Written Answers Nos. 222-241
222. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to publish the letter it issued to Dublin City Council on 12 February 2024 in respect of Martin Savage Park, Dublin 7; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13351/24]
View answerAs a Statutory Consultee under the Planning and Development Acts, my Department made observations to Dublin City Council on 12 February 2024 within the relevant consultation period in relation to the Part 8 development for Martin Savage Park (Application reference 5032/23).
My Department's observations are accessible in the public domain on the Dublin City Council planning portal which can be found here:
planning.agileapplications.ie/dublincity/application-details/159180 (Under the documents tab and selecting page 15).
As this is a live planning matter, I cannot comment further on it.
223. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the process in which a local authority proposal with a part 8 grant of planning permission is referred to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13352/24]
View answer224. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the process in which his Department issues recommendations to a local authority in respect of a planning proposal that has already received part 8 grant of planning permission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13353/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 223 and 224 together.
The local authority "own development" approval process - commonly referred to as the "Part 8'" process - is set out under section 179 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended (the Act) and the associated Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended (the Regulations). The final decision on a Part 8 development proposal is a reserved function of the elected members.
Under Section 30 of the Act, I, as Minister with responsibility for planning, am precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular case with which a planning authority or the Board is or may be concerned. This includes the "Part 8" process.
Where a planning authority is proposing a 'Part 8' development, it is required under article 82 of the Regulations - as part of the wider public consultation process in relation to that development - to notify the Minister with responsibility for Heritage of the proposed development where any heritage aspects may be impacted. This specifically applies under article 82(3)(c) of the Regulations where it appears to the authority that the proposed development:
(i) would involve the carrying out of works to a protected structure or proposed protected structure, or to the exterior of a structure which is located within an architectural conservation area,(ii) might detract from the appearance of a structure referred to in sub-paragraph (i),(iii) might affect or be unduly close to—
(I) a cave, site, feature or other object of archaeological, geological, scientific, ecological or historical interest,(II) a monument or place recorded under section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act, 1994 (No. 17 of 1994),(III) a historic monument or archaeological area entered in the Register of Historic Monuments under Section 5 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act, 1987 (No. 17 of 1987),(IV) a national monument in the ownership or guardianship of the Minister under the National Monuments Acts, 1930 to 1994, or(V) might obstruct any scheme for improvement of the surroundings of, or any means of access to, any structure, place, feature or object referred to in sub-paragraph (iii),
In addition, under article 82(3)(n) of the Regulations, the Minister with responsibility for Heritage is required to be notified of the proposed development where it appears to the authority that the development may have significant effects in relation to nature conservation.
Any observations submitted by the Minister as part of the public consultation process are required to be taken into account in the consideration and determination of the proposed development by the local authority and its elected members.
It should be noted that where the elected members have passed a resolution to proceed with a 'Part 8' development proposal in accordance with section 179(4) of the Act, there is no referral or appeal mechanism to my Department available and section 30 of the Act applies. It is a matter for the relevant planning authority to complete the development in accordance with the resolution as adopted, including any variations or modifications to the proposed development as determined by the elected members in the adoption of the resolution in relation to the proposed development.
225. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the process in which his Department can issue recommendations to a local authority in respect of wildlife protection in advance of a nature impact assessment been undertaken in respect of a proposal that has yet to developed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13354/24]
View answer226. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage what role it has in relation to biodiversity protection and part 8 local authority planning applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13355/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 225 and 226 together.
Under Article 82(3)(n) of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended, the Minister with responsibility for Heritage is notified of a proposed development where it appears to the authority that the development might have significant effects in relation to nature conservation. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) within my Department is the agency responsible for providing recommendations to the local authority in such circumstances where a proposal for a development has been made.
My Department does provide a pre-application consultation service for prospective applicants or via their consultants intending to make a plan or apply for permission for a project or development. Such consultations or engagement with the heritage sections of this Department are facilitated through the Development Applications Unit.
227. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if any development charges, Uisce Éireann or ESB connection charges can be waivered for an individual who commenced a self-build in March 2022 and who will soon have their build completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13439/24]
View answerOn 25 April 2023, the Government approved additional measures under the Housing for All Action Plan to incentivise the activation of increased housing supply and help reduce housing construction costs, including the introduction of temporary time-limited arrangements for the waiving of local authority “section 48” development contributions and the refunding of Uisce Éireann water and waste water connection charges.
The schemes apply for 1 year to all permitted residential development that commences on site between 25 April 2023 (the date of the Government Decision approving the measure) and 24 April 2024, and is completed not later than 31 December 2025. Any housing development that commenced prior to the introduction of the schemes is ineligible for the schemes.
228. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to state whether the statutory functions of the Electoral Commission include the power to review the contents of pole posters or statements made by elected representatives and to communicate with the public in relation to their conclusions of any such review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13467/24]
View answerThe Electoral Reform Act 2022 included provisions for the establishment of an independent, statutory Electoral Commission, entitled An Coimisiún Toghcháin. An Coimisiún was formally established in February 2023.
Section 30 of the Act sets out the functions of An Coimisiún.
In addition, Chapter 5 of Part 2 of the Act sets out the functions of An Coimisiún at referendums, one of which is to explain the subject matter of referendum proposals and communicate these explanations to the electorate. In particular, section 31(1)(a) of the Act provides that An Coimisiún shall prepare a statement or statements containing a general explanation of the subject matter of the proposal for the referendum and of the text in the relevant constitutional amendment Bill and any other information relating to those matters that An Coimisiún considers appropriate.
In relation to election posters, section 140 of the Electoral Act 1992 provides that every notice, bill, poster or similar document having reference to an election or referendum or distributed for the purpose of furthering the candidature of a candidate at an election or a particular result at a referendum shall bear upon its face the name and address of the printer and of the publisher.
229. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will amend a scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13472/24]
View answerThe Local Authority Home Loan is a Government-backed mortgage for those who cannot get sufficient funding from commercial banks to purchase or build a home. It has been available nationwide from local authorities since 4 January 2022 for first-time buyers and fresh start applicants. The loan can be used both for new and second-hand properties, or to self-build.
On 14 November 2023, I brought a proposal to my Cabinet colleagues to broaden the Local Authority Home Loan, to make finance available to purchase and renovate derelict or non-habitable properties for the first time, which was agreed. This is evidence of the Government’s continued focus on bringing vacant and derelict homes back into use, which is a major focus of Pathway 4 of Housing for All.
I have no plans to extend this further to include applicants under the Defective Concrete Block Scheme.
230. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the current position regarding possible extension of the temporary waiver in respect of development contributions; if he will address the matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13474/24]
View answer233. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if, with reference to the temporary time limited waiver in respect of development contributions, he has considered asking the Government to extend the scheme beyond the final commencement date of 24 April 2024 as outlined in Circular Letter PL/042023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13506/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 230 and 233 together.
On 25 April 2023, the Government approved additional measures under the Housing for All Action Plan to incentivise the activation of increased housing supply and help reduce housing construction costs, including the introduction of temporary time-limited arrangements for the waiving of local authority “section 48” development contributions and the refunding of Uisce Éireann water and waste water connection charges.
The schemes apply for 1 year to all permitted residential development that commences on site between 25 April 2023 (the date of the Government Decision approving the measure) and 24 April 2024, and is completed not later than 31 December 2025.
I am presently reviewing the schemes.
231. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the way his Department or any agency under the aegis of his Department supports local authorities to develop overnight pull-in parking facilities for motor homes and campervans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13504/24]
View answerLocal authorities have a role in planning for tourism and recreational uses within the context of their role as planning authorities as set out in the Planning and Development Act. They also have a role in the development of tourism and recreational facilities as part of their economic development function. In this regard section 63(3) of the Local Government Act 2001, provides that a local authority is independent in the performance of its functions.
Within the planning system the development plan is the principal planning strategy document of the local authority and sets out the relevant local planning policies and development objectives related to the provision of amenities, the protection of the landscape and an overall spatial pattern of development in the city or county area. The ‘Development Plans Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ issued by my Department in June 2022 set policy and guidance to assist local authorities in ensuring that their city or county development plan is consistent with the strategic national and regional planning policy, and thereby establish a ‘plan-led’ context for decision-making by planning authorities. Appendix B of the Guidelines recommends that specific objectives related to Tourism are included in the development plan, where relevant, so as to provide for uses such as hotels, marinas or other types of uses which are directed mainly at servicing tourists/holiday makers.
