I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Thomas Byrne, to the House.
Nithe i dtosach suíonna - Commencement Matters
Animal Welfare
I welcome the Minister of State. It is regrettable the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, could not be here. She sent her apologies. The reason I continually ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development into the House is that her Department has responsibility for the Control of Dogs Act 1986, which includes dangerous breeds. The dog breeding establishment licensing regulations also fall under the remit of this Department. One of the things the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine found in its recent report on canine welfare was the fact that issues relating to canine welfare and legislation fall across three Departments, which is regrettable as it makes it very hard for us to have a coherent approach when it comes to issues around dogs.
After the horrible attack on nine-year-old Alejandro Mizsan in County Wexford, there is a growing concern within the public about attacks by certain breeds of dogs. The Irish Independent reviewed the data from local authorities since 2016. There are a couple of issues. Apart from the fact that the number of attacks by certain breeds is increasing, there is also much concern around the fact there is not consistency in the reporting by different local authorities. Fingal County Council said it started recording the breeds involved in attacks only this year. South Dublin County Council declined to comment. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council recorded 11 attacks involving pitbulls. Dublin City Council had 80 complaints about aggressive dogs but did not provide a breakdown of the breeds involved. Other local authorities did provide a breakdown of the breeds. That shows there is a lack of consistency around the Control of Dogs Act, particularly those regulations that apply to the dangerous breeds.
One of the questions for the Minister of State is what he will do about that lack of coherency around the Control of Dogs Act. I hear repeatedly from Ministers of State who come into the Chamber and read out the position from the line Minister that the Department is responsible for the legislation but not its implementation. If I go then to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, however, it sends me back to the Department of Rural and Community Development.
There are a number of issues around the control of dogs, one of which is the number of wardens in the local authorities who are actually able to enforce the legislation. We are quite lucky in this country that we have good animal welfare legislation. It could be improved but it is especially strong. The issues are more about the enforcement of that legislation. Therefore, what is the Department's view on the adequacy of the number of wardens within the local authorities? Do they have the resources they need? We know the problem with many of these dangerous breeds is that people are not muzzling them. People are not actually complying with the regulations. The regulations are there and they are very clear but people are not complying. The reason they are not complying is they have no fear of being caught because dog wardens are few and far between.
The other issue, which again falls under the remit of the Department of Rural and Community Development, is the fact it has responsibility for the dog breeding establishment licensing. I draw the Minister of State's attention to a number of recommendations in the Oireachtas joint committee report.
Recommendation No. 10 flags the issue of the 1:25 ratio of staff to dogs in dog breeding establishments. Recommendation No. 11 calls for a cap on breeding bitches. Recommendation No. 12 calls for greater socialisation of puppies, which is particularly relevant as dog pounds have stated that many dogs are being surrendered by their owners because the dogs are presenting with behavioural issues, with such behavioural issues manifesting in dog attacks. We must get a grip on the dog breeding establishments and puppy farms and we need a cap on the number of breeding bitches. There needs to be a proper ratio of staff in order that dogs are properly socialised by the time they are purchased.
Recommendation No. 4 is about fertility clinics and this is particularly relevant to the bully dog breeds. Many people are providing fertility clinics from their back garden sheds, from which dogs born and are being sold for huge amounts of money. We are aware of the issues with some of the bully breeds, including the recent attack on poor Alejandro.
There is a lot for the Minister of State to address in this. When are we going to have coherency of canine legislation?
I thank the Senator for raising this issue, about which I speak on behalf of the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Deputy Humphreys. The Senator is right in that the Minister has responsibility for this legislation but there are other Departments involved and it would be better if there was a different approach. We discussed this in our parliamentary party meeting last week because we are not satisfied with the situation either.
All our hearts were broken when we saw Alejandro Miszan suffer life-changing if not a life destroying injuries when he was attacked by a dog in Wexford. Our thoughts are with Alejandro and his family and friends following the horrific ordeal he endured.
As the Senator noted, the Department of Rural and Community Development has policy responsibility for dog control under the Control of Dogs Act and the Dog Breeding Establishments Act. Local authorities are responsible for operational activities under the Acts. This includes the dog licensing and dog warden service, implementation of legislation, imposing on-the-spot fines and taking court proceedings, etc. The Control of Dogs Act 1986 sets out a range of requirements for all dog owners and persons in charge of a dog. In particular, section 9 of the Act outlines specific requirements for keeping dogs under effectual control. Section 9(2) states that the owner or any other person in charge of a dog that worries livestock is guilty of an offence. It is also an offence not to have a dog licence. Prosecution under the Act allows for a fine of up to €2,500 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or both. This is enforced by local authorities across the country. Section 21 of the Control of Dogs Act states that the owner of a dog shall be liable for damages associated with an attack by the dog on a person or livestock. This is a civil matter rather than something that is enforced.
