Written Answers Nos. 128-142
128. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage what changes could be made to ensure swifter processing of Croí Cónaithe applications to get more projects shovel ready; the latest figures relating to the scheme, per local authority area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7016/24]
View answerPathway 4 of Housing for All sets out a blueprint to address vacancy and make efficient use of our existing housing stock.
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was launched under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund to support bringing vacant and derelict properties back into use. A grant of up to a maximum of €50,000 is available for the refurbishment of vacant properties for occupation as a principal private residence and for properties which will be made available for rent, including the conversion of a commercial or public use property which has not been used as residential heretofore, subject to appropriate planning permission being in place.
Where the refurbishment costs are expected to exceed the standard grant of up to €50,000, a maximum top-up grant amount of up to €20,000 is available where the property is confirmed by the applicant to be derelict or where the property is already on the local authority’s Derelict Sites Register, bringing the total grant available for a derelict property up to a maximum of €70,000.
The grant is available in respect of vacant and derelict properties built up to and including 2007, in towns, villages, cities and rural areas. The property must be vacant for two years or more at the time of grant application and proof of vacancy is required to support grant applications.
Feedback on the grant has been very positive since its launch, with over 6,500 applications received and over 3,570 applications approved to date.
In January 2022, my Department communicated with local authorities outlining that funding, made available since 2018 to support the work of a Vacant Homes Office including a Vacant Homes Officer (VHO), would be increased from €50,000 to €60,000 per annum, from mid-2022.
All 31 local authorities now have a full time, dedicated VHO in place. VHOs across local authorities are supported in their work by the Vacant Homes Unit in my Department, which provides information and advice, and facilitates dissemination of information and best practice. Support and guidance is also provided on an ongoing basis to local authorities by the Vacant Homes Unit and by the Housing Agency in respect of the processing of Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant applications and grant payments.
My Department publishes data on applications for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant on its website on a quarterly basis, see gov.ie - Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant statistics (www.gov.ie)
When the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund was launched, a commitment was given that the schemes funded by it would be kept under ongoing review. A comprehensive review and evaluation of the schemes under the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund is underway and is expected to be completed by mid-2024.
129. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will increase funding for the local authority retrofit programme to enable all local authority housing that needs it to be retrofitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6750/24]
View answerSince 2013, Exchequer funding has been provided through my Department's Energy Efficiency Retrofit Programme (EERP) to support local authorities with the retrofit of local authority owned homes requiring insulation and energy upgrade works. Over the period 2013 - 2023, local authorities received over €308 million in funding to carry out energy upgrade works on over 79,000 properties.
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.
Works eligible under my Department's revised EERP include attic/cavity wall insulation or external wall insulation where required, windows and doors replacement, heat pump installation and ancillary and associated works.
The budget under the new EERP programme has increased considerably year on year since its initial launch in 2021 with a budget of €65 million and now stands at €90 million for 2024.
An annualised breakdown of the total funding provided and the number of properties upgraded under the Energy Efficiency Retrofit programme for the years 2013-2023 is available on my Department's website at the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/668c1-energy-efficiency-retrofitting-programme-expenditure-output/
My Department also introduced a pilot Midlands Energy Retrofit Programme in 2020, the details of which are found below. A further 674 properties were retrofitted to a BER of B2/ Cost Optimal Equivalent and these figures are in addition to the National Retrofit Programme.
www.gov.ie/en/publication/b86b3-midlands-energy-retrofit-programme-expenditure-and-units/#
Further details in relation to EERP 2024 including individual allocations will be announced shortly. Furthermore where local authorities can retrofit additional dwellings this year, above their initial target, my Department will make every effort to accede to additional funding requests for this important work.
131. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of grants approved for the help to buy scheme and the first home scheme in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7033/24]
View answerThe First Home Scheme, which launched in July 2022, supports first-time buyers and other eligible homebuyers in purchasing new houses and apartments in the private market, and now self-builders, through the use of an equity share model. 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 First Home Scheme reporting.
