Parliamentary questions

Fire Safety

Bernard Durkan

629. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if financial assistance is available to facilitate necessary fire prevention measures in the case of a community centre (details supplied) in County Kildare which requires immediate compulsory upgrading and restructuring of the building; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26191/15]

Environmental Policy

Bernard Durkan

751. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which carbon reduction targets are likely to be achieved in the short, medium and long term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23948/15]

Social and Affordable Housing Provision

Bernard Durkan

40. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which his Department continues to monitor local authority housing needs throughout the Dublin and adjoining local authorities, such as counties Kildare, Meath and Wicklow, with a view to identifying the extent to which further measures may be necessary to meet the extreme housing shortage and the burgeoning number of housing applicants on local authority waiting lists; if he is aware of the extent to which waiting lists have increased in the past 12 months; his ongoing proposals to deal with the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22337/15]

Housing Provision

Bernard Durkan

42. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which he remains satisfied regarding the availability of adequate critical infrastructure, such as housing; the extent to which his Department continues to monitor the availability of such facilities and plan for the future accordingly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18191/15]

Wastewater Treatment

Bernard Durkan

212. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which this country has incurred fines or penalties imposed by the European Union in respect of ground or other water pollution; the steps taken to prevent any such penalties in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22845/15]

Water and Sewerage Schemes Funding

Bernard Durkan

213. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will indicate, having regard to replies to previous parliamentary questions on the issue, the extent to which his Department has examined the submissions from Kildare County Council for approval in respect of the Kilmacreddock and Barrogstown group sewerage scheme; if he is aware of the technical questions raised in this context, and the relevant response from the international engineering consultants asserting the viability of the plan; if he is aware of the environmental benefits of the proposal, as set out; when his Department is likely to give its approval to the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22846/15]

Social and Affordable Housing Provision

Bernard Durkan

214. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of house purchases or new house starts approved by his Department in respect of County Kildare in the past 12 months, having regard to the increase in homelessness, rapidly increasing rents, and the numbers on the local authority housing waiting lists; if cognisance is being taken of the worsening situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22910/15]

Housing Issues

Bernard Durkan

215. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which he and his Department continue to monitor rent increases in the private rented sector, with particular reference to the number and level of increases in the past 12 months; if he is aware of the likely extent to which homelessness is likely to increase as a result; his plans to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22911/15]

Housing Issues

Bernard Durkan

216. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of persons currently living in private rental accommodation and dependent on rent support but whose rents are being increased, in many cases beyond the extent to which rent support is available; if further immediate steps will be taken to increase the supply of local authority houses, with particular reference to those areas currently experiencing an acute housing shortage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22912/15]

Social and Affordable Housing Provision

Bernard Durkan

217. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government notwithstanding his positive efforts to date in meeting the local authority housing shortage, if other means might be considered, such as a Government bond to accelerate the public housing programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22913/15]

Housing Issues

Bernard Durkan

218. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which his Department might review tenancy agreements throughout the housing sector with a view to providing guidance and support to tenants who have been the subject of repeated substantial rent increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22914/15]

Planning Issues

Bernard Durkan

219. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in view of replies to previous parliamentary questions on the issue, the extent to which the various stakeholders have come to address outstanding issues involving the completion of the development at the Waterways in County Kildare, in view of the concern and discontent of the residential and commercial tenants and stakeholders; if the requirements of the local authority in respect of completion of the development have been complied with in their entirety; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22915/15]

Planning Issues

Bernard Durkan

220. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will confirm whether he has received any submissions from Kildare County Council in regard to the ongoing matter of cessation of development at the town centre in Naas in County Kildare; if so, if he will outline the details of any such submissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22916/15]

Housing Adaptation Grant Funding

Bernard Durkan

221. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which disabled persons' housing adaptation grants are adequately funded by the local authorities through his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22917/15]

Housing Issues

Bernard Durkan

222. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which he might be in a position to regulate the duration of tenancies with a view to ensuring a greater degree of reliability, duration, and rent levels throughout the private rental sector, with particular reference to those not dependent on rent support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22932/15]

Housing Estates

Bernard Durkan

174. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government arising from replies to previous parliamentary questions and indications provided therein, the extent to which progress has taken place in negotiations between the various stakeholders at Waterways, Sallins, County Kildare, including the National Asset Management Agency, KPMG and Kildare County Council, with the objective of completing the development in accordance with planning permission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21198/15]

Wind Energy Guidelines

Bernard Durkan

918. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the revised regulations in relation to wind farms will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20282/15]