Responsibility for policy matters related to tourism lies with the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.
232. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the progress being made in each respective local authority with regard to the development of cost rental schemes; the number of units delivered under such schemes; the further number planned to be delivered by the end of 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13505/24]
View answerHousing for All sets out the Government's strategy to boost housing supply and put affordability at the heart of the housing system, with an ambitious target of 300,000 homes by 2030 for social, affordable and cost rental, private rental and private ownership housing. As part of this plan, 18,000 Cost Rental homes will be delivered between now and 2030, to be facilitated by Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), local authorities, and the Land Development Agency (LDA).
AHBs are supported by Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL) funding, and local authorities are able to avail of funding for Cost Rental delivery through the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF). The LDA is also delivering Cost Rental on its own portfolio of sites and through acquisitions under Project Tosaigh.
Data for affordable housing delivery, including cost rental homes, is published on a quarterly basis, similar to social housing delivery. This data is published up to Quarter 3 2023, including AHB, local authority and LDA cost rental delivery, and is available on my Department's website:
www.gov.ie/en/collection/6060e-overall-social-housing-provision/#affordable-housing-delivery
Local Authorities have recently submitted returns on delivery of social, affordable purchase and cost rental homes in their administrative areas for Quarter 4 2023. This data is currently being verified by the Department with a view to publication by end Q1 2024.
234. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if, with reference to the temporary time limited waiver announced by Government on 25 April 2023, he will list in tabular form, the amount each local authority has invoiced his Department as outlined in Circular Letter PL 04/2023 in arrears each month to date; the total amount each local authority has invoiced to date; the total number of housing units per each respective local authority impacted by the scheme to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13507/24]
View answerOn 25 April 2023, the Government approved additional measures under the Housing for All Action Plan to incentivise the activation of increased housing supply and help reduce housing construction costs, including the introduction of temporary time-limited arrangements for the waiving of local authority “section 48” development contributions and the refunding of Uisce Éireann water and waste water connection charges.
The schemes apply for 1 year to all permitted residential development that commences on site between 25 April 2023 (the date of the Government Decision approving the measure) and 24 April 2024, and is completed not later than 31 December 2025. Under the scheme, local authorities are invited to submit a monthly claim form to the Department in respect of the cumulative development contribution waivers approved in the previous month. The information requested in respect of the Development Contribution Waiver Scheme is provided in the attached tables.
235. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent to which the actions in Housing Options for Our Ageing Population have been achieved; the areas in which achievements have fallen short of expectation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13535/24]
View answer236. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if, based on the policy Housing Options for Our Ageing Population, data has been collected on the level and the growth of accommodation in the core categories required by an ageing population namely adapted family homes, dedicated homes for older people with varying degree of attendant services below the levels of more acute support requiring institutional care; and if he will indicate the baseline in 2018, and the additional provision since. [13536/24]
View answer237. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the size of the stock of housing held by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies dedicated to the accommodation of older people; how this has grown since 2010; and the size of the national waiting list for older persons accommodation. [13537/24]
View answer238. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the proportion of the stock of housing held by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies dedicated to the accommodation of older people, which has ancillary support services, and the numbers of homes with the various range of such supports. [13538/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 235 to 23, inclusive, together.
Under Housing for All, there is a policy objective to increase and improve housing options for older people to facilitate ageing in place with dignity and independence. Housing for All builds on and takes forward the ongoing actions in 'Housing Options for Our Ageing Population' policy statement from 2019, published jointly by my Department and the Department of Health, which provides policy options in support of a range of housing and accommodation alternatives for older people. The actions include the development of a catalogue of housing options that provide a range of choices that meet the diverse needs of an ageing population, spanning owner occupier, private rental and social housing, whilst providing accessible care and the associated support needs. My Department, together with the local authorities and the Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs), is successfully guiding and delivering age-friendly housing within this framework.
