Written Answers Nos. 413-433
413. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has made representations to the EU Commission in respect of the need for regulation of online short-term tourist letting companies; and if he will report on the preparations his Department is making for when legislation to regulate such companies is passed and implemented. [10426/24]
View answerThe proposed Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Short-Term Tourist Letting (STTL) Bill will, when enacted, provide the statutory basis for the establishment of a register for all Short-Term Tourist Lettings and will enable the required implementation of the new Short Term Rental Regulation (STR).
This Bill remains the subject of ongoing engagement with the EU Commission in accordance with the Technical Regulations Information System (TRIS) EU Directive 2015/1535. I am informed by my colleague, Catherine Martin, TD, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, that as part of this engagement, officials from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media (TCAGSM) and from Fáilte Ireland met with representatives of the Commission in Brussels on 11 December 2023 and then, on 15 December, provided a formal response to the Commission’s communication of 22 March 2023 setting out the proposed approach to achieve alignment between the proposed STTL Bill and EU law, in particular the new Short Term Rental Regulation (STR). On 9 February 2024, the Commission responded positively regarding the principles outlined in Ireland’s formal response and to suggest that further consideration was required to ensure complete alignment. The DTAGSM officials met again with the Commission on 21 February in this regard and to provide further clarifications on the proposed approach. I am informed that this was a very positive engagement and DTCAGSM officials have provided a further written response to the Commission via the TRIS process.
A conclusion to the TRIS process shortly will enable Minister Martin to plan for the publication of the Bill in the coming weeks.
On 22 March 2023, DTCAGSM received a communication from the EU Commission which extended the original standstill period until 22 December 2023. Following this, in May 2023, I wrote to Commissioner Nicolas Schmit, who has responsibility for Jobs and Social Rights (including housing), expressing my concern in relation to the delay and the extension of the standstill period.
As part of the ongoing engagement with the Commission, my Department, DTCAGSM and Fáilte Ireland held a constructive meeting with representatives of the Commission in Brussels on 23 June last.
Commissioner Schmit responded to my letter on 26 September 2023, noting the constructive and continuing cooperation between the Irish authorities and the Commission.
On 4 December 2023, I met with heads of Cabinet to Commissioners Thierry Breton and Nicolas Schmit and reiterated Ireland’s commitment to constructive engagement on the STR.
My Department is currently developing Planning Guidelines for the Short-Term Letting sector to supplement the introduction of the STTL Bill. This guidance will provide clarity and certainty on the planning permission requirements in respect of short-term letting properties. It is intended that a draft of the updated guidelines will be published simultaneously with the publication of the STTL Bill by DTCAGSM in order that property owners will have a greater understanding of the planning requirements well in advance of the final enactment of the STTL Bill.
414. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will make a statement on the need to support older persons to downsize. [10427/24]
View answerHousing for All commits to increasing the housing options available to older people to facilitate ageing in place with dignity and independence, including the development of a policy on rightsizing. The Housing for All policy objective to make more efficient use of existing housing stock includes the development of a national policy on rightsizing and to explore options to support and incentivise rightsizing on a voluntary basis.
Whilst some local authorities operate rightsizing schemes, housing supports and the oversight and practical management of housing waiting lists, including the application for, and allocation of, tenancies, is solely a matter for the relevant local authority in accordance with the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, and associated regulations. Work is being advanced in my Department to inform and progress the development of national policy on rightsizing.
415. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of private houses that local authorities are renting and subletting as social housing by local authority; the annual cost of renting these houses in each of the years 2018 to 2023 and to date in 2024, by local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10429/24]
View answerThe Social Housing Current Expenditure Programme (SHCEP) supports the delivery of social housing by providing financial support to local authorities for the leasing of houses and apartments. Local authorities may enter into lease agreements and subsequently house a social housing tenant into properties secured under various leasing schemes, including Long Term Leasing, Enhanced Leasing, NARPS leasing, Long Term RLS, and Part V Leasing.
Details of the number of private units that local authorities are leasing and the associated annual cost from 2018 to Q3 2023 can be found in the attached file. Please note, the annual cost is only available from 2020 onwards.
Details regarding any subletting of these units are not held by my Department.
Data for Q4 2023 is currently being compiled and will be available in the coming weeks.
416. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will make a statement on the adequacy of enforcement powers within the Residential Tenancies Board; and his plans to establish an enforcement bureau within the organisation to ensure that those who subvert legal protections for tenants are addressed. [10430/24]
View answerThe Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) was established as quasi-judicial, independent statutory body under the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2022 (RTA) to operate a national tenancy registration system and to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants. Tenants and registered landlords may refer a matter for dispute resolution under Part 6 of the RTA, where the RTB may award up to €20,000 in damages.
Since 1 July 2019, the RTB is empowered under Part 7A – Complaints, Investigations and Sanctions – of the Residential Tenancies Acts to investigate improper conduct by landlords and to impose sanctions, where appropriate. The RTB has the power to impose sanctions if improper conduct by a landlord is found to have occurred, ranging from a formal written caution and/or a fine of up to €15,000 and/or costs up to €15,000.
Following recommendations in the RTB Workforce Plan (2018 – 2021), and engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, the RTB received sanction for significant additional staff over the past three years. My Department continues to work with the RTB to ensure that it is sufficiently resourced to deliver on its mandate.
The operation of the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2022, the residential rental market and the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) are kept under constant review by my Department to ensure that they are fit for purpose.
417. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide additional funding to deal with issues surrounding maintenance of social housing, particularly flat complexes. [10431/24]
View answerThe management and maintenance of local authority housing stock, including pre-letting repairs to vacant properties, the implementation of a planned maintenance programme and carrying out of responsive repairs, are matters for each individual local authority under Section 58 of the Housing Act 1966.
Local authorities also have a legal obligation to ensure that all of their tenanted properties are compliant with the provisions of the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations, 2019. Local authority officials and elected members have a very important role to play in this regard by making adequate budgetary provision for housing repairs and cyclical maintenance utilising the significant housing rental income available to them as part of the annual budgetary process.
Notwithstanding the legal obligations on local authorities to manage and maintain their housing stock, my Department does provide annual funding to local authorities to support their work in this area across various programmes.
Under the Planned Maintenance/Voids programme, funding is available to support local authorities in refurbishing vacant social homes and returning them to productive use. Furthermore funding from my Department under this programme is also available for stock condition surveys and the introduction of an ICT asset management system to support the planned maintenance approach. Budget 2024 has provided €31 million to the programme this year.
Under the Energy Efficiency programme, my Department funds the carrying out of retrofitting works to local authority dwellings. Works eligible under the programme include attic insulation, wall insulation, the replacement of windows and doors and an efficient renewable heat pump. The measures aim to achieve a BER of B2 or Cost Optimal post works with €90 million available to the programme this year.
Under the Disabled Persons Grant Scheme the Department funds local authorities in carrying out necessary adaptation works to local authority properties to cater for the needs of elderly and disabled tenants and families living in overcrowded conditions. Budget 2024 has provided €25 million to the programme this year.
Under the Regeneration Scheme, the Department funds programmes of estate regeneration in a number of targeted areas around the country. This programme focuses on the remediation and upgrade of existing local authority homes within defined areas of disadvantage and can also provide for some new homes as part of the overall regeneration plan for the area. €50 million is available to this programme in 2024.
Given the very significant investment into the Programmes over recent years local authorities are now in a strong position to continue the transition to a strategic and informed planned maintenance approach to stock management and maintenance.
To that end, my Department and local authorities are continuing to progress from a largely response and voids based approach to housing stock management and maintenance, to a planned maintenance approach as referenced in Housing for All, policy objective 20.6. This will require the completion of stock condition surveys by all local authorities and the subsequent development of strategic and informed work programmes in response.
418. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current staffing levels in each local authority, compared with 2018. [10433/24]
View answerStaffing numbers for the local authority sector for the period 2008 to 2023 broken down by local authority area are available on the Public Service Numbers databank, which is hosted and maintained by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform (DPENDR). Staffing numbers are published quarterly and the databank is currently updated to Q3 2023. Staffing numbers for the end of Q4 2023 will be published in due course. The databank is available at the following link:
databank.per.gov.ie/Public_Service_Numbers.aspx?rep=LA
The total number of staff (Whole Time Equivalent) employed in the local government sector at the end of 2018 was 28,342.49. This number had risen to 31,818.19 by end Q3 2023. The increase in staffing levels since 2018 reflects the growth in new public services being delivered through the local government sector.
419. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current staffing levels in An Bord Pleanála, compared with 2020 and 2018; and the staffing levels in the same period in each division of the organisation, in tabular form. [10434/24]
View answerAn Bord Pleanála (the Board) is the national independent statutory body with responsibility for the determination of planning appeals and direct applications for strategic infrastructure and other developments under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, and certain other Acts.
There are now more people working at the Board than at any time previously. Since October 2021, my Department has agreed to 117 new staffing posts in the Board. The Board has advised that as of 31 January 2024 there were 257 individuals working in the Board including Board Members. The Board received approval and sanction from my Department for a total of 313 posts to date.
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.
420. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to publish the Indecon report commissioned by the Department into the land value sharing tax that was discussed by officials during the pre-legislative scrutiny hearings with the Oireachtas Housing Committee during May 2023. [10569/24]
View answerThe Government approved an initial General Scheme in December 2021 to set out proposals to introduce Land Value Sharing. The proposals set out in the revised General Scheme (www.gov.ie/en/publication/0ad37-general-scheme-planning-and-development-land-value-sharing-and-urban-development-zones-bill-2022/) published on 14 April 2023 are the result of significant analysis and engagement undertaken since the publication of the initial General Scheme in December 2021, including an economic appraisal and detailed discussion with the Office of the Attorney General, valuation experts and engagement with key stakeholders.
The Indecon Report was prepared for the Department as part of the analysis required to support the revised General Scheme which was published in April 2023, and it will continue to inform the ongoing process.
The published General Scheme is accompanied by an explanatory memorandum which outlines the objectives and details of the proposed measures. The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage completed pre-legislative scrutiny of the proposals in May 2023.
In finalising the draft Bill for approval by Government, the report of the Committee which was received in September 2023 and any recommendations contained therein will be taken into account as part of the revised legislation due to be published in early 2024.
As the draft legislation continues to be developed, it is not intended to publish the Indecon Report at this time.
421. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the total expenditure in 2023 on social and affordable housing funded through SHIP, CALF, CAS, AHF, CREL, AHB borrowing and LDA expenditure. [10570/24]
View answerHousing is delivered through a range of local authority and Approved Housing Body (AHB) delivery programmes. Capital expenditure on the delivery of new social homes is also supported by current funding provided through the Social Housing Current Expenditure Programme (SHCEP).
In respect of Affordable Housing delivery, Housing for All provides for a number of important affordability measures, supported by an investment package of direct Exchequer funding, investment through the Land Development Agency (LDA) and lending by the Housing Finance Agency (HFA).
The table below sets out the 2023 expenditure details in respect of Exchequer expenditure on the delivery of social and affordable homes and HFA lending in 2023. In respect of the LDA, the 2023 financial statements are not yet finalised, however, expenditure for 2023 is indicated to be in the order of €500m.
Total Exchequer expenditure in 2023 on the delivery of Housing programmes amounted to €4.03bn.
|
- |
2023 Expenditure |
|
Social Housing – (Build & Acquisition Delivery Streams) - Exchequer Expenditure |
€2,055m |
|
Affordable Housing - Exchequer Expenditure |
€284m |
|
HFA Loan Advances (LA & AHB) |
€1,161m |
422. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No. 341 of 20 February 2024, if a Stamp 4 is required for non-EU/Non-EEA applicants within the credit policy for the residency eligibility criteria for the local authority home loan scheme; if so, the reason there was no reference to this in the reply; the reason this information is not publicly listed in the eligibility criteria on the website local authority home loan scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10601/24]
View answerFurther to Parliamentary Question No. 341 of 20 February 2024, to qualify for a Local Authority Home Loan an applicant must currently have a legal right to reside and work in the State. As previously advised the Credit Policy requires that applicants from outside the EEA/EU must be legally resident in Ireland for a period of 5 years or have leave to remain extending to permit 5 years reckonable residence or have indefinite leave to remain in the state.
Applicant(s) must provide proof of fulfilling the residency requirements when making their application. Given the variety of immigration documents which exist, it is not appropriate to list all possible eligible documents. It is the applicants’ responsibility to provide proof that each applicant fulfils the residency requirements for the Local Authority Home Loan. The evidence required will depend on the immigration status of the applicant or applicants but in any case is not specifically limited to a Stamp 4.
423. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the supports available to councillors with disabilities when they are elected; if local authorities are required to provide supports; what provisions are in place; if statutory requirements are in place; the additional measures he intends to introduce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10630/24]
View answerIt is the responsibility of each local authority to ensure appropriate supports are in place for elected members with disabilities, alongside a statutory responsibility to ensure practical and appropriate access to its buildings and services under the Disability Act of 2005.
Obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, along with the Public Sector Duty placed on all public bodies, contribute to the development of a framework within which local authorities can ensure equitable access to policies, services and facilities for everyone, including elected members.
As part of the package of remuneration available to local authority elected members, members are entitled to avail of the Local Representation Allowance (LRA). Under the terms of this allowance of €5,160 p.a., a member may claim on a vouched basis a broad range of eligible expenses, including should they wish to engage secretarial or administrative supports to assist them in their work.
Furthermore, my Department also issues annual calls for funding to local authorities to encourage more diversity in local government decision making and structures. Local authorities would, for example, be able to submit proposals that deliver necessary accessibility or infrastructural changes to facilitate and encourage the participation of elected members with disabilities.
424. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a review was undertaken in 2020 at the end of phase one of the National Landscape Strategy 2015-2025; if a review was undertaken at the end of phase two of the same strategy; if he plans to prepare an updated strategy and implementation programme in consultation with the stakeholders who contributed to the 2015 document; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10667/24]
View answerNo reviews have been undertaken of the National Landscape Strategy to date, and I have no plans at present to prepare an updated strategy. Implementation of the National Landscape Strategy is implicit in many of the actions taken across the built and natural heritage sphere, and I believe that the current work being undertaken across Government in the context of the land use review will supplant and overtake that strategy.
As indicated previously, my Department has in the meantime made very substantial progress on issues of habitat and wildlife protection, which are tied closely to landscape. In particular, I would emphasise the recently launched 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan, which sets the national biodiversity agenda for the period 2023-2030 and aims to deliver the transformative changes required to the ways in which we value and protect nature. This, along the Nature Restoration Law ratified recently by the European Parliament, will continue to support the delivery of national nature, water, landscape and climate objectives, while at the same time realising co-benefits for value creation in rural economies and communities.
A key enabling action in the National Landscape Strategy is the completion of a National Landscape Character Assessment, which would complement the Local Character Assessments already prepared by Local Authorities. This is also a National Policy Objective set out in the National Planning Framework (NPF). As part of the ongoing NPF Review, my Department is currently considering options for how best to carry out such an assessment.
425. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when an application (details supplied) for funding under the remedial action list RAL will be decided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10669/24]
View answerMy Department provides funding to improve the quality, quantity and reliability of the water services relied upon by rural dwellers, where Uisce Éireann water services are not available.
In relation to the group water scheme referred to I understand that funding has been approved to carry out water treatment improvements and that the relevant local authority continues to work with the scheme to put a sustainable solution in place.
I can confirm that it is open to group water schemes across the country to make applications for funding to my Department under the Multi-annual Rural Water Programme 2024-2026. Applications can be made through the relevant local authority which must be received by my Department by the closing date of 12 April 2024.
426. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if consideration will be given to the development of social and affordable housing at the former Cork Prison on the Rathmore Road, given that this property has been vacant for eight years and the site could have the potential to deliver a substantial number of new homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10682/24]
View answerThe First Report on Relevant Public Lands which was published by the LDA in 2023 identified state owned land with potential for housing development in the five cities and five key growth centres. That potential identified is being assessed further in the light of ongoing developments on those sites. Suitable sites for housing development being recommended for transfer to the LDA will be considered by Government in sets, based on highest priority sites and lowest level of site constraints.
Last month, 9 sites were agreed by Government for transfer to the LDA across the cities of Dublin, Cork, Waterford, Limerick and Galway and cumulatively will have the potential to deliver over 3,000 new homes.
Subsequent sets of sites will be considered by Government in due course. These transferred sites will add to the LDA's existing housing delivery pipeline of social and affordable homes. The LDA will publish details of each project on their website, as the sites become active.
As part of the site appraisal process following the publication of the report, my Department and the Department of Justice held stakeholder engagement discussions regarding the site of the former Cork Prison, its current and future uses, and its suitability for potential use for affordable and social housing. Although the site has potential for residential repurposing, it is not currently intended to transfer the site to the LDA, as the Irish Prison Service have plans to utilise the site.