Pyrite Remediation Programme

Bernard Durkan

213. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if further consideration will be given to payment of some portion of the cost in respect of pyrite damage remediation undertaken by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare, who carried out the works at their own expense but who has the necessary professional documentation certifying the existence of pyrite; if such cases might be reviewed again with a view to acknowledgement of a portion of the cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19096/15]

Wind Energy Guidelines

Bernard Durkan

409. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which he has examined the regulations appertaining to wind farms; if he expects to announce any changes in such regulations in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16753/15]

Departmental Strategies

Bernard Durkan

37. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which efforts are being made to reactivate various developments in towns and villages which were suspended in the wake of, or arising from, the economic downturn, with particular reference to the need to maximise the availability of accommodation for the retail and commercial sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15682/15]

Departmental Strategies

Bernard Durkan

176. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the steps he can take to facilitate the re-activation of various town centre developments, which were abandoned in the course of the banking collapse and which have since remained dormant; if issues affecting such cases have been examined with a view to re-activation with particular reference to Naas in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16093/15]

Social and Affordable Housing Expenditure

Bernard Durkan

177. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which the various local authorities in the greater Dublin region have sought funding from his Department arising from the housing initiative; if such funding or approval continues to be an issue, with particular reference to counties adjacent to Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16094/15]

Social and Affordable Housing Applications

Bernard Durkan

178. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which his Department is aware of new applicants applying for local authority housing, in some cases arising from repossessions or notice to quit from landlords; the extent to which this is being monitored by the various local authorities with a view to taking steps to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16095/15]

Social and Affordable Housing Data

Bernard Durkan

179. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which the total number of persons on the various local authority housing lists has fluctuated in the course of the past 12 years; the steps taken annually to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16096/15]

Shared Ownership Scheme

Bernard Durkan

180. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which his Department has been made aware of the number of distressed shared ownership loans recorded by the various local authorities; the degree to which remedial action, with particular reference to the rapidly escalating cost of the rental equity to the borrower, is being considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16097/15]

Social and Affordable Housing Provision

Bernard Durkan

181. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if a review of the local authority loan system will be undertaken, with a view to making the system more accessible and effective; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16098/15]

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Bernard Durkan

182. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which the level of greenhouse gas emissions continues to be monitored, with particular reference to reductions in line with national and international guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16099/15]

Social and Affordable Housing Data

Bernard Durkan

183. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will indicate which sales of former local authority houses, now freehold, continue to be purchased by investors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16100/15]

Unfinished Housing Developments

Bernard Durkan

184. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the degree to which the various local authorities continue to monitor unfinished housing estates, with a view to achieving completion at an early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16101/15]

Unfinished Housing Developments

Bernard Durkan

185. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when it might be expected that provision will be made by the various interested parties for the completion of the development at the Waterways, Sallins, County Kildare, with particular reference to the alleviation of any issues affecting outstanding works; the extent to which such works have been identified, and responsibility attributed to the various parties involved; the extent to which the reason for ongoing delays havs been noted and identified; the remedial action proposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16102/15]

Air and Water Pollution

Bernard Durkan

186. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the degree to which various air pollutants continue to be monitored and identified; the extent to which such pollutants may be on the increase, for whatever reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16103/15]

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Bernard Durkan

187. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which this country remains compliant with international carbon reduction targets; the programme for the future in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16104/15]

Urban Renewal Schemes

Bernard Durkan

632. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which any examination has been carried out of major suspended developments of town centres, such as Naas in County Kildare, with a view to identifying the best means to move the projects forward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15486/15]

Urban Renewal Schemes

Bernard Durkan

633. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which a review has been carried out of various development projects interrupted or suspended at the time of the banking collapse and economic downturn, such as the Naas town centre development in County Kildare, with a view to identifying the various issues impeding the conclusion of such developments; if steps will be taken to address the issues in question with a view to progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15487/15]

Local Authority Housing Provision

Bernard Durkan

253. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which his attention has been drawn to the housing needs of Army overholders at the Curragh, County Kildare; the number accommodated through the local authority over the past ten years; the extent to which it might be expected to meet these needs in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12587/15]

Pyrite Remediation Programme Implementation

Bernard Durkan

255. 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. [12623/15]

Water and Sewerage Schemes Funding

Bernard Durkan

866. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the current and-or expected position regarding the Kilmacreddock/Ballygoran group sewerage scheme which was submitted for approval to his Department some time ago; if the application was recommended by Kildare County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11175/15]

Local Authority Housing Mortgages

Bernard Durkan

867. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if a revised tenant purchase scheme will be made available to local authority tenants, and owners of shared ownership mortgages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11179/15]

