Parliamentary questions

Planning Issues

Bernard Durkan

496. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which planning, completion of the estate or other matters remain outstanding at the waterways development, Sallins, County Kildare in view of the fact that some of the outstanding issues remain the responsibility of the local authority; if discussions have been entered into with the authorities which now have responsibility for the development with a view to bringing all outstanding issues to a satisfactory conclusion at an early date thereby removing obstacles currently impeding normal domestic and commercial activity; when it may be expected that such agreement may be reached in accordance with previous indications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32584/14]

Departmental Funding

Bernard Durkan

553. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the progress to date in determination of eligibility for assistance under the pyrite remediation scheme in the case of persons (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29833/14]

Commercial Leases Database

Bernard Durkan

365. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which he has studied the vacancy rate of commercial properties throughout County Kildare as of January 2014; the way this compares with previous years; if any action is needed to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26715/14]

Housing Issues

Bernard Durkan

484. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which it might be possible to formulate an emergency housing delivery plan with particular reference to the need to address the emerging housing crisis in a structured way incorporating the purchase of the maximum possible number of existing houses, local authority or otherwise ready for occupation or in need of refurbishment in areas where the need is greatest in an attempt to meet the immediate problem in a short time and to make provision for the augmentation of a land bank in order to meet future direct build requirements of circa. 10,000 houses annually over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26147/14]

Housing Issues

Bernard Durkan

485. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if and when it will be possible to introduce an affordable housing plan which might benefit the unprecedented numbers on local authority waiting lists and those not on waiting lists but living in rental accommodation currently costing more than a mortgage for the same property; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26148/14]

Local Authority Housing Mortgages

Bernard Durkan

486. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if and when local authority based annuity non-shared ownership loans might be introduced with a view to meeting the housing needs of those currently in private rented accommodation and awaiting rehousing by the various local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26149/14]

Housing Issues

Bernard Durkan

487. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the importance of the reintroduction of a major local authority house building programme is recognised and accepted as the obvious means of resolving the ongoing housing crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26150/14]

Housing Issues

Bernard Durkan

488. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the total number of persons currently on the various local authority housing lists throughout the country; the extent to which rent increases is making it impossible for such families to exist or remain in their homes; if urgent provision will be made to meet their requirements thus preventing a rapid escalation in homelessness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26151/14]

Climate Change Negotiations

Bernard Durkan

489. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding Ireland’s response to EU or other international agreements in relation to climate change; if a progressive plan has been formulated to address any issues arising with a view to ensuring that no damage is done in the context of economic recovery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26152/14]

Water Charges Administration

Bernard Durkan

490. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which it might be expected to simplify the scale and extent of water charges with a view to minimising administrative costs and recognising the impact on householders notwithstanding the need to put in place adequate structure to meet the future requirements in terms of the servicing, transmission, storage and treatment of a reliable domestic water supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26153/14]

Water Services Provision

Bernard Durkan

491. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which rainfall and drainage requirements will be taken into account in the determination of overall sources of water supply in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26154/14]

Water Services Provision

Bernard Durkan

492. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which the sources for future water supply requirements in the Eastern region have been identified and provision put in place to make such supply available in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26156/14]

Housing Adaptation Grant Expenditure

Bernard Durkan

493. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which various local authorities have received adequate provision to meet the disabled persons housing adaption grant requirements in the current year; the numbers awaiting approval throughout the various local authorities countrywide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26157/14]

Fire Service

Bernard Durkan

494. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which part-time or whole-time fire services currently exist throughout the country; the extent to which it is expected to develop the service in the future on a part-time or whole-time basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26158/14]

Building Regulations Compliance

Bernard Durkan

154. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the use of overlapping joints, as in the construction of underground car parks, complies fully with building regulations or if there is a risk of collapse over time due to expansion and-or contraction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25213/14]

Building Regulations Compliance

Bernard Durkan

155. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if adequate safety precautions apply in the case of underground car parks where access may be restricted in the event of fire; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25214/14]

Housing Issues

Bernard Durkan

395. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government notwithstanding the recent comments by a senior representative of An Bord Pleanála promoting the concept of high density duplex accommodation as a means of resolving the housing crisis, if cognisance is being taken of the abject failure of such policies in the course of the past 15 years both from a social and economic perspective; if urgent reappraisal of the housing situation will be organised with a view to providing good quality affordable housing as required in various locations throughout the country in order to meet the housing needs now presenting, such accommodation to be of a quality conducive to good social and economic criteria thereby addressing the social and economic needs of future generations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24491/14]

