Written Answers Nos. 584-604
584. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to outline all pathways through which adult women's football teams can access funding from her Department; and the dates on which the next rounds for applications for available programmes will open. [15188/24]
View answerSport Ireland, which is funded by my Department, is the statutory body with responsibility for the development of sport, increasing participation at all levels and raising standards, including the allocation of funding across its various programmes. Sport Ireland channels the funding through the relevant National Governing Body of sport. Sport Ireland allocates its funding for football to the FAI.
I have accordingly referred the Deputy's question to Sport Ireland for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to inform my office if a reply is not received within 10 days.
With regard to capital support, the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) is the primary vehicle for Government support for the development of sports and recreation facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment throughout the country. Over 13,000 projects have now benefited from sports capital funding since 1998, bringing the total allocations in that time to over €1.15 billion. The Programme for Government commits to continuing the SCEP and to prioritising the investment in disadvantaged areas.
The latest round of the SCEP (2023) closed for applications on Friday 8 September, 2023. A preliminary examination of the submitted applications demonstrates that the Programme has again generated a very large number of applications. The total number of 3,210 applications exceeds the record number submitted under the last (2020) round.
The "Scoring System and Assessment Manual" for the 2023 round has been finalised and published along with a list of all applications received by county including the relevant sport type for each application received. The detailed assessment work has commenced and it is planned to assess the "equipment-only" applications first and announce these grants in the coming months. Work will then commence on assessing the capital applications with the allocations to be announced later.
585. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if grant assistance is available for a club (details supplied) to provide worker accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15201/24]
View answerMy Department currently operates two capital funding programmes for sport, namely the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) and the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). The schemes do not provide funding for worker accommodation.
586. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the up-to-date position on a sports capital grant application (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15269/24]
View answerThe latest round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme SCEP (2023) closed for applications on Friday 8 September, 2023. A preliminary examination of the submitted applications demonstrates that the Programme has again generated a very large number of applications. The total number of 3,210 applications, including an application from the organisation referred to by the Deputy, exceeds the record number submitted under the last (2020) round.
The "Scoring System and Assessment Manual" for the 2023 round has been finalised and published along with a list of all applications received by county including the relevant sport type for each application received. These details can be accessed at www.gov.ie/en/publication/1c0f6-scep-2023-applications-received/. The necessary assessment work has commenced and it is planned to assess the "equipment-only" applications first and announce these grants in the coming months. Work will then commence on assessing the capital applications with the allocations to be announced later.
588. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media what grant funding is currently available for small music venues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15352/24]
View answerI published the Report of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce in September 2021. It is a cross-Government Report containing 36 actions across a broad range of issues all with the aim of encouraging innovation and creativity in the Night-Time Economy in our towns and cities across the country.
While there is no grant funding scheme currently in place specifically targeted at small music venues, there are a number of schemes and initiatives currently being rolled out that small music venues could avail of and indeed are availing of.
Last year, I launched a €2 million Noise Mitigation Grant Scheme to support late night music venue owners to take pro-active steps to implement noise mitigation measures to better control and reduce sound emissions from their premises, especially in those areas where it has the potential to impact on residents. A maximum allowable grant of €70,000 will be funded to successful applicants.
This year I am providing funding for nine Night-Time Advisors posts in Dublin City, Cork City, Galway City, Limerick City, Kilkenny, Sligo, Drogheda, Longford Town and Buncrana, with additional core funding to the Advisors to support strategic approaches to further develop the Night-Time Economy in their areas. This could include pilot initiatives to support artists and venues, as well as other innovative projects all with the aim of creative a safe, diverse and inclusive night time culture. The Night-Time Advisor will work with businesses, communities, venue, residents and artists to create a safer and vibrant night-life for all and bring vitality back to our city in a safe and sustainable way.
I am also supporting a new Late Night Culture Pilot Programme in partnership with the Arts Council, to help existing arts and cultural spaces open their doors to new late night activity. I have awarded €800k to 14 arts centres across the country who are currently extending and diversifying the offering for later night activity and providing opportunities for new and exciting work, encouraging new audiences into existing cultural facilities. These arts centres are encouraged to create new late night programming through innovative new partnerships between local authorities, festivals, producers, other commercial and non-commercial venues and artists - particularly those operating later into the evening.
We will continue to work in partnership in 2024 with all relevant Government Departments and Agencies to ensure that all of the actions in the Report are progressed and that our Night-Time Economy can grow and thrive.
589. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she has met formally with the new GAA President since his appointment. [15387/24]
View answerI have not yet had the opportunity to meet with the new GAA President since his appointment.
590. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to bring forward changes to the public service pension to allow workers to work past their contracted retirement date, as per the recent announcement from the Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14564/24]
View answer629. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the consideration he has given to extending the retirement age for retained firefighters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14107/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 590, 629, 815 and 872 together.
As of 29 March 2024, all Permanent Defence Forces personnel who currently have a mandatory retirement age of less than 60, may remain in service until 60 subject to fulfilling certain existing criteria, for example physical and medical fitness.
As announced on 5 March 2024, in tandem with the changes made to the mandatory retirement age, a new fast accrual pensions' policy framework has been approved and the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform is preparing the necessary legislation which, when enacted, will allow for a further increase in the mandatory retirement age for all Permanent Defence Force ranks to 62. I will work closely with the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform as his Department works to progress the legislative changes required to finalise the new framework.
591. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on the temporary development contribution waiver scheme; whether he is considering extending it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15522/24]
View answer592. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will extend the development contribution waiver scheme in order to help first time buyers who wish to build their own house; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15580/24]
View answer594. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to extend the development levy waiver scheme, due to expire on 24 April 2024. [15697/24]
View answer595. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department will extend the exemption for development levies for self-build (one-off) homes (details supplied). [13565/24]
View answer596. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he intends to extend the local authority fees/Irish Water waiver scheme beyond 24 April 2024. [13571/24]
View answer606. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he intends to extend the temporary development contribution waiver scheme beyond 24 April 2024 finish date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13762/24]
View answer607. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider an exemption under the temporary development contribution waiver scheme for a number of one-off housing applicants who were not aware of the scheme and who began their family homes before the start date of 25 April and who now face a contribution bill from their local authority; if such a charge can be appealed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13763/24]
View answer614. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to extend the temporary waiver on development contributions beyond April 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13887/24]
View answer625. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider extending the temporary development contribution waiver scheme, given it is due to expire in April 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13992/24]
View answer627. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to review matters raised in correspondence (detail supplied); if these waivers will be extended past April 2024 for this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14087/24]
View answer659. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if a scheme (details supplied) will be extended beyond 24 April 2024 to all permitted residential development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14616/24]
View answer665. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he plans to extend the temporary development contribution waiver scheme beyond April 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14709/24]
View answer711. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there is any intention to extend the temporary development contribution waiver scheme beyond the end of April 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15343/24]
View answer714. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he has considered extending the deadline for the temporary waiver of development fees, as many applicants were unable to complete the process within the short timeframe given. [15376/24]
View answer724. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to examine a matter in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15514/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 591, 592, 594, 595, 596, 606, 607, 614, 625, 627, 659, 665, 711, 714 and 724 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.
593. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when a referendum on maintaining water services in public ownership will be held. [15691/24]
View answerPublic ownership is a core principle governing the development of water services and the Government has given its full commitment to holding a referendum on ownership of water services. It should also be noted that the establishment of Uisce Éireann in public ownership is already firmly secured under the Water Services Acts 2007 to 2022.I have previously committed to bringing forward a referendum proposal on public ownership of water services for consideration by Government in conjunction with the anticipated recommendation of a proposed referendum on housing.
The Housing Commission has submitted its report and recommendations to me regarding a proposed constitutional amendment. In reaching its conclusions, the Commission examined inter alia the range of complex constitutional questions arising. It undertook a comprehensive consultation, researched international experience, evaluated various proposed wordings and considered other critical factors involved with introducing an amendment to the Constitution. I am currently considering the Commission's comprehensive analysis and report, together with the next steps in the process, and I expect to bring these to Government in the not too distant future.
I intend to take a similar approach to the proposed referendum on water ownership.
In this way, it is intended that definitive proposals, including next steps and timelines, for referendums on water and housing will be considered by Government in due course.
597. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of vacancies in Galway City Council and Galway County Council; if he is aware of recruitment difficulties within local authorities; if local authorities will be given additional resources to recruit staff in their respective housing sections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13611/24]
View answerWhere my Department approves additional staff for a local authority, it is then a matter for the Chief Executive, who is responsible under Section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001 for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he or she is responsible, to progress the appointments as appropriate.
My Department oversees workforce planning for the local government sector, including the monitoring of local government sector employment levels. To this end, my Department gathers aggregate quarterly data on staff numbers in each local authority on a whole time equivalent basis, which shows that overall staffing levels have increased significantly in the local government sector in recent years. However, granular data, in terms of the number of vacancies in each local authority is not collected and consequently is not available in my Department. This information would be available from Galway City Council and Galway County Council.