Quarterly and annual updates are made available on the First Home Scheme website. The most recent report, that of Q4 2023, is available at the following link:
www.firsthomescheme.ie/media/ztwdc5rm/2023-q4-update.pdf
I understand that Revenue produces a monthly Help to Buy report which is available online and contains information on Help to Buy activity. However, as Help to Buy comes under the remit of Revenue and the Department of Finance, they can be contacted directly for further information.
132. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the action he is taking in relation to a lack of services delaying the provision of housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6983/24]
View answerIn October 2021, the Government published Housing for All, our housing plan to 2030. The plan sets out over four pathways a series of actions to achieve a steady supply of housing in the right locations and with economic, social and environmental sustainability built into the system. The plan addresses the actions needed to support delivery under the four pathways and to enable a sustainable housing system. This includes (inter alia) supporting critical infrastructure development in the transport, communications, electricity and water sectors, noting that a properly functioning housing sector is “dependent on critical infrastructure”.
Section 5.6 of Housing for All notes that a critical supporting infrastructure, including transport, utility supplies and communication networks, must be in place and includes an objective to “Support Critical Infrastructure Development” (Objective 26).
The most recent Housing for All progress report was published in Q4 2023. Action 43 of the progress report states that a specific working group is to be convened to ensure the timely delivery of utilities and infrastructure required to support housing development with updates to be reported to the Public Service Delivery Working Group on a quarterly basis.
The working group, established in December 2023, comprises my Department, Uisce Éireann, EirGrid, ESB Networks, the Local Government Management Agency, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the National Transport Agency. One of the main objectives of the group is to coordinate delivery programmes and identifying key enablers and barriers to infrastructure and utilities provision with a view to supporting Housing for All priorities and informing policy and investment frameworks across all levels of government. The working group will meet on a quarterly basis and report to the Public Service Delivery Working Group on a quarterly basis.
Each planning authority adopts a development plan, required to be consistent with the National Planning Framework and the relevant Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy, which sets out the 6 year plan for development in each local authority area and thereby facilitates alignment with infrastructure provision. Planning authorities include objectives in their development plan relating to housing, including the zoning of land for residential use, and relating to the provision of infrastructure required to support housing. The making of a development plan is a reserved function of the elected members of each planning authority.
Uisce Éireann provides quarterly updates to my Department in relation to water and wastewater connections activity through the Housing for All reporting structures. Uisce Éireann connection-related activity for the full year of 2023 can be found at: www.water.ie/connections/ and annually updated capacity registers for water and wastewater can be found at : Capacity Registers | Connections | Uisce Éireann (formerly Irish Water).
The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications has responsibility for matters relating to electricity supply and the Minister for Transport has responsibility for matters relating to transport.
133. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on the provision of affordable housing in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7058/24]
View answerUnder Housing for All, the Government has targeted the delivery of 28,500 new affordable homes from 2022 to 2026, to be facilitated by local authorities, Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), the Land Development Agency (LDA) and through a strategic partnership between the State and retail banks.
Clare County Council has prepared and published its own 5-year Housing Delivery Action Plan to meet social and affordable housing need and targets for delivery in the county. While Clare does not have a specific affordability target, it has identified localised affordability need in key urban locations where new households being formed would not be able to access housing for purchase or rent at prices/rents affordable to them.
The Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) is open and available to support all local authorities to address affordability needs identified in their area.
In this context, my Department has been liaising with Clare County Council in the development of its affordable housing delivery programme to respond appropriately to identified need in its area.
To date Clare County Council has received funding approval from the AHF to assist in the delivery of 10 affordable purchase homes at Shannon. A further application for a proposed affordable purchase scheme at Ennis was received by my Department in December last and is currently under assessment. My Department, along with the Housing Agency and the Housing Delivery Coordination Office of the Local Government Management Agency will continue to advise and support the Council in respect of its planned response to affordable housing needs in its area.
134. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide an update in relation to the case of persons who do not qualify for cost rental or social housing (details supplied). [6910/24]
View answer138. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps he will take in relation to the cohort of people who earn more than the limit for social housing but are not eligible for cost rental on affordability grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7010/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 134 and 138 together.