Social and Affordable Housing Provision

Bernard Durkan

514. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which provision can be made to revive the local authority house building programme without impacting negatively on the Government’s balance sheet; if the launch of a specific bond might be considered in this context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23408/14]

Building Regulations Compliance

Bernard Durkan

567. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if having regard to the building control regulations in operation over the past ten years, he is satisfied that the various buildings or heavy structures such as underground car parks or bridges of a pre-cast nature are constructed in such a way as to conform to best practice, stress and load distribution and movement arising from expansion or contraction with particular reference to the strength at an overlapping joint which might erode with the passage of time; if any particular issues in this regard have arisen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23234/14]

LEADER Programmes Funding

Bernard Durkan

291. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if and when funding under the Leader programme will be made available to a project (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20133/14]

Unfinished Housing Developments

Bernard Durkan

121. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of housing estates in County Kildare the development of which is deemed to be incomplete and which may qualify for the special budgetary provisions made for unfinished estates; the number and location of such estates already deemed eligible; the degree to which approval has issued or will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19841/14]

Planning Issues

Bernard Durkan

122. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which his Department has had discussions with the authorities in Kildare County Council with a view to finalisation of any outstanding planning or other matters affecting the development at the Waterways, Sallins, County Kildare; if the responsibilities of all interested parties have been identified and listed for resolution; the extent of any outstanding matters prior to the taking in charge of the development by the local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19842/14]

Shared Ownership Scheme

Bernard Durkan

128. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the action taken to date to address the outstanding issues in respect of existing shared ownership loans and mortgages with particular reference to the extent to which the rental part of mortgage repayments has dramatically escalated with resultant hardship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19886/14]

Local Authority Housing Provision

Bernard Durkan

129. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which contact has been made with the local authorities in the eastern region with a view to addressing as a matter of urgency the serious deficiency in available housing stock to meet the needs of those on the respective local authority housing lists; if the exact number of applicants in these local authorities has been accurately determined; if cognisance has been taken of the rapid increase in rental costs in the private rental sector with consequent hardship on those on the waiting lists; if a particular strategy has been identified to deal with the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19887/14]

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Bernard Durkan

130. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which Ireland remains on course to meet its greenhouse gas emission reduction target for the period 2013 to 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19888/14]

Housing Adaptation Grant Data

Bernard Durkan

131. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which the housing adaptation grant requirements in respect of older persons or persons with specific health needs continue to be met by the various local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19889/14]

Wind Energy Guidelines

Bernard Durkan

132. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which his Department's review of the wind energy guidelines 2006, issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 in respect of noise, proximity and shadow flicker, is now complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19890/14]

Unfinished Housing Developments

Bernard Durkan

133. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which he has had discussions with the various local authorities with a view to utilisation of the maximum funding available from the special budgetary provision in respect of unfinished housing estates; the number of estates qualifying under the criteria on a county basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19891/14]

Water Charges Administration

Bernard Durkan

134. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which it is expected that the original costs in respect of provision of water services per household as identified by his predecessors are likely to be reduced in any final decision in respect of the charge to be applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19892/14]

Climate Change Policy

Bernard Durkan

135. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government the extent to which his Department continues to examine the economic impact of climate change legislation or other proposals which might negatively impact on this economy; the extent to which the issue has been examined with a view to ensuring compliance with climate change regulations and maintaining economic progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19893/14]

Climate Change Policy

Bernard Durkan

136. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment; Community and Local Government the extent to which any steps will be taken to ensure adequate economic growth while at the same time meeting carbon emission requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19894/14]

Water Services Provision

Bernard Durkan

137. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which plans are in hand to tap into new water supply sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19895/14]

Local Authority Housing Provision

Bernard Durkan

138. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of persons registered on the local authority housing lists in each of the past five years to date; the extent to which it is expected to address the housing shortage in the short to medium term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19896/14]

Air Pollution

Bernard Durkan

139. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which air pollution continues to be monitored on an on-going basis throughout the country; the number of such points currently operational; the degree to which a rise and fall in any particular air pollutants has been recorded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19897/14]