In respect of housing, specifically, in September 2021, the Government published its Housing for All strategy, which sets out plans to increase the supply of housing to an average of 33,000 per year over the next decade. Increasing the supply of affordable housing is a central element of Housing for All, with an ambition to deliver over 54,000 new affordable and cost rental homes in the period 2022-2030. As part of the measures to support institutional capacity, Housing for All commits to strengthen the capacity of local authorities to both programme manage and initiate, design, plan, develop and manage housing projects and recognises that this requires the resourcing of the housing services of local authorities.
In September 2022, the Housing Delivery Co-ordination Office undertook a survey of Local Authority resources required to develop affordable housing programmes and associated sales and rental processes. Both Galway County Council and Galway City Council were identified, through the Housing Needs Demand Assessment process, as having an affordability constraint with funding available under the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) to develop proposals for affordable purchase/cost rental programmes. My Department approved funding for five additional posts in Galway City Council all of which were filled at the end of Q4 2023 and funding for three additional posts in Galway County Council, two of which were filled at the end of Q4 2023.
In terms of social housing delivery, during 2021 the Housing Delivery Co-ordination Office engaged with each local authority to identify their additional staff requirements to deliver social housing. Following this engagement, my Department approved funding for Galway City for six additional posts, all of which were in situ at the end of Q4 2023. Galway County Council were approved for thirteen posts, seven of which were in situ at the end of Q4 2023.
598. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage how many local authority tenants in Dublin city have had their homes retrofitted; how many are planned to be carried out over next three years; the waiting time for tenants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13620/24]
View answer615. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide a breakdown of the average cost to upgrade to a BER B2 as part of the retrofit of social housing in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13935/24]
View answer616. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on our 2030 retrofitting targets; to report on the pathway between now and 2030 to reach our 2030 targets; to provide a breakdown of projected/estimated targets for completed retrofits in social housing in 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030; to provide a breakdown of projected/estimated targets for completed retrofits to a BER B2 standard or higher in social housing in 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13936/24]
View answer617. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide a breakdown of the retrofitting targets in social housing in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form; to provide a breakdown of how many retrofits were completed in social housing in the corresponding timeframe; to provide a breakdown of the retrofitting targets in social housing; to provide a breakdown of how many retrofits were completed to BER B2 standard or higher in social housing; to provide a breakdown of the retrofitting targets in social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13937/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 598, 615, 616 and 617 together.
Since 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 to the end of 2023, local authorities received over €308 million in funding to carry out energy upgrade works on over 79,000 properties.
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 programme has been devised in a way to give local authorities a level of flexibility when selecting properties to retrofit, ranging from those requiring minor levels of works to properties needing the maximum level of retrofitting required to bring them to a B2/Cost Optimal Equivalent standard. The actual cost of retrofitting works on each home will depend on its pre-works BER. Targets set and funding allocated to local authorities under the new programme calls allow for local authorities to undertake a variety of house types, from those requiring minimal investment to those requiring major investment, in order to achieve the B2/Cost Optimal BER. Local authorities are asked to ensure that the average cost per home drawn down under the programme is circa €34,000, excluding project management fees. Adhering to this average will ensure that the maximum number of homes can be retrofitted with the available budget. For 2023, the average cost per property was circa €31,500.
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/#.
Each year the target number of units and funding provided under the EERP are subject to the funding availability as part of the National Development Plan and annual Estimates process. The 2024 EERP budget provides an increase in funding support to €90 million to retrofit 2,500 properties. Local authorities have received their individual allocations and work is underway in that regard.
599. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there is a mechanism available to a council tenant who was allocated an OPD property that was not specially adapted and whose circumstances have now changed after getting married, to purchase the property under the tenant incremental purchase scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13660/24]
View answerThe Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme provides for the purchase by eligible tenants of local authority houses which are available for sale under the scheme. All applications for the Scheme must satisfy the requirements outlined in the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 and the Housing (Sale of Local Authority Houses) Regulations 2015. Changes to the scheme took effect from 29 January 2024 with the introduction of the Housing (Sale of Local Authority Houses) (Amendment) Regulations 2023.
The Housing (Sale of Local Authority Houses) Regulations 2015 specifically exclude houses that have been designed for occupation by one or more elderly person from sale. In addition, local authorities may, within the provisions of the regulations, exclude certain houses which the authority considers should not be sold for reasons such as proper stock or estate management. It is a matter for each individual local authority to administer the scheme in line with the governing legislation and in a manner appropriate to its housing requirements.