Water and Sewerage Schemes Funding

Bernard Durkan

919. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government whether he has appraised or approved the submission he received from Kildare County Council in respect of the Barrogstown, Kilmacreddock group-small sewerage scheme; if the technical submissions and amendments are acceptable; if he will approve the costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12075/15]

Social and Affordable Housing Provision

Bernard Durkan

920. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his Department has had any direct or indirect interaction through Kildare County Council with the National Asset Management Agency, to ascertain whether lands owned by the agency in north Kildare can be purchased by the local authority or others in order to provide direct-build affordable or local authority houses, in view of the extreme shortage of such housing in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12076/15]

Wind Energy Guidelines

Bernard Durkan

243. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when guidelines in respect of wind farms will become applicable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11047/15]

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Bernard Durkan

244. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which he expects to be in a position to meet carbon reduction targets now and in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11055/15]

Social and Affordable Housing Provision

Bernard Durkan

260. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans on issuing an instruction to Dublin City Council that 20% of all housing units under the docklands strategic development zone are to be designated as social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10886/15]

Fire Service

Bernard Durkan

261. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his Department has been apprised of the decision to transfer the Dublin city fire brigade ambulance services to the Health Service Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10895/15]

Housing Inspections

Bernard Durkan

262. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to provide additional funding to Dublin City Council for the continuation of the intensive inspection programme of pre-1963 rental properties in view of the significant success of the programme to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10910/15]

Homeless Accommodation Provision

Bernard Durkan

263. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his Department has received information from Dublin City Council regarding the level of works that would be required to refurbish units at O'Devaney Gardens and Croke Villas within the north inner city to house homeless families, as considered under the Government's action plan to tackle homelessness; if he has made a decision on issuing a direction to Dublin City Council to undertake such works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10913/15]

Housing Grant Applications

Bernard Durkan

535. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which his attention has been drawn to the waiting list for funding for the adaptation of existing dwellings to meet the requirements of older persons in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10314/15]

Local Authority Housing Provision

Bernard Durkan

20. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he remains satisfied that the measures to alleviate the housing crisis are adequate in every respect, with particular reference to ensuring that progress is monitored in such a way as to make adequate provision for families already on the local authority housing lists, families likely to become homeless in view of rapidly increasing rents and families who may be affected by repossessions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9064/15]

Local Authority Staff

Bernard Durkan

46. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which he can approve increased staffing levels throughout the local authorities, with a view to meeting the challenge of the extra workload arising from the housing situation; the extent to which any such augmentation has been made available to Kildare County Council, and other local authorities with similar requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9065/15]

Local Authority Housing Provision

Bernard Durkan

216. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which his office has received requests from each of the local authorities for approval for the purchase or building of local authority houses; the extent to which he expects this to impact on the housing lists in County Kildare and adjoining counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9566/15]

Local Authority Housing Provision

Bernard Durkan

217. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which he expects Kildare County Council to receive funds and approval from his Department to address the housing requirement in the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9567/15]

Shared Ownership Scheme

Bernard Durkan

218. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the current position/status of unpaid shared ownership mortgages, impairment of which is due to an annual increase of 4.3% on rental equity; if he will suggest a general resolution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9568/15]

Rural Development Programme Projects

Bernard Durkan

219. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he expects to be in a position to assist Kildare County Council, the ESB and eircom to underground utility cables in Celbridge, County Kildare, directly or through Leader or otherwise, having particular regard to the heritage status of the town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9570/15]

Air Pollution

Bernard Durkan

220. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the most recent results of the monitoring of air pollution; the way these compare with previous results; if he expects to take any corrective action arising therefrom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9571/15]

Housing Adaptation Grant

Bernard Durkan

221. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which adequate funding has been made available to each local authority to facilitate home adaptation grants for applicants with special needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9586/15]

Water Services Provision

Bernard Durkan

222. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he remains satisfied that the structures now in place are adequate to meet the current and future requirements in respect of the provision of a high quality, reliable and widely available domestic water supply, notwithstanding the concerns expressed through the national broadcaster; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9587/15]

Water Pollution

Bernard Durkan

223. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the degree to which necessary steps are ongoing to prevent the pollution of ground water; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9589/15]

Shared Ownership Scheme

Bernard Durkan

224. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the progress made to date in the matter of resolving issues arising from shared ownership mortgages; if he has received information relating to the full extent of associated problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9590/15]

Motor Tax Exemptions

Bernard Durkan

539. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will indicate, arising from a query raised by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare in respect of a vehicle which they have taxed on the basis of being on the road for a year, but was subsequently off the road for a major portion of that year, if in such circumstances they can apply for a refund of the road tax for the period in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9059/15]