Local Authority Housing

Bernard Durkan

358. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which provision can be made to revive the local authority house building programme without impacting negatively on the Government’s balance sheet; if the launch of a specific bond will be considered in this context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16795/14]

Local Authority Housing

Bernard Durkan

359. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which the economic impact of a vastly diminished public housing stock which he inherited has been noted by his Department with a view to putting in place the necessary corrective measures without interfering with the integrity of the Government’s balance sheet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16796/14]

Pyrite Remediation Programme

Bernard Durkan

721. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to allow redress for homeowners who have already completed the overdue and necessary remedial works to their dwelling as a result of pyrite under the pyrite remediation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13987/14]

Pyrite Remediation Programme

Bernard Durkan

722. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the procedure to be followed by homeowners seeking redress, who have already completed necessary works on the home following the discovery of pyrite; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13988/14]

Local Authority Housing Waiting Lists

Bernard Durkan

39. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the total number of families recorded as being in need of housing and registered on local authority housing waiting lists in each of the past ten years to date; notwithstanding the serious economic crisis which he inherited on coming into office, the extent to which he can expect to deal with the now seriously emerging housing situation with particular reference to the need to access urgently required housing units throughout Dublin and adjoining counties thereby addressing the most serious housing crisis since the foundation of the State; if consideration can or has been given to emergency action in this regard; when such housing might be available to those currently homeless, in emergency accommodation or about to become homeless as a result of increased private rents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11889/14]

Unfinished Housing Developments

Bernard Durkan

124. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which he has received applications in his Department for funding from Kildare County Council to complete development works in unfinished housing estates; the number of such applications received; the extent to which he expects to be in a position to respond to such applications in the short and medium term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12383/14]

Unfinished Housing Developments

Bernard Durkan

125. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the full extent of the funding allocated in the budget toward the completion of works at various unfinished housing estates as yet not taken in charge by their respective local authorities; the extent to which provision has been made to address the issue in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12384/14]

Water Charges Introduction

Bernard Durkan

126. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he expects to be in a position to give an indication regarding the rate or level of water charges likely in respect of persons or households; the extents to which basic or free allowance is likely to apply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12385/14]

Local Authority Housing Waiting Lists

Bernard Durkan

127. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the total number of persons registered on the housing lists of the various local authorities throughout each of the past ten years to date; the extent to which such numbers have fluctuated annually; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12386/14]

Local Authority Housing

Bernard Durkan

128. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the total number of directly built local authority houses, by county, throughout the country in each of the past ten years to date; the extent to which it is expected to address the serious housing deficit by way of a direct building programme in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12387/14]

Local Authority Housing

Bernard Durkan

129. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if consideration will be given to the acquisition of existing housing units with a view to meeting the emergency housing requirements of families throughout Dublin and the adjoining counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12388/14]

Irish Water Remit

Bernard Durkan

130. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which it is expected that Irish Water will be in a position to make the necessary investment in the provision of storage, treatment and transmission of an adequate and appropriate water supply of the required quality in the short and medium term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12390/14]

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Bernard Durkan

131. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which reduction targets in respect of carbon emissions are being met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12391/14]

Shared Ownership Scheme

Bernard Durkan

132. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which it has been found possible to address the serious anomalies in respect of shared ownership housing loans which he inherited with particular reference to an annual increase in the cost of rental equity which made the cost of a loan for persons in that income category to be seriously disadvantaged when compared with higher income groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12392/14]

Shared Ownership Scheme

Bernard Durkan

133. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if in the context of the review of the shared ownership loan system, a means can be found to ensure that holders of shared ownership mortgages are not disadvantaged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12393/14]

Irish Water Remit

Bernard Durkan

134. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which proposals are in hand to augment, upgrade and modernise various municipal sewerage treatment plants throughout the country with particular reference to investment in line with the specification and requirements set out by the local authorities; the extent to which funding has been made available or is being made available for such works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12395/14]

Housing Adaptation Grant Funding

Bernard Durkan

141. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the full extent of the allocation in respect of housing adaptation grants to meet the accommodation needs of older people in County Kildare has been confirmed; the amount allocated to date in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12452/14]

Irish Water Staff

Bernard Durkan

498. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if any employment opportunities may exist in Irish Water for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9596/14]