The Department publishes annual dog-control statistics from all local authorities on gov.ie. There were 182 prosecutions in 2019 and the number of prosecutions in 2020 and 2021 were down to 82 and 97 respectively. We can accept that Covid-19 and level 5 restrictions had an effect on those figures. A total of 1,749 fines were issued in 2019, with 1,069 issued in 2020 and 924 in 2021. These fines cover a range of matters such as not having a dog licence, a dog not being under control, a dog not being muzzled, a dog not being leashed, livestock worrying by dogs etc.
I refer to the number of dog wardens. In 2021, the latest year for which statistics are available, there were 50 full-time dog wardens and 21 part-time dog wardens. The dog control statistics for 2022 will be collated next year and will be published on gov.ie. The Control of Dogs Act states that every local authority must employ at least one dog warden. It is a matter for each local authority to determine if more than one dog warden is required to carry out the necessary functions.
In addition to the Control of Dogs Act, the Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 outline the requirements regarding the restricted breeds of dogs, that is, dogs that are required to be leashed and muzzled when in a public place. These breeds, a list of which is available publicly, include some well-known breeds that, if kept by the right owners, are okay in their own homes. The regulations require that these breeds, or strains or crosses of them, must be kept on a short, strong lead by a person over 16 years who is able to control them when in a public place. They must also be securely muzzled when in a public place and must wear a collar bearing the name and address of their owner at all times. I have to agree with the Senator. I have seen a number of these dogs without muzzles on a regular basis. I am sure they are lovely pets once kept by the right owners. However, the law is the law and the law must be complied with. I also agree the law must be enforced.
Earlier this year, the Department published its consultation report, a Review of Measures Relating to the Control of Dogs in Ireland. This report followed a public consultation, to which over 1,000 responses were received, and is available at gov.ie. A selection of responses received from representative organisations was also published alongside the report. The review included measures relating to specific breeds and dogs in general in both urban and rural settings. Following this review, the Department intends to increase penalties for all offences under the Control of Dogs Act and the secondary legislation; to increase penalties for the offence of livestock worrying; to have greater active promotion of a culture of responsible dog-ownership in Ireland; and to amend the statutory instrument to include the presa canario breed of dog. Furthermore, under proposed amendments to the Control of Dogs Act, the Department is also considering a new provision to allow for the issuing of a dog control notice. This notice would be issued to a dog owner whose dog has been found to be out of control. It would outline the measures the owner must take to make sure the dog is controlled in a manner that ensures the safety of others and prevents further incidents. Some of these measures, which may include muzzling and leashing the dog, already apply to the restricted breeds.
These attacks are common enough and this latest attack has - not to use a pun - unleashed a debate among the people and public representatives from all parties. I am glad the Senator has provided her input today. There is no question but that we need to get this right.
I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive reply and for providing the number of prosecutions and dog wardens. I have just done the maths using the figures for the number of dog licences issued in 2021, that being 192,348 with a further 75,832 issued online. We know not everybody is compliant in getting a dog licence, but each of the 71 dog wardens, including those working part time, would be responsible for almost 4,000 dogs. I do not think anybody, whether he or she works full time or part time, could be responsible for making sure that number of dogs and their owners are complying with the law.
In addition, we need to join the dots on the issue of canine welfare. Ireland is the puppy-farm capital of Europe. The dogs coming out of puppy farms are not properly socialised and are presenting with behavioural issues, therefore, we must tackle this in addition to the Control of Dogs Act.
I ask the Minister of State to bring the issue of unregulated fertility clinics, which are prevalent in use among bulldog breeders, to the attention of the Minister. A huge amount of money is being made with many bulldogs being bred using those unregulated fertility clinics.
I fully understand the concerns raised by the Senator and I will bring everything back to the Minister and the Government. As the Taoiseach flagged recently, a cross-departmental review of the laws on dog control is about to commence. I share and understand the concerns about the number of dog wardens and prosecutions under the Control of Dogs Act. I hope we will see an increase in warden numbers because there has been a large increase in the number of dogs owned. This includes my own family, which has taken on a lovely little dog. Our dog is not let off the leash because we would not allow that, even though it is a small dog. Owners have to take responsibility and most do, in fairness, and that is the reality of it.