With regard to a transfer to an alternative dwelling that may suit the tenant's change of circumstances, the allocation of dwellings is a matter entirely for the local authority concerned, in accordance with their allocation scheme made under section 22 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and associated Regulations. This legislation requires all local authorities, as a reserved function, to make an allocation scheme. An allocation scheme determines the order of priority when allocating a property to households who are qualified for social housing support or qualified for a transfer. In addition, it would determine the order of priority of allocation of dwellings to meet the accommodation needs and requirements of individual households.
600. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider amending the way that the rates valuation on islands are calculated in view of the lack of public services on the islands in the form of sewerage, footpaths, street lighting, waste collection services etc. and the extra cost of doing business on an offshore island and also to stimulate business on the islands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13664/24]
View answerTailte Éireann is the State agency formed on 1 March 2023 following the merger of Ordnance Survey Ireland, the Property Registration Authority and the Valuation Office. All the functions previously carried out by the Property Registration Authority, the Valuation Office, and Ordnance Survey Ireland are now being performed by Tailte Éireann.
Tailte Éireann is independent in the exercise of its valuation functions under the Valuation Act 2001, as amended (the Act). The Act provides that all buildings used or developed for any purpose are rateable, unless expressly exempted under Schedule 4 of the Act.
Under Irish law there is a distinct separation of function between the valuation of rateable property and the levying and collection of commercial rates. The amount of rates payable in any calendar year is a product of the valuation set by Tailte Éireann Valuation, multiplied by the Annual Rate on Valuation (ARV) decided annually by the elected members of each local authority as part of its annual budgetary process. The billing and collection of rates is solely a matter for the relevant local authority and Tailte Éireann has no function in that regard.
All valuations are carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Valuation Act 2001, as amended, and in keeping with accepted valuation methodologies, international best practice and valuation principles and case law arising from the independent Valuation Tribunal and the higher courts and reflect, among other things, the use and location of the particular property.
There are a number of avenues of redress for an occupier of rateable property who is dissatisfied with a determination of valuation made under the provisions of the Valuation Act 2001, as amended. Firstly, before a determination is made, there is a right to make representations to Tailte Éireann in relation to a proposed valuation. Later in the process, if the occupier is still dissatisfied with the determination, there is a right of appeal to the Valuation Tribunal which is an independent body set up for the purpose of hearing appeals against determinations of Tailte Éireann. There is a right of appeal to the Higher Courts on a point of law.
Finally, Oireachtas Members may obtain information in relation to specific cases by contacting the dedicated e-mail address in respect of Tailte Éireann at reps@tailte.ie. An organisation itself may contact Tailte Éireann in respect of specific cases at valuationadmin@tailte.ie.
601. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage what his plans are to deal with the number of new apartments being for built for rent as opposed to for sale; if he plans to tackle this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13716/24]
View answerAt its core, Housing for All seeks to significantly increase the supply of quality, affordable housing. To this end, it includes a range of measures to ensure a balanced delivery of homes for private ownership, social housing and private rental over its lifetime, including apartments for rent and sale.
Since its launch in 2021, there has been a substantial uplift in the quantum of new homes being delivered, with more than 29,700 and 32,600 homes delivered in 2022 and 2023 respectively, significantly above each year's target. This increase in delivery shows we're clearly on the right track.
Croí Cónaithe (Cities) is a key measure to support delivery of new apartments for sale to owner-occupiers. It aims to bridge the current 'viability gap' between the build cost and the market sale price (where the cost of building is greater), and targets delivery of some 5,000 new apartments for sale in the coming years.
The scheme launched in May 2022, with two formal calls for expression of interest in the period since. Five contracts have been signed already to deliver 582 units in Cork and Dublin. The remaining proposals under both calls are currently being assessed by the Housing Agency.
A third call for expressions of interest will issue later this year.
Moreover, amended ‘Sustainable Urban Housing Guidelines: Design Standards for New Apartments’ planning guidelines were introduced in December 2022. As a result, the separate planning application category designating Build to Rent apartments as a separate development type, with specific design standards, has been amended. This means all apartment developments, irrespective of the intended end-user, must be designed to the same minimum standards.
602. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage how his Department is ensuring that adequate amenities and services are built alongside new homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13717/24]
View answerThe provision of amenities and services is a core element of the statutory plan-making process and is key to promoting the development of balanced and sustainable communities. Section 10 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 requires planning authorities to include objectives in their development plan to integrate social, community and cultural objectives with planning for residential and other development. The section further provides that objectives must also be included for the preservation, improvement and extension of amenities and recreational amenities.