Pyrite Remediation Programme

Bernard Durkan

533. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he expects the Pyrite Resolution Board to be in a position to commence accepting applications from homeowners seeking assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3861/14]

Social and Affordable Housing Provision

Bernard Durkan

168. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which specific funding for direct build local authority housing will be allocated to the local authorities of County Kildare; the procedure to be followed if not already in train to draw down the funds; if the local authority needs to make a specific application under a specific heading; if it might be possible to fund the acquisition of existing houses in view of the seriousness of the housing needs in the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3456/14]

Local Authority Housing Provision

Bernard Durkan

152. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in view of the serious local authority housing crisis affecting County Kildare with particular reference to north Kildare, the extent to which the local authorities in the county can avail of a substantial portion of the €30 million allocated in budget 2014 for the capital house building programme; when such moneys can be drawn down; if purchase of existing housing accommodation can be undertaken to meet the emerging emergencies; the extent to which such funds have been requested by the local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3160/14]

Unfinished Housing Developments

Bernard Durkan

153. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which the local authorities in County Kildare can avail of the funding provided for in budget 2014 in respect of unfinished estates where bonding arrangements are insufficient to meet completion costs; the number of such estates identified under this heading in County Kildare; when the relevant funding is likely to be made available; the extent to which such funds have been requested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3161/14]

Shared Ownership Scheme

Bernard Durkan

476. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the action taken to date to address the outstanding issues in respect of existing shared ownership loans and mortgages with particular reference to the extent to which the rental part of mortgage repayments has dramatically escalated with resultant hardship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2827/14]

Departmental Staff Data

Bernard Durkan

492. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which agency staff have been used in his Department in each of the past five years to date for the purpose of answering and transferring calls on their switchdesk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55433/13]

Local Authority Housing Provision

Bernard Durkan

26. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which contact has been made with the local authorities in the eastern region with a view to addressing as a matter of urgency the serious deficiency in available housing stock to meet the needs of those on the respective local authority housing lists; if the exact number of applicants in these local authorities has been accurately determined; if cognisance has been taken of the rapid increase in rental costs in the private rental sector with consequent hardship on those on the waiting lists; if a particular strategy has been identified to deal with the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51879/13]

Water Services Provision

Bernard Durkan

34. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will set out the priorities in respect of meeting current and future requirements of domestic drinking water with particular reference to storage, treatment and transmission in all regions throughout the country; the extent to which adequate sources have been identified and a timetable established to access such sources; the extent to which the domestic and industrial sector requirements have been identified in respect of water supplies in the short, medium and long term; the degree to which targets can be met in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51880/13]

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Bernard Durkan

159. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent if any of fines or penalties imposed on this country to date arising from failure to meet carbon emission reduction targets; the extent of any such potential penalties in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52393/13]

Waste Management Regulations

Bernard Durkan

160. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Environmental Protection Agency propose to ban the burning of hedge cuttings on farmland throughout the country from 31 December next; the basis for such a decision in view of the fact that woodcuttings are carbon neutral and that disposal by mechanical means is not; if it is intended to reverse any such decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52394/13]

Water Services Provision

Bernard Durkan

161. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which precise requirements in respect of domestic drinking water supplies or water of a similar quality have been determined in the event of substantial economic growth over the next ten years; the plans in hand to meet such requirements in the short and medium term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52395/13]

Water Services Provision

Bernard Durkan

162. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which storage and treatment facilities in respect of domestic drinking water are likely to be increased annually over the next ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52396/13]

Local Authority Housing Provision

Bernard Durkan

163. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which the seriousness of the housing crisis in respect of local authority housing is appreciated as it affects Dublin and adjoining counties including Kildare; if it is expected to take any specific action to address this issue to the extent of meeting the accommodation needs of a sizable number of those of the local authority waiting lists in these areas in the short and medium term in view of the hardship caused by escalating rents, a shortage of available accommodation and increased numbers coming onto the housing lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52397/13]

Local Authority Housing Provision

Bernard Durkan

164. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the steps to be taken in the short term to address the ever increasing local authority housing emergency affecting County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52398/13]

Water Services Provision

Bernard Durkan

165. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which adequate sources of domestic drinking water have been identified for the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52400/13]

Local Authority Housing Waiting Lists

Bernard Durkan

166. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which contact has been made with the various local authorities with a view to identification of the number of families currently on their housing waiting lists; the action taken or proposed to address the issues of those local authorities particularly affected in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52401/13]