The Government is committed to working with all agencies to strengthen the issue of dog control and promote responsible dog-ownership. I must again say the law is clear in respect of restricted breeds in that there are requirements that need to be enforced, and that is a matter for local authorities. It is also a matter for local authorities to determine the number of dog wardens they have but they will have to look at this again because there are increased numbers of dogs, including an increase in the number of restricted breeds in public without a muzzle. This is commonly seen throughout the country and that needs to change. I know there are arguments made that it is the owner's responsibility, and the owner certainly is responsible, but the law is there and it needs to be enforced.
The Department of Rural and Community Development will continue to do its part, along with colleagues in the local authorities, including local authority vets, and Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to consolidate efforts in the areas of safety and responsible dog ownership, as well as animal welfare. I will also take back to the Minister the point raised about fertility clinics in back garden sheds.
The Department of Rural and Community Development will once again support media campaigns on responsible dog ownership as it has always done and, indeed, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine always makes a grant available at Christmas time for animal welfare agencies, which is also important. I thank the Senator for raising this matter.
Peace Commissioners
Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit chuig an Teach ar maidin. I would like to discuss the role of the peace commissioner with the Minister of State and request that a review of the duties of peace commissioners is carried out with a view to expanding that particular role.
Peace commissioners have been working in communities across the country since the early 1920s. A peace commissioner is an honorary position and every single area in the country has people performing these duties, which makes them very accessible to the public. It is estimated that there are more than 5,000 peace commissioners around the country, but very little is known about them unless they come into contact or someone needs their service at some point.
Peace commissioners are responsible for a wide range of duties currently, including taking statutory declarations and oaths, witnesses' signatures on documents required by various authorities and signing certificates and orders under various Acts. They are required to be persons of good character who are well established in their local community. They receive no payments, fees or expenses for the services that they do; they do it as good citizens. They also have the authority to sign summonses and warrants, although these powers are not exercised very often, as in most cases, applications for search warrants are made to the local District Court.
One duty that they are not currently allowed to do is to witness and sign affidavits for social housing applications. This is one duty in which peace commissioners could be of benefit to the local community, particularly where the applicant seeking a signature is affected, like many people are, by cost-of-living issues or perhaps a separation from a partner and simply cannot afford the cost of going to a solicitor for the purpose of that declaration.
I firmly believe that now is the time to examine the expansion of the role of the peace commissioner to look at this particular function and perhaps any other possible functions they could perform for the benefit of the communities in which they live.
I thank the Senator for raising the matter. As the Senator will, of course, be aware, peace commissioners are appointed by the Minister for Justice, and I am here on her behalf. She is on maternity leave and the Minster of State, Deputy James Browne, is also absent today, so he asked me to take this matter.
Peace commissioners are appointed by the Minister for Justice under section 88 of the Courts of Justice Act 1924. As the Senator said, a peace commissioner is an honorary appointment and those appointed receive nothing - no remuneration or compensation by way of fees or expenses for their services.
The powers and duties of peace commissioners consist primarily of taking statutory declarations, witnessing signatures on documents if required by various authorities and signing certificates and orders under various Acts. The Courts of Justice Act 1924 also gives peace commissioners the power to issue summonses and warrants, however, these powers are now rarely used, but they are there. I certainly know peace commissioners who have had to do that. Peace commissioners take statutory declarations for things such as a declaration of residency associated with passport applications and donation statement returns for members of local authorities or, indeed, Oireachtas Members.
The Senator will be aware that the Minister for Justice now has no role in social housing applications. However, we have been informed by the relevant Department, which is the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, that the social housing application form does not need to be witnessed by a third party in any way. However, a signed affidavit or letter is required in circumstances where there is no separation or divorce agreement in place. Where it is in place, an affidavit or letter confirms that there is no formal separation agreement and no court proceedings, as well as the position regarding maintenance payments, overnight access and custody arrangements for children, and property ownership. The Department considers it appropriate, given the sensitivity and complexity of these issues, which is only a subset of the application for social housing, as I understand it, that such confirmation is provided by a solicitor or by a commissioner for oaths, for example, which often can be both, but not necessarily. This requirement has been in place since the social housing assessment regulations were introduced in 2011, which standardised the assessment process. I understand from the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage that there are no plans to change this requirement at this time. Given the nature and requirements of this document, it is not the type of document that should be signed by a peace commissioner, as this affidavit is more than witnessing a document - it is a sworn legal statement. As such, I am sure the Senator will appreciate that the rules around affidavits need to apply.
If the Senator has concerns about how this works in practice or about social housing applications themselves, I would be happy to make sure these concerns are passed on to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Indeed, if the Senator has a particular case in mind, I would advise him to make this known to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Peace commissioners play an important service to communities. However, I am sure the Senator will know, of course, that the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage would decide if those services are appropriate for the different documentation that may be required in support of certain parts of certain social housing application forms.