An implementation group, led by an independent Chair and representative of the two Departments and their agencies as well as older persons was established to oversee and manage the implementation of Housing Options of Our Ageing Population Policy Statement. The Implementation Group published three reports detailing the progress achieved on each of the Actions and these are available at
gov - Housing Options for Our Ageing Population – Policy Statement (www.gov.ie).
My Department continues to collaborate with the Department of Health on the implementation of relevant ongoing actions, together with engagement on advancing the most appropriate framework, under the strategic framework of Housing for All, to ensure the effective integration of health and housing policies at national and local level.
Under Housing for All, each local authority was required to prepare a Housing Delivery Action Plan. This Plan sets out details of both social and affordable housing delivery as appropriate over the period 2022-2026, in line with targets set under Housing for All. In preparing the Plans, local authorities were required to include details of land available to deliver housing and details of land acquisition requirements. The Plans also include details of the locations and delivery streams for social housing schemes including housing for older people.
My Department does not hold data in relation to the size of stock of housing in local authorities, this information may be available directly from the local authorities.
My Department does not collate data in relation to housing and ancillary supports, this information may be available directly from local authorities and the Health Service Executive.
239. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will advise on the last review carried out by her Department with regard to lone parent allowance recipients; and if she will provide figures from review decisions, in tabular form. [13342/24]
View answerTo protect the integrity of the social welfare system and to ensure that the right person is paid the right amount of money at the right time, all my department’s schemes, including One Parent Family Payment, are subject to on-going control reviews and eligibility checks.
During 2023, just over 28,000 control reviews were carried out on the One Parent Family Payment scheme. To end of February 2024 just over 4,600 control reviews have been carried out. Overpayments arising from these reviews are set out below.
|
- |
One Parent Family Overpayments Raised |
|
|
Year |
Cases |
Value |
|
2023 |
2,805 |
€4,779,007 |
|
To End Feb 24 |
572 |
€1,009,280 |
Customers who have been overpaid social welfare have a liability to refund the overpayment as they have been in receipt of a payment to which they were not entitled.
Where an overpayment is raised, the Department makes every effort to recover the amount overpaid. Recovery can be sought over a period without imposing undue financial hardship on the customer. The Department will work with the customer and consider personal circumstances in determining a repayment plan.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
240. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason the recently announced extension of child benefit to 18-year-olds in full-time education or with a disability does not include a retrospective element; if this will be reconsidered given the impact on families who have been out of payment in the interim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13384/24]
View answer241. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection regarding the recent decision to change the children's allowance payment policy that parents will not get child benefit for the months between their 18th birthday and 1 May 2024, if he will reconsider this policy change and implement a fair and equitable system that provides financial support to all students over 18 years who are still in school and will she ensure that payments are retrospective to the date when a student turned 18-years-of-age. [13400/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 240 and 241 together.
Child Benefit is a monthly payment made to families with children up to the age of 16 years. Currently, the payment continues to be paid in respect of children until their 18th birthday where they are in full-time education, or have a disability.
In Budget 2024, the Government decided to extend the payment of Child Benefit to 18-year-olds who are in full-time education or have a disability. This was one of my key priorities in the Budget.
With many children now starting primary school at age 5, together with the increase in pupils doing transition year, there has been an increase in the number of 18-year-olds still in secondary education. I believe the extension of Child Benefit to 18-year-olds in full-time education is a long-term change for the better and will support families across Ireland into the future.
This is a significant change to the Child Benefit scheme. It requires technical and operational changes before implementation.
We had originally provided that the change would take effect from September this year. However, I am very pleased that we are now able to bring this important change in from an earlier date. The legislation required to do that was enacted earlier this month. As a result, the measure will be brought in from the first of May. In the region of 60,000 children are expected to benefit from this measure annually. The additional estimated cost of bringing the commencement date forward to May is €21.6 million.
In the case of a child who has already turned 18 and who is still in full-time education, Child Benefit will be payable again from May 2024 up to their 19th birthday, or until they leave full-time education, whichever is sooner.
As the measure comes into effect from 1st May, where a child turns 18 in the meantime, there will be no payment for any intervening period up to May 2024, which is the usual approach for changes to the social welfare system that take effect from a future date.
I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.