Cost Rental is a form of rental tenure designed to assist a cohort of renters who face significant affordability challenges meeting high rents in the private sector and who are not eligible for social housing support. The core principle of Cost Rental is that the rents cover the development, management, and maintenance costs of the homes, so that the long-term future of the homes is financially secure, but that rents are not subject to the pressures of the open market. Unlike market-driven rents, Cost Rental prices only increase in line with consumer inflation, providing stability while meeting ongoing expenses. Additionally, Cost Rental homes offer long-term, secure tenancies regulated by the Affordable Housing Act 2021.
The primary eligibility condition for accessing Cost Rental housing is a maximum net annual household income (less income tax, PRSI, USC, and superannuation contributions). This was originally set, for the whole country, in December 2021 at €53,000, these limits were adjusted to €66,000 in Dublin and €59,000 elsewhere in August 2023, acknowledging changing economic circumstances.
Regarding social housing, income thresholds were increased by €5,000 for all local authorities from January 1, 2023, based on a 2022 review conducted by my Department. The new thresholds are €40,000, €35,000, and €30,000 for bands 1, 2, and 3 respectively. Notwithstanding these changes, my Department is awaiting detailed research examining the existing income limits in the context of current market and population conditions and the suitability or otherwise of the current framework having regard to the significantly changed landscape since it was introduced. This has been commissioned by the Housing Agency and I understand this work is near completion. When it is available, my Department will undertake a detailed examination of the report, including consultation with stakeholders. This will facilitate the preparation of options for my consideration later this year as set out in the Housing for All Action Plan update.
135. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will report on progress on the draft wind energy guidelines; when he expects the draft guidelines will be published; the expected timeframe for publication of finalised deadlines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6830/24]
View answerMy Department is currently undertaking a focused review of the 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines. The review is addressing a number of key aspects of the Guidelines including noise, setback distance, shadow flicker, community obligation, community dividend and grid connections.
My Department, in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) which has primary responsibility for environmental noise matters, has been working to advance guidance on the noise aspect of Guidelines, which is highly technical in nature.
The two Departments have been engaging on proposals regarding the measurement and assessment of noise from wind turbines to ensure they are robust and fit for purpose having regard to, inter alia, the revised 2030 target to generate up to 80% of our electricity from renewable sources.
Further to this engagement, DECC appointed noise consultants in May 2023 to inform any amendments to the noise aspect of the Guidelines. This work is substantially complete. My Department, in conjunction with DECC in respect of its environmental noise remit, will make any further changes to the draft Guidelines which are deemed necessary or appropriate in the wake of this work to ensure that the finalised Guidelines, once issued, are fit for purpose to provide guidance in line with renewable energy and climate targets, whilst having appropriate regard to the impacts of wind energy development, including in relation to noise annoyance.
With regard to the finalisation of the review process, the Climate Action Plan 2024 sets out a timeline of Q4 2024 for publication of the final updated Guidelines and my Department is working towards meeting this commitment. When finalised, the revised Guidelines will be issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, or subject to enactment of the Planning and Development Bill 2023, as a National Planning Statement, as appropriate. In the meantime, the current 2006 Wind Energy Development Guidelines remain in force.
137. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update regarding the issue of mortgageability as it relates to homeowners impacted by defective concrete blocks and the defective concrete block redress scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6963/24]
View answerMy Department has had a number of engagements with the Banking and Payments Federation (BPFI) on specific issues raised by Defective Concrete Block (DCB) homeowners to see what can be done to address their concerns
I set up an Implementation Steering Group for the enhanced Defective Concrete Blocks Grant scheme, comprised of officials from the relevant local authorities, my Department, the Housing Agency, and the Homeowner's Liaison Officer. A subgroup meeting of the Implementation Group to discuss financial issues and concerns around the mortgageability of DCB remediated homes was held on 11 January 2024 and included representatives from Engineers Ireland, Insurance Ireland, Banking and Payments Federation Ireland, Department of Finance, local authorities and homeowner action groups.
The Government position on this matter was set out clearly at this meeting that it is the understanding and expectation that once a home is certified and remediated under the DCB Scheme that it would then be treated for mortgage purposes in the same manner as any other home.