Social and Affordable Housing Data

Bernard Durkan

175. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which he has sought or received from the various local authorities, arising from provision made in budget 2015, precise details of housing needs as registered on local authority housing waiting lists; the degree to which he has been given specific targets including house purchases by the local authorities or specifically available serviced or serviceable sites to address the housing crisis which particularly affects counties adjoining Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8421/15]

Water and Sewerage Schemes Provision

Bernard Durkan

176. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding the submissions made to his Department, for approval by Kildare County Council, in respect of the Kilmacreddock-Barogstown wastewater treatment scheme. [8423/15]

Social and Affordable Housing Provision

Bernard Durkan

169. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which it will be permissible for local authorities to meet the ever increasing responsibility of the housing needs of families who find themselves homeless due to increased rent levels or re-possession/sale of the property; if he is satisfied that adequate provision will be made to meet this requirement, in view of the likelihood of a dramatically increased demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6216/15]

Homelessness Strategy

Bernard Durkan

13. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the discussions he has held with the local authorities in Dublin and the counties adjacent thereto such as County Kildare to address the issue of homelessness; arising from such discussions, the degree to which his Department and the local authorities are in a position to address the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3623/15]

Housing Provision

Bernard Durkan

24. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which his Department continues to monitor the private housing sector with particular reference to the ability of first-time buyers or those in need of a home excluding investors; if they will be facilitated in their efforts to acquire a family home at a reasonable cost; if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties this group of persons face in view of their inability to compete with the investment sector over the past 12 months; if he will propose any initiatives in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3624/15]

Housing Data

Bernard Durkan

122. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which provision will be made hereby first family home buyers will compete in the market place with the investment sector, thereby addressing part of the housing need and shifting the balance in favour of homeowners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4038/15]

Local Authority Housing Provision

Bernard Durkan

123. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which his Department has sought information from the various local authorities on a county basis in respect of the local authority housing need with particular reference to the Dublin local authorities and the other counties of Leinster adjacent thereto; if it has been possible to determine a minimum number of houses needed to address the housing crisis in their respective areas without exception; the total number of houses needed to address the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4040/15]

Local Authority Housing Provision

Bernard Durkan

124. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to meet the rapidly increasing local authority housing needs in the counties adjoining Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4041/15]

Housing Data

Bernard Durkan

125. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of house purchase transactions undertaken by family home buyers in the past 12 months to date; the number of homes acquired by the investment sector in the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4042/15]

Unfinished Housing Developments

Bernard Durkan

126. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which his Department continues to monitor progress in regard to the completion of development works in unfinished housing estates, on a county basis; the extent of the works completed so far and that remaining; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4043/15]

Shared Ownership Scheme

Bernard Durkan

127. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which he and his Department have managed to address the inherited issue of distressed shared ownership mortgages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4044/15]

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Bernard Durkan

128. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which provision has been made to date to address the issue of carbon emissions; his targets in this regard; if they are in line with global and European targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4045/15]

Air and Water Pollution

Bernard Durkan

129. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which carcinogenic air or water pollutants have been identified at the various monitoring points throughout the country; the degree to which it will improve the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4046/15]

Housing Adaptation Grant

Bernard Durkan

130. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which adequate resources remain available to the various local authorities to facilitate the provision of housing adaptation grants to meet the requirements of those with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4048/15]

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Bernard Durkan

131. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the current position in regard to 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. [4049/15]

Tribunals of Inquiry Expenditure

Bernard Durkan

197. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which matters relating to the Mahon tribunal have been concluded and final bills in respect of costs to all parties agreed, discharged or pending; if the tribunal is still ongoing and the basis of same; if further costs to the Exchequer are being incurred; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3218/15]

Water and Sewerage Schemes Funding

Bernard Durkan

228. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if his Department has received submissions from Kildare County Council in respect of the Kilmacraddock/Barrogstown group sewerage scheme; if his attention has been drawn to comments by the proposers; when he will be in a position to approve the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2049/15]

Housing Data

Bernard Durkan

105. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which the precise and immediate housing requirement in each local authority has been determined; the number currently deemed to be effectively homeless; the number of homeless persons coming on to the register on a daily and weekly basis; the local authority areas including County Kildare deemed to be most seriously affected by the housing crisis; if specific proposals have been submitted to his Department to address the issue in the short term; the exact number of extra housing units currently available or likely to become available through direct acquisition in the next six months; his proposals to meet the requirements as identified by the respective local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40942/14]