I note that the LDA are actively developing and delivering large scale schemes of affordable and social homes on State lands in other areas of Cork. For example, construction work is underway at the former St Kevin's Hospital site in Cork City, where 265 new homes are to be delivered from 2025.
The Government has also approved the transfer, in due course following the relocation of services there, of the state owned veterinary laboratory site on the Model Farm Road in Cork to the LDA for the development of social and affordable homes. The site was identified in the Report on Relevant Public Lands and is capable of delivering between 140 - 200 new homes.
427. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide a list of all schemes and funding streams related to housing delivery that are currently under review or due to be reviewed in 2024; the expected completion date of these reviews; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10702/24]
View answer|
Scheme / Funding Stream |
Expected Completion Date |
Statement |
|
Croí Cónaithe Towns Schemes |
Q3 2024 |
When the Croí Cónaithe Towns Fund was launched, a commitment was given that a review of the schemes under the Fund (the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant and Ready to Build Scheme) would be undertaken by mid-2024. This review is now underway. |
|
National Regeneration Programme |
Q1 2025 |
Circular N11/2007, which underpins the funding of the Social Housing National Regeneration Programme, was published in 2007. The Department is committed to undertaking a strategic review of the Programme, to ensure its continued alignment with policy objectives. The specifics of this review have not yet been formalised, however, it is anticipated that relevant stakeholders will be consulted, as appropriate. In considering an indicative timeframe for the review, consideration will be given to the most appropriate period in order to ensure best engagement from relevant stakeholders. |
|
Land Acquisition Fund |
Q3 2024 |
Under Housing for All, Government committed to a review of the Land Acquisition Fund, taking into consideration the expected benefits, the land requirements to meet Housing for All targets, and the actions arising from the land strategy. |
The information requested is being compiled and will be forwarded to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
428. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent and level of capital funding for housing from his Department to Waterford City and County Council in the years 2019-2024, inclusive, by year and by funding stream, in tabular form. [10751/24]
View answer429. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent and level of revenue funding for housing from his Department to Waterford City and County Council in the years 2019-2024, inclusive, by year and by funding stream, in tabular form. [10752/24]
View answer431. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent and level of capital funding for housing from his Department to each local authority in the years 2019-2024, inclusive, by year and by funding stream, in tabular form. [10755/24]
View answer432. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent and level of revenue funding for housing from his Department to each local authority in the years 2019-2024, inclusive, by year and by funding stream, in tabular form. [10756/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 432, 428, 429 and 431 together.
Funding provided by my Department to each local authority for the delivery of housing programmes in each of the years 2019 to 2022 is set out in the tables attached.
Local Authority Housing Funding 2019-2022
The detailed breakdown of 2023 housing expenditure, by local authority and delivery stream, is being finalised within my Department and will be available in the coming weeks. However, in respect of Waterford City and County Council, the provisional 2023 funding for the delivery of housing programmes amounts to €79m.
It should be noted that the data in the attached tables reflects the housing funding provided directly to local authorities only. In addition to the funds channelled to local authorities, my Department also provides funding to other bodies, for example, the Housing Agency, for the management and operation of a broad range of housing programmes, including for the delivery of social and affordable homes.
Budget 2024 provided for continued record investment in Housing with €4.25bn in Exchequer funding for the delivery of housing programmes, comprising capital funding of €2.7bn and current funding of €1.5bn. The Capital provision of €2.7bn will be supplemented by Land Development Agency (LDA) investment and Housing Finance Agency (HFA) lending resulting in an overall capital provision of over €5bn in 2024.
Detailed information in respect of the Housing elements of Budget 2024 are set out in the 2024 Expenditure Measures Report: gov.ie - Budget 2024: Expenditure Reports (www.gov.ie) www.gov.ie/en/publication/df18e-budget-2024-expenditure-reports/ and in the 2024 Revised Estimates Volume: www.gov.ie/en/collection/e20037-revised-estimates/#2024.
430. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent and level of capital funding for fire stations from his Department to Waterford City and County Council in the years 2019-2024, inclusive, by year and by funding stream, in tabular form. [10753/24]
View answer433. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent and level of capital funding for fire stations from his Department to each local authority in the years 2019-2024, inclusive, by year and by funding stream, in tabular form. [10757/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 430 and 433 together.
The provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of fire station premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Service Acts, 1981 and 2003.
My Department supports fire authorities by establishing policy, setting national standards for fire safety and fire service provision, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding for priority infrastructural projects such as improvements to the network of fire stations and fire service training centres and the procurement of essential frontline fire appliances, ancillary vehicles and equipment.
Under the Fire Services Acts, 1981 and 2003, 31 local authorities provide fire prevention and fire protection services for communities through 27 service delivery structures. Local authority fire services are delivered by approximately 3,300 local authority staff engaged at 217 fire stations nationwide, with 16 of these stations staffed by full-time firefighters, a further 4 are mixed full-time and retained, and 197 are staffed by retained firefighters.
In December 2020, I announced the Fire Services Capital Programme for the period 2021-2025, with a funding allocation of €61m. Following extensive engagement with fire authorities, a number of proposals for station works etc. were received.
Any proposal received by my Department requesting further support from the Fire Services capital programme is considered with regard to national priorities and the totality of requests from fire authorities countrywide.
Project consideration stages in my Department include submission of preliminary and detailed appraisals; submission of design brief; selection of a site; application for approval in principle; appointment of design consultants; submission of a preliminary design; planning application; submission of a preliminary cost plan, detailed design and cost plans; and tender process and construction stages - each step subject to approval from my Department.
Waterford City and County Council has indicated that Kilmacthomas remains their top priority project, and a new fire station at Kilmacthomas is provided for in the Fire services Capital Programme 2021 - 2025. I understand the council have sought Part 8 planning approval for the project and will seek to move quickly through the necessary phases to progress the construction of a new station for Kilmacthomas. My Department will continue to work with Waterford City and County Council to progress the new Kilmacthomas fire station project.
Detailed below is the annual spend, 2019 through to date in 2024, on fire service infrastructural projects from the fire services capital programme.
|
Local Authority |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
Total |
|
€M |
€M |
€M |
€M |
€M |
€M |
€M |
|
|
Carlow County Council |
- |
0.096 |
- |
- |
0.232 |
- |
0.328 |
|
Cavan County Council |
1.448 |
0.623 |
- |
1.412 |
- |
- |
3.483 |
|
Clare County Council |
0.503 |
0.255 |
1.060 |
0.023 |
0.100 |
- |
1.941 |
|
Cork City Council |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Cork County Council |
0.242 |
0.549 |
1.037 |
2.004 |
0.235 |
- |
4.066 |
|
Dublin City Council |
- |
- |
0.000 |
- |
0.147 |
- |
0.147 |
|
Donegal County Council |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Galway County Council |
- |
0.054 |
- |
- |
0.409 |
0.839 |
1.301 |
|
Kerry County Council |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Kildare County Council |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
0.283 |
0.283 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
- |
0.126 |
- |
0.492 |
1.384 |
- |
2.002 |
|
Laois County Council |
- |
- |
- |
0.190 |
- |
- |
0.190 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
- |
0.604 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
0.604 |
|
Longford County Council |
- |
- |
- |
0.463 |
- |
- |
0.463 |
|
Louth County Council |
0.326 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
0.326 |
|
Mayo County Council |
- |
- |
- |
1.089 |
1.105 |
- |
2.194 |
|
Meath County Council |
- |
0.151 |
- |
1.016 |
- |
- |
1.167 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
0.278 |
1.034 |
- |
0.053 |
0.530 |
- |
1.895 |
|
Offaly County Council |
- |
0.124 |
- |
0.102 |
0.053 |
- |
0.279 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
- |
- |
- |
0.196 |
0.217 |
- |
0.413 |
|
Sligo County Council |
- |
- |
- |
0.036 |
- |
- |
0.036 |
|
Tipperary County Council |
0.278 |
1.629 |
0.097 |
- |
2.833 |
- |
4.837 |
|
Waterford City & County Council |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Westmeath County Council |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
|
Wexford County Council |
0.148 |
- |
0.375 |
1.280 |
- |
- |
1.803 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
0.206 |
- |
- |
0.207 |
- |
- |
0.412 |
|
Annual Totals |
3.429 |
5.245 |
2.568 |
8.563 |
7.245 |
1.121 |
28.172 |
