas@heritagecouncil.ie |
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Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
publicreps@housingagency.ie |
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Housing Finance Agency |
oireachtas.enquiries@hfa.ie |
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Land Development Agency |
oireachtas@lda.ie |
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Local Government Management Agency |
corporate@lgma.ie |
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Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) |
oireachtas@mara.gov.ie |
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National Oversight and Audit Commission |
info@noac.ie |
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National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee |
ntacc@housing.gov.ie |
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Office of the Planning Regulator |
oireachtas@opr.ie |
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Pyrite Resolution Board |
oireachtasinfo@pyriteboard.ie |
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Residential Tenancies Board |
OireachtasMembersQueries@rtb.ie |
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Tailte Éireann |
reps@tailte.ie |
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Uisce Éireann |
oireachtasmembers@water.ie |
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Valuation Tribunal |
info@valuationtribunal.ie |
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Waterways Ireland |
ceoffice@waterwaysireland.org |
329. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of permits that his Department has granted for decoy crows in each of the years since 2020; the number of applications that have been received for such permits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52204/23]
View answer330. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the reason decoy crows cannot be used without a permit by farmers to protect crops and animal feed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52205/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 329 and 330 together.
The General Wild Bird Declaration allows for the control of crows where there is a threat to public health & safety and vector in the spread of animal diseases; to prevent serious damage to livestock; and also in the protection of fauna, notably the nests and young of game birds.
The control method that can be used for all of the above reasons is by ‘shooting with rifle or shotgun and by use of cage traps with or without live decoys subject to conditions’.
This can occur during specific time periods as outlined in the Declaration that can be found here: www.npws.ie/legislation/eu-directives/birds-directive/eu-birds-directive-article-9-derogations.
Licences under Section 35(4) of the Wildlife Acts, as amended, allows for certain use of decoys but may only be granted for ‘scientific research or for another purpose approved of by the Minister’.
The following table details of licences received and issued in the years 2020 to 2023 under S35 of the Wildlife Acts, as amended, for the use of decoy crows:
|
Year |
Received |
Issued |
|
2020 |
22 |
17 |
|
2021 |
3 |
3 |
|
2022 |
12 |
9 |
|
2023 |
40 |
13 |
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Totals |
77 |
42 |
331. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on the repair of local authority homes affected by defective concrete blocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52209/23]
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.
Section 36 of the Act provides that the Government may make a further Defective Concrete Blocks (DCB) scheme for the purposes of enabling a designated local authority or an approved housing body to remedy damage caused to dwellings by the use of defective concrete blocks in their construction.
The DCB social homes scheme will include the same grant rates and caps as outlined in the private scheme for homeowners and will apply to local authority and approved housing body homes located within designated local authority areas. It will encourage efficiencies and the best use of limited resources available to undertake remediation works.
Senior officials from my Department recently travelled to Donegal County Council and discussed these proposals further with very positive engagement. On site meetings with the other designated local authorities are scheduled to take place in the next few weeks. I expect to be in a position to provide full details of this scheme shortly thereafter.
332. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when he will announce the completion of the public consultation on the review of Part B (fire safety) of the Building Regulation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52226/23]
View answerThe public consultation on proposed amendments to Part B of the Building Regulations and the associated Technical Guidance Document relating to fire safety closed on 21 April 2023. The proposed changes aim to improve fire safety in new buildings and support the re-use of existing buildings by simplifying, clarifying and rationalising fire safety requirements.
Work is nearing completion to examine each submission made and to consider if an amendment to the proposed Part B of the Building Regulations relating to fire safety and/or the associated draft Technical Guidance Document is warranted or required.
It is expected that the review of Part B of the Building Regulations (Fire Safety) will be completed by the end of the year, following which revised Building Regulations and the associated Technical Guidance Document will be published.
333. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage why there is no independent appeals process outside of the local authority to which an applicant applies in respect of the croí cónaithe scheme; if he believes it is good policy practice for local authorities to manage reviews or appeals on applications on which they have made a determination; if he plans to review this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52238/23]
View answerIn July 2022 my Department launched the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund, which supports bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use.
From May 2023, a grant of up to a maximum of €50,000 is available for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence and also for properties which will be made available for rent, including the conversion of a property which has not previously been used as residential.
Where the refurbishment costs are expected to exceed the standard grant of up to €50,000, a further maximum top-up grant of up to €20,000 is available where the property is confirmed by the applicant to be derelict or where the property is already on the local authority’s Derelict Sites Register, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €70,000.
Where an application is not successful, the applicant can lodge an appeal with the local authority to whom the application was made. A senior local authority official who was not involved with the original decision will assess the appeal and contact the applicant with the outcome.
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.
334. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if an application for funding has been received (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52270/23]
View answerI can confirm that my Department has not received an application for funding for the site in question under the Community Monuments Fund for 2024. However, as that fund was just launched on 16 November 2023, with the closing date for applications being 14 February 2024, it is possible that an application may yet be received.
The Community Monuments Fund (CMF) invests in our valuable archaeological heritage and assists the owners and custodians of archaeological monuments to safeguard them into the future for the benefit of communities and the public. In 2024, the Fund is investing a total of €7,000,000 in the conservation, maintenance, protection and promotion of an expected 120 archaeological monuments. The core aims of the Fund are as follows:
• enable conservation works to be carried out on monuments which are deemed to be significant and in need of urgent support;
• build resilience in our monuments to enable them to withstand the effects of climate change;
• encourage access to monuments and improve their presentation.
The Community Monuments Fund for 2023 has 3 Streams:
Stream 1 offered grants up to €100,000 aimed at essential repairs and capital works for the conservation and repair of archaeological monuments, (some projects of exceptional quality were able to apply for grants of up to €120,000).
Stream 2 offered grants of up to €30,000 for development of Conservation Management Plans/Reports that are aimed at identifying measures for conservation of archaeological monuments and improving public access
Stream 3 offered grants of up to €30,000 for enhancement of access infrastructure and interpretation (including virtual/) at archaeological monuments.
The fund provides funding for projects in relation to:
(i) Archaeological Monuments that are included in the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) under the National Monuments Act 1930 (as amended);
(ii) Archaeological Monuments that are identified in the Sites and Monuments Record compiled by the National Monuments Service.
Eligible projects are drawn from the following categories:
a) projects proposed by a Local Authority in relation to archaeological monuments in public ownership, where a clear heritage focus and community or public benefit has been demonstrated;
b) projects proposed by a Local Authority on foot of applications from private applicants who are the owners or custodians of relevant archaeological monuments where there is a tangible public benefit;
c) projects with a clearly defined heritage focus and community or public benefit proposed directly to the Department by a State-funded organisation working in the heritage area.
This scheme is being administered by the National Monuments Service of my Department through the Local Authorities. Anyone interested in applying for funding should contact their Local Authority heritage team.
335. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will raise the price ceiling for the first homes scheme in County Clare, which is currently set at €325,000, so as to entice further applications and drawdowns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52284/23]
View answerThe First Home Scheme, launched in July 2022, is a shared equity scheme, designed to help bridge the gap for eligible first-time buyers, eligible homebuyers, and now self-builders, between their deposit and mortgage, and the price of their new home (within price ceilings established across the country). Details are available on the First Home Scheme website, www.firsthomescheme.ie.
The First Home Scheme DAC is fully responsible for the operation of the First Home Scheme on behalf of all shareholders and, as such, is responsible for price ceiling reviews.
At its launch, the First Home Scheme Designated Activity Company (DAC) announced it would review all price ceilings at 6-month intervals. Two reviews have taken place to date, with the next one due next month. The price ceilings of the First Home Scheme are reflective of CSO data showing the median price paid for a new-build home by a first-time buyer by area.
336. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will advise on the situation where local authority tenants who are housed with approved housing bodies and wish to transfer are informed by the AHB that this is the responsibility of the local authority, which in turn states that it is the responsibility of the AHB; if he will clarify which body is reasonable for transfer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52460/23]
View answerMatters in relation to the allocation of social dwellings, including the transfer of sitting tenants to other dwellings, are the responsibility of the respective local authorities. I have no function in this matter.
There is no legislative or policy provision preventing a tenant in an AHB social dwelling, who was drawn from the local authority's social housing waiting list, from applying to be placed on a local authority transfer list. Such transfers are facilitated by local authorities in accordance with their respective allocation schemes.
337. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of properties in the private rental sector inspected, by each local authority; the number that met minimum standards for 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52462/23]
View answerAwaiting reply from Department
338. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if Government-owned properties, which would be considered derelict under the conditions of the Derelict Sites Act 1990, are subject to the derelict sites levy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52464/23]
View answerSection 3 of the Derelict Sites Act 1990 defines the term "derelict site" as meaning "any land which detracts, or is likely to detract, to a material degree from the amenity, character or appearance of land in the neighbourhood of the land in question because of -
(a) the existence on the land in question of structures which are in a ruinous, derelict or dangerous condition, or
(b) the neglected, unsightly or objectionable condition of the land or any structures on the land in question, or
(c) the presence, deposit or collection on the land in question of any litter, rubbish, debris or waste, except where the presence, deposit or collection of such litter, rubbish, debris or waste results from the exercise of a right conferred by statute of common law.".
In effect, the Act applies to any land that is deemed to satisfy the foregoing criteria and does not distinguish between privately owned land or land in the ownership of Government bodies or other statutory authorities.
339. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department has provided funding to support campaigns to encourage non-EU citizens, or international protection applicants to vote in local elections from 2020 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52485/23]
View answerIn order to vote a person must be eligible to vote and included on the register of electors. The Electoral Acts set out entitlements for inclusion. Non-EU citizens who are over 18 and ordinarily resident are entitled to vote in Local Elections. British Citizens are also entitled to vote in Dáil elections. EU Citizens may vote in European Parliament and Local elections. Irish citizens are eligible to vote in all electoral events including Referendums as well as Presidential, Dáil, European and Local elections.
My Department has always undertaken annual awareness campaigns in relation to electoral registration and it is now one of the functions of An Coimisiún Toghcháin to promote public awareness of, and participation in, the State’s electoral and democratic processes through public education and public information programmes.
On foot of the enactment of the Electoral Reform Act 2022, my Department carried out three major national awareness campaigns to inform the public of the changes arising from the modernisation of the electoral registration process.
The objective was to inform all electors or potential electors of their entitlement to register and encourage them to do so, or, for those already registered, to check their details and either confirm or update them. Some of the measures undertaken included:
• Advertising across multiple platforms, including TV, radio, social and digital media to reach the broadest possible audience.
• Media assets including videos were shared with local authorities, members of the Oireachtas, student unions, organisations affiliated to the National Youth Council and a range of other organisations including those working with international protection applicants such as the Immigrant Council for Ireland, the Irish Centre for Human Rights, and the Irish Refugee Council.
• Hard copy posters were designed, printed and distributed to various stakeholders who were asked to display them in their public offices.
In addition, a series of existing leaflets including:
• How Members of Local Authorities are Elected;
• The Register of Electors; and
• Information for Voters with Disabilities;
were updated and translated into 16 languages and can be viewed or downloaded on my Department's website at www.gov.ie/en/collection/6c483-information-on-how-members-of-local-authorities-are-elected-in-a-range-of-different-languages/.
Since Local Authorities are responsible for the management and maintenance of the electoral register in respect of their own administrative areas, I allocated €1.7m of funding in April 2023 to support additional registration activities with a view to promoting local engagement and improving data quality. Local Authorities engaged with their communities in a wide variety of ways, including by using the materials provided by my Department.