Housing Adaptation Grant Funding

Bernard Durkan

560. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which the various local authorities continue to receive adequate provision to meet the disabled persons housing adaption grant requirements; the numbers currently awaiting approval throughout the various local authorities countywide with particular reference to County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46346/14]

Irish Water Expenditure

Bernard Durkan

561. 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. [46347/14]

Unfinished Housing Developments

Bernard Durkan

562. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of applications received in his Department for funding from Kildare County Council to complete development works in unfinished housing estates within the past three years to date in 2014; 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. [46348/14]

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Bernard Durkan

563. 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 continue to be met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46349/14]

Local Authority Housing Waiting Lists

Bernard Durkan

564. 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, with particular reference to County Kildare; the extent to which rent increases in the private sector are 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 further escalation in homelessness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46350/14]

Shared Ownership Scheme

Bernard Durkan

565. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the steps he continues to take to address 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. [46351/14]

Water and Sewerage Schemes Funding

Bernard Durkan

566. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which he expects to be in a position to provide the necessary funding to meet the requirements of group water and sewerage schemes throughout County Kildare in the current year, with particular reference to meeting the needs set out and prioritised by the local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46352/14]

Water Pollution

Bernard Durkan

567. 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 in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46353/14]

Air Pollution

Bernard Durkan

568. 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 this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46354/14]

NAMA Property Sales

Bernard Durkan

569. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which he continues to monitor sales of property by the National Asset Management Agency with a view to identifying the extent to which such residential property has been acquired by first-time home buyers; the proportion of such disposals that have gone to investors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46355/14]

Local Authority Housing Provision

Bernard Durkan

570. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which he expects Kildare County Council to be in a position to draw down the necessary funding to meet the urgent local authority housing requirements, with particular reference to identifying properties that may be purchased in each town or village, thereby addressing the most serious aspects of the housing issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46356/14]

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Bernard Durkan

571. 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 five years to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46357/14]

Local Authority Housing Provision

Bernard Durkan

137. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which Kildare County Council has sought funding for specific housing proposals to alleviate the urgent and immediate problem of homelessness with particular reference to the need to acquire a number of already constructed housing units for this purpose; similarly the extent to which his Department has received specific proposals for a short- and medium-term housing construction programme to benefit all of the major towns and villages in view of the extent of the existing local authority housing waiting list and the need for urgent action in this regard; the extent to which his Department is likely to respond to such requests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44654/14]

Water Services Provision

Bernard Durkan

221. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if consideration may be provided to a simplified water charge system which could be affordable, would reflect the consumer's ability to pay, be less costly administratively and at the same time cost-effectively address the urgent need for investment in a vital part of infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42608/14]

Homelessness Strategy

Bernard Durkan

560. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which he expects to be in a position to alleviate the most serious elements of homelessness in the coming year with particular reference to the need to address the most acute problems in that area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40368/14]

Water Services Provision

Bernard Durkan

24. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which he anticipates reliable public water supply to become available throughout the country, including those areas now affected by boil-water requirements; the programme to address the various issues in relation to supply, quality and demand that have arisen over the years; if he will set out the expected rate, scale and extent of water charges, including allowances for families and-or households catering for persons with disabilities or special needs; when it is expected the first domestic water rate bills will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34319/14]

Pyrite Remediation Programme

Bernard Durkan

1490. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to outline his plans to allow redress for homeowners who have already completed the overdue and necessary remedial works to their dwellings as a result of pyrite under the pyrite remediation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33139/14]

Fire Service

Bernard Durkan

1613. 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 these services in the future on a part-time or whole-time basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34844/14]

Housing Adaptation Grant Funding

Bernard Durkan

1614. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which the various local authorities continue to receive adequate provision to meet the disabled persons housing adaption grant requirements; the numbers currently awaiting approval throughout the various local authorities countrywide, with particular reference to County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34845/14]

Local Authority Housing Data

Bernard Durkan

1615. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of persons currently on the various local authority housing lists throughout the country, with particular reference to County Kildare; the extent to which rent increases in the private sector are making it impossible for such families to exist or remain in their homes; if urgent provision can be made to meet their requirements, thus preventing a further escalation in homelessness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34847/14]

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Bernard Durkan

1616. 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 continue to be met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34850/14]

Unfinished Housing Developments Data

Bernard Durkan

1617. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of applications received in his Department for funding from Kildare County Council to complete development works in unfinished housing estates within the past two years to date; 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. [34851/14]

Water Charges Exemptions

Bernard Durkan

1618. 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 with disabilities or medical conditions; the extent to which basic or free allowance is likely to apply in these instances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34853/14]