I thank the Minister of State for his response on behalf of the Minister. I tabled this Commencement matter having been contacted by a number of peace commissioners who have people coming to them stating that they incurred fees in getting documentation signed. Peace commissioners were of the opinion that perhaps their role could be expanded to facilitate situations such as the ones that I outlined. Many of the people concerned are experiencing financial difficulties, perhaps in the middle of a divorce, and by the nature of social housing applicants, many are stretched. The peace commissioner was of the opinion that perhaps if documents could be signed by the peace commissioner, there would then be no need for any fees to be outlaid to someone from the legal profession.
I note the contents of the response from the Minister. It is something that perhaps should be kept on review. I do not know what the Minister of State’s thoughts are on it.
I thank the Senator for raising the issue. As I said, a signed affidavit is required where there is no separation or divorce agreement in place, which would be probably considered fairly complex to make sure that is done properly. I appreciate that it is normally in circumstances where there are particular difficulties in that person's life. However, we have taken careful note of the comments made by the Senator and will advise relevant colleagues and officials.
The 2022 justice plan contains a commitment to review and reform the role of peace commissioners, and I am informed that the Department of Justice is currently drafting terms of reference, which include reviewing the existing functions, powers and appointment procedures for peace commissioners.
Anyone who wishes to avail of the services of a peace commissioner can contact their local Garda station, which may be able to provide the name and address of a local peace commissioner. Alternatively, they may contact the peace commissioner unit in the Department of Justice, which is pleased to help individuals who require the services of a peace commissioner.
As noted earlier, the requirements relating to supporting documentation for a social housing application are prescribed in the relevant regulations. Any change to these regulations would need to be considered by my colleague, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Deputy Darragh O'Brien.
Industrial Development
The Minister of State is welcome. I thank the Office of the Cathaoirleach for choosing this matter for debate this morning.
As the Minister of State will know, Galway has a very proud record of job creation at IDA Ireland-sponsored plants in a range of sectors, including technology, pharmaceuticals, medtech, international financial services, business services, engineering and food. We want to see the pipeline of investment continue. The Oranmore-Athenry economic corridor was designated and included in the Galway county development plan many years ago, when I was a councillor. There are land banks at Parkmore, the airport site in Carnmore, the IDA Ireland site in Oranmore, which comprises 80 acres, the Department of Defence lands in Oranmore, which are substantial, and Athenry, where there are 230 acres.
We know the history of some projects. Some did not happen, including those relating to Apple in Athenry and Intel in Oranmore. While we did not secure the latter, Oranmore was one of the final two options for the location of the new plant. That is a testimony to the work of IDA Ireland and the land bank available in the Oranmore area. We also have a bank of land in Knocknacarra, in the west of the city.
The area between Oranmore and Athenry contains the necessary infrastructure, including electricity infrastructure, a motorway and rail links. There are some downsides, including in the context of wastewater infrastructure. I am wondering what engagement the Department will have with Irish Water on developing the east Galway main drainage scheme. It has been talked about for many years. I am concerned that the current circumstances are an impediment to future expansion. Irish Water, Galway County Council and the Minister of State’s Department need to engage to ensure there is no impediment to future job creation.
Last year, some 500 additional jobs were created through IDA Ireland in Galway, including by Medtronic, Genesys and Integer. We have seen an increase in employment in the multinational sector. We are aware of its importance to an area like Galway. So many people from Galway city and county and Mayo work in the multinational sector in Galway. We want to ensure the jobs are secure. There are bigger issues at play in the context of competition, tax rates and other matters of which the Government is and needs to remain conscious. However, regarding what we are doing in government, it is important that we ensure IDA Ireland promotes the land banks and that replacement land banks will be available should the existing ones be utilised in the very near future. While a substantial number of acres are available, I understand there is substantial interest in the sites. Intel’s proposed Galway site was among the last two options in Europe before a decision was made to build in Germany. I am wondering about the current level of engagement and interest. Has IDA Ireland plans to secure additional lands within this area or others within the city and county?
I apologise for the delay. I thank the Senator for raising this issue.
Senators will recall that 2021 was a record-breaking year for foreign direct investment in Ireland, with total employment in IDA Ireland client companies now standing at 275,384, which is up over 29,000 on the 2020 figures. Growth in the regions is particularly buoyant, with 53%, or 133, of the 249 investments won by IDA Ireland going to regional locations. In the west, there are 120 IDA Ireland-supported companies that employ 29,419 people. Ninety-four of these IDA Ireland-supported companies are in Galway city and county, and they employ 22,801 people.