On 19 January 2024 my Department met with the Housing Agency and Engineers Ireland to discuss the matter of mortgageability raised at the sub group meeting. A further meeting was arranged by my Department with the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland on 7 February 2024 to engage directly with its DCB committee. Both of these meetings were constructive with positive engagement.
As agreed at the sub-group meeting the matter will be progressed further at the group's next meeting which is scheduled to take place on 21 February 2024.
140. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the action he will take to address the consistent increases in rents for existing tenancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6704/24]
View answerThe Government’s Housing for All plan is focused on tackling supply and affordability issues, including those in the rental market. The plan contains targets, actions and guaranteed State investment in housing aimed at increasing supply, which in turn will help increase access to affordable rental housing. Under Housing for All, over €5bn is available for capital investment in housing in 2024. Budget 2024 introduced further supports for those taxpayers who are paying rent on their principal private residence, with an increase of the Rent Tax Credit to €750.
The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) Rent Index is designed to measure developments in rental prices faced by those taking up new tenancies in the private rental sector and from Q2 2023 utilising Annual Registration data, existing tenancy rent price developments. The Rent Index report is the most accurate and authoritative rent report of its kind on the private rental sector in Ireland. Compared to other market monitoring reports produced for the Irish rental sector, the RTB/ESRI Rent Index has the considerable benefit of being based on regulatory data covering all new tenancy registrations regardless of how the property was advertised for rent.
The Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016 taking account of the constitutionally protected property rights of landlords, introduced a targeted Rent Predictability Measure to moderate rent increases in those parts of the country where rents are highest and rising fastest. Rent controls are applied on the basis of the objective evidence available via the RTB Quarterly Rent Index Report. Currently, 77% of tenancies across the country are subject to rent controls.
The Housing for All Action Plan Update in November 2022 included an action to review the operation of the private rental sector and report on policy. My Department has commenced this review which will take into account the significant regulatory changes over the past several years and the Government will consider and act on its recommendations. The review will draw conclusions on how the private rental market can provide an efficient, viable, affordable, safe and secure framework for both landlords and tenants and will be finalised as early as possible.
141. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the position regarding the assessment of the transit-oriented development in Limerick, Galway, Cork and Waterford; whether the timeline is on schedule for Q1 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6984/24]
View answerMy Department and the Department of Transport (DoT) jointly established a working group in December 2021 under ‘Housing for All’ to consider opportunities for Transport Orientated Development (TOD) in major urban centres. The group comprises membership from my Department, DoT, the National Transport Authority (NTA) and the Land Development Agency (LDA).
Transport Orientated Development (TOD) seeks to maximise the provision of housing, employment, public services and leisure space in close proximity to high quality transport services, including BusConnects, DART, Luas and MetroLink in Dublin.
The first report from this Working Group, which looked at Transport Oriented Development Opportunities in Dublin, was published on the 23 of June 2023 and can be found on my Department’s website: www.gov.ie/en/publication/0b532-opportunities-for-transport-orientated-development-tod-in-major-urban-centres-dublin-study/
The TOD Working Group, which undertook the study, are now focussing on TOD opportunities in the Eastern Region (outside the four Dublin local authorities) and in Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford in 2024. It is intended that when this assessment process is concluded, a similar report to that published in respect of the four Dublin authorities will be published in Q1 of 2024.
The outputs from this work will also help to inform Government policy and initiatives in support of the National Strategic Outcomes of the National Planning Framework (NPF), in particular outcomes relating to Compact Growth, Sustainable Mobility and Transition to a Low Carbon and Climate Resilient Society.
This will include consideration of legislative and policy provisions, institutional arrangements, capacity-building measures and funding and resources required to facilitate the delivery of such plan-led development in a timely manner
The outputs from this work will also support spatial equity principles promoted through the NPF by providing increased opportunities to develop new and expanded communities at scale, including in areas of greater need thereby maximising the opportunity to provide the strategic co-ordinated plan-led development of housing (including social and affordable housing), employment, public services and leisure space facilities for communities in close proximity to frequent, high quality transport services.
Engagement with local authorities, the LDA, the NTA and infrastructure providers, such as Uisce Éireann, will also continue in order to identify further opportunities and to accelerate TOD delivery.