The local authority Development Plan is the principal planning strategy document which sets out the relevant policies and objectives to guide the physical development of each city and county over a six-year period. Through the Development Plan, planning authorities include relevant objectives, policy support and development management standards for amenities and services (including within new residential developments), as well as identifying suitable locations for such facilities on a stand-alone basis through the zoning of land for recreation, social and community uses.
My Department has provided formal guidance to planning authorities on the preparation of Development Plans through the Development Plans Guidelines for Planning Authorities (2022). These guidelines were issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 and planning authorities are required to have regard to them in the performance of their functions. More recently, in January 2024 additional ministerial guidance was provided through the publication of the Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements Guidelines. The making of a Development Plan is a reserved function of the elected members of each planning authority.
In addition, pursuant to section 48 of the 2000 Act, a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála may attach a condition to a grant of planning permission requiring the payment of a contribution in respect of public infrastructure and facilities that it is intended will be provided, by or on behalf of a local authority. This may include for open spaces, and recreational and community facilities. The basis for such contributions is set out in a development contribution scheme as adopted by the elected members.
Furthermore, under section 213 of the Act, a local authority is empowered, for the purposes of performing any of its functions (including giving effect to, or facilitating the implementation of, its Development Plan), to acquire land, permanently or temporarily, by agreement or compulsorily.
In accordance with section 63(3) of the Local Government Act 2001, local authorities are independent in the performance of their functions and I have no role in relation to the planning or provision of amenities and services in individual local authority areas.
603. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will provide this Deputy with a note on the outcome of his Department's consideration of a project (details supplied); and if he has communicated same to the local authority. [13721/24]
View answerIn 2021, as one of the successful applications under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund's (URDF) second call for proposals, I announced a preliminary allocation of €7,140,000 towards Wicklow County Council's proposal for the regeneration of the Bray Harbour Area. The proposal, made up of 6 individual projects, includes amenity and public realm works, a promenade boardwalk linking the promenade with the harbour, a cycle bridge, and a feasibility study to examine options to enhance the amenities of the existing harbour, such as a harbour wall extension.
On the 27 November 2023, Wicklow County Council submitted a Preliminary Business Case for the Bray Harbour proposal to my Department for consideration and approval as part of Decision Gate 1 of the Public Spending Code. The submission has been under consideration by my Department and a reply is expected to issue to the Council, following a planned URDF Programme meeting with the Council, in the coming weeks.
604. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of staff employed in Galway City Council and Galway County Council housing departments, respectively, each year since 2013; the number of applications on the social housing waiting list for Galway City Council and Galway County Council in the same time period; the number of people accessing homeless services in Galway City Council and Galway County Council each year since 2013, in tabular form. [13739/24]
View answerUnder Section 159 of the Local Government Act 2001, each Chief Executive is responsible for the staffing and organisational arrangements necessary for carrying out the functions of the local authority for which he/she is responsible including progressing appointments that have been sanctioned by my Department as appropriate. My Department oversees workforce planning for the local government sector, including the monitoring of local government sector employment levels. To this end, my Department gathers aggregate quarterly data on staff numbers in each local authority on a whole time equivalent basis. However, granular data, in terms of the detailed breakdown of the numbers and grades of staff allocated to specific work areas within local authorities is not collected and consequently is not available in my Department. This information would be available from each local authority.
Details 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 SSHA provides a breakdown of categories such as age, household size and household composition.? In 2023, there were 58,824 qualified for social housing whose need had not yet been met nationally. In relation to Galway County and Galway City, there were 1,257 and 1,694 households respectively, whose needs had not been meet in 2023.
The most recently published summary for all?local authority areas was conducted in November 2023 and is available on my Department’s website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/publication/0dad4-summary-of-social-housing-assessments-2023-key-findings/.
The published summaries for each SSHA since 2013 are available on the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/62486-summary-of-social-housing-assessments/.
My Department currently gathers and publishes data on a monthly basis on the number of homeless persons accommodated in emergency accommodation funded and overseen by local authorities. These reports are based on data provided by local authorities, produced through the Pathway Accommodation & Support System (PASS).
The monthly homelessness report includes details of individuals, families and the dependants of these families who accessed emergency accommodation during the relevant count week of the month in question. The most recently published data is in respect of February 2024. The reports are collated on a regional basis and are available on my Department's website at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/collection/80ea8-homelessness-data/ and are also published to the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform's open data portal data.gov.ie/.