Housing Adaptation Grant Expenditure

Bernard Durkan

167. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which the housing adaptation grant requirements in respect of older persons or persons with specific health needs continue to be met by the various local authorities; the total expenditure in this regard in each of the past five years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52402/13]

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Bernard Durkan

276. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which this country is obligated to conform to international agreements in respect of carbon emission reductions; the extent to which we remain on target in this regard; the consequences in the event of failure to meet targets in this regard in respect of carbon-related penalties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51673/13]

Water and Sewerage Schemes Status

Bernard Durkan

144. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if and when consideration will be given to the approval of the group-small sewerage scheme at Kilmacraddock, Maynooth, County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49808/13]

Flood Prevention Measures

Bernard Durkan

661. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government notwithstanding the reply to Parliamentary Question No. 159 of 9 October 2013, and in view of the existence of a previous report which identified outstanding drainage works to be completed by the local authority, when these works are likely to be undertaken with particular reference to the elimination of flooding of an underground car park which cannot be alleviated in the absence of action by the local authority; if the totality of outstanding issues relative to the taking in charge of the estate are likely to be addressed in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46009/13]

Wind Energy Guidelines

Bernard Durkan

176. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of approvals including planning permission granted or pending in respect of wind farms in County Kildare to date; the legislative basis including guidelines, regulations or statutory instruments applicable in such cases or in the event of such cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45541/13]

Local Authority Housing Provision

Bernard Durkan

30. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which an assessment has been done of the local authority housing need in the greater Dublin area with a view to urgent utilisation of the recently announced budgetary provisions in this regard, with particular reference to the need to ensure the immediate provision of directly built local authority houses is facilitated throughout County Kildare - and north Kildare specifically, where the housing crisis is worsening; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44786/13]

Local Authority Housing Mortgages

Bernard Durkan

58. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 68 of 16 October 2013, in respect of which a generic reply was received in respect of a specific question, if it is accepted that the role of the local authorities in the context of the determination of eligibility for local authority housing loans differs from that of commercial lending or banking institutions in so far as the local authority is a statutory housing authority with responsibility to meet the housing needs of those eligible under two headings, namely directly built local authority houses and by way of local authority loans; if it is recognised that the activities of the Irish Credit Bureau are effectively frustrating the latter function; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44785/13]

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Bernard Durkan

147. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which this country's carbon reduction targets continue to be met in line with international agreements; the extent if any to which adjustment is needed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45558/13]

Local Authority Housing Waiting Lists

Bernard Durkan

164. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the total number of families currently recorded on the housing waiting list of each local authority; the extent to which a study has been carried out to determine the areas most seriously deficient in terms of ability to meet the housing needs as set out; his plans to deal with the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45308/13]

Shared Ownership Scheme

Bernard Durkan

165. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the total number of shared ownership housing loans currently in arrears in respect of the rental part of their property; if cognisance has been taken of the fact that the regulations appertaining to such mortgages were penalised to the extent of an annual increase of 4.2%; if any review has been undertaken to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45309/13]

Local Authority Housing Provision

Bernard Durkan

166. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if in the context of funds provided for local authority house building in the recent budget are likely to be deployed to those local authorities most seriously affected by housing shortage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45310/13]

Local Authority Housing Provision

Bernard Durkan

167. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which it is expected that the serious local authority housing crisis as evidenced by the unprecedented numbers on the Kildare County Council housing waiting list will be addressed within the context of the recent budgetary allocation for this purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45311/13]

Local Authority Housing Mortgages

Bernard Durkan

168. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the total number of local authority loans applied for in each local authority area in each of the past five years to date; the number approved, rejected or pending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45312/13]

Water Services Provision

Bernard Durkan

169. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which it is expected to provide for the enhanced storage, treatment and transmission of domestic drinking water in the short, medium and long term; the extent to which this meets identified targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45313/13]

Fire Service Issues

Bernard Durkan

170. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which part-time or whole-time fire services currently exist throughout the country; the extent to which it is expected to develop the service in the future on a part-time or whole-time basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45314/13]

Water Pollution

Bernard Durkan

171. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which river or waterway pollution has been reported or detected in each of the past four years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45315/13]

Water Pollution

Bernard Durkan

172. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the degree to which monitoring continues to take place in respect of air and water pollution; if particular trends have become noticeable arising from same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45317/13]

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Bernard Durkan

173. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which carbon reduction targets have been achieved in each of the past six years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45318/13]

Local Authority Leases

Bernard Durkan

174. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the total number of properties currently let or leased to tenants on local authority housing waiting lists and or other; the extent to which such numbers have fluctuated over the past six years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45319/13]

Water and Sewerage Schemes Funding

Bernard Durkan

175. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which his Department has adequate resources available to meet the requirements of the various local authorities under the small or group sewerage or water schemes; the degree to which he expects to be in a position to provide such funding in the coming year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45320/13]

Water and Sewerage Schemes Funding

Bernard Durkan

176. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which his Department has adequate resources available to meet the requirements of Kildare County Council under the small or group sewerage or water schemes; the degree to which he expects to be in a position to provide such funding in the coming year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45321/13]

Wind Energy Generation

Bernard Durkan

377. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is satisfied that existing planning laws are adequate to ensure that local communities will not be adversely affected by the location of high-output wind farms, that such developments are sufficiently distant from residential or institutional accommodation, that the danger of shadow noise, shimmer, electromagnetic or other interference can be sufficiently addressed to the satisfaction of local communities, whether any further provisions are likely to be governed by guidelines, statutory regulations or instruments or otherwise, if strict adherence to environment impact requirements will be observed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44823/13]

Wind Energy Generation

Bernard Durkan

378. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of locations at which planning permission has been granted for electricity generating wind farms; if he is satisfied that the planning process was sufficiently and adequately observed to assuage the concerns of local communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44824/13]

Credit Ratings

Bernard Durkan

68. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the role played by the Irish Credit Bureau in the determination of eligibility for local authority housing loan in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43860/13]

Shared Ownership Scheme

Bernard Durkan

246. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the action taken to date to address the outstanding issues in respect of existing shared ownership loans and mortgages with particular reference to the extent to which the rental part of mortgage repayments has dramatically escalated with resultant hardship; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43629/13]

Flood Risk Assessments

Bernard Durkan

159. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 179 of 18 April 2013 and having regard to the ongoing concerns of residents and retailers in the area (details supplied) and keeping in mind expenditure undertaken by the local authority in the context of alleviation of flooding in 2009/2010, the extent to which the local authority can use its statutory powers and fulfil its commitments already entered into in respect of compliance with the conditions set out in the relevant planning permissions which impose certain obligations on the local authority; when it is expected that all outstanding issues will be dealt with in full and thereby ensuring the completion of the development as promised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42762/13]

Leader Programmes Expenditure

Bernard Durkan

174. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which LEADER funding has been made available to an organisation (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40253/13]

Water and Sewerage Schemes Funding

Bernard Durkan

478. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the local authorities act independently in respect of the nomination of schemes under the heading for group water or group sewerage schemes, small schemes or others; if approval or funding is required from his Department in respect of such schemes, the number of any such schemes submitted to his Department by Kildare County Council or groups or bodies under the aegis of said council; if capital funding or approval is required from his Department under any particular heading; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36597/13]

Departmental Expenditure

Bernard Durkan

479. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent, if any, to which cost-cutting is or was required by his Department affecting the quality of services directly or via the local authorities in the past two years; the extent to which this arises from arrangements entered into by his predecessors with the troika, when it is expected that such commitments will be entirely fulfilled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36598/13]

Leader Programmes Funding

Bernard Durkan

480. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if grant aid may be available through the Leader Programme to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare towards the development and production of ethnic and church gospel music; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36609/13]

Leader Programmes Funding

Bernard Durkan

484. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if grant aid will be available through the LEADER programme to a person (details supplied) in County Kildare toward the development and production of ethnic and church gospel music; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36731/13]

Local Authority Housing Waiting Lists

Bernard Durkan

64. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government having regard to the more than 100,000 families currently on various local authority housing lists throughout the country, in some cases for up to ten years and the fact that such applicants, if unemployed, have to rely on social welfare rent support which they forfeit if they take up employment, if he will consider a direct build of local authority housing to meet this requirement and thereby meeting the housing needs of applicants, a reduction in the cost of rent support, an employment disincentive and much needed employment in the construction sector with obvious resultant economic benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33652/13]