The timely provision of appropriate and cost-effective property and infrastructure solutions to meet the needs of multinational companies remains essential to winning foreign direct investment. Over the past five years, IDA Ireland’s regional property programme has enabled the winning of capital-intensive projects of significant scale for regional locations. In the current IDA Ireland strategy, Driving Recovery and Sustainable Growth 2021–2024, IDA Ireland has committed to strategic land acquisition in the west and keeps its land portfolio under constant review. As Senators are aware, IDA Ireland is committed to ensuring a good supply of suitable property solutions for foreign direct investors in regional locations and, as such, has a network of business and technology parks across every region to support both its own and Enterprise Ireland’s client companies.
The Senator is correct about Galway, in which he has expressed an interest. To quarter 3 of 2022, IDA Ireland hosted 31 site visits to Galway. It is heartening that in-person site visits to Galway have returned to pre-Covid-19 pandemic figures, with the 2022 site-visit data comparable with those of 2018 and 2019. IDA Ireland completed an advanced building solution at Parkmore, within the economic corridor referred to by the Senator, in 2021. I am informed that IDA Ireland is currently engaging with those actively interested in the building. IDA Ireland secured planning permission from Galway County Council for an additional advanced building solution at Parkmore in the summer of 2022. It has completed a detailed design. The project is ongoing.
I am advised that IDA Ireland has regular engagement with client companies and stakeholders in the county. During 2023, IDA Ireland will continue to market Galway and the rest of the west through its overseas offices to target mobile foreign direct investment opportunities and will arrange corresponding site visits as required.
I will raise the issues relating to Irish Water to which the Senator referred with the property section of IDA Ireland, which would have the best people to pursue that project.
The Minister of State is right to talk about the region. What is good for Galway is good for Mayo, and vice versa. There is engagement between both counties regarding both employment and movement. It is heartening that there have been 31 site visits to Galway by IDA Ireland-sponsored companies, that the Department is keeping the land banks under constant review and that there has been an advanced-buildings solution for Parkmore. I understand there is interest in acquiring some of the lands in Oranmore, so it is important and prudent that, where possible, additional lands be identified and sought that are close to - I will not use the phrase “contiguous to” - the infrastructure, including rail, motorway and electricity infrastructure. The economic corridor from Oranmore to Athenry is important as an economic driver for the county and, indeed, the city. So many people who live in the city work in the county, and so many who live in the county work in the city. Of course, the city-county boundary skirts through some of the sites the Minister of State has identified, including at Parkmore.
Again, I thank Senator Kyne for raising this issue. He will be aware that the provision of appropriate property solutions is a key element in the IDA Ireland offering for Galway and the rest of the west. IDA Ireland positions the west as home to the leading cluster in the life-sciences industry, employing the highest number of medical technology staff in Europe per capita. Along with the infrastructure the Senator referred to, the presence of the University of Galway and the Atlantic Technological University is very significant in this offering, as it is for the entire west.
The overall trend in job creation in Ireland, which is very important to emphasise, remains positive. The Industrial Development Authority, IDA, had another year of strong growth in 2022, with record levels of employment and investment, and we look forward to the 2022 results being finally published later this month. Senator Kyne can be sure that we will continue to keep Galway and, indeed, the entire west region very much on our priority list.
I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Calleary, and Senator Kyne.
Housing Schemes
I thank the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach. I also thank the office of the Cathaoirleach for choosing this very important matter and I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Noonan, to the House.
I raise with the Minister of State social housing schemes in Galway and Galway city and acknowledge that there is a considerable amount of work going on in respect of them. Significant social housing is being built in Galway city, especially in the Knocknacarra and the Galway city west area. It is also important to point out that there are a number of schemes in Galway city centre and in Galway city east which are much-needed and positive. The point I raise with the Minister of State is that this is very limited in respect of affordable housing schemes, at best. I spent 11 years on the local authority and I am very familiar with Galway city. The number one issue there is housing in our city.
As I am sure is the case for many Members of the House and in Kilkenny, the Minister of State’s home area, this is the number one issue. I receive representations on a daily basis from people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s and it is essential that this Government makes progress on the issue because if we do not, we will be in serious trouble.
As with elsewhere in Ireland, there is an urgent need for affordable housing. The level to which affordable housing is bring being prioritised in Galway seems to differ when one looks at Cork, Dublin, Limerick or Waterford. I have strong concerns that not enough attention is being placed on this in Galway. Given the billions of euro that have been committed in this housing area in budgets, I am informed that this is not a financial issue. It does not seem to be a lack of resources or financial backing at Government level which is responsible for this situation. My issue is that it is not happening on the ground.
We may also need to consider the message the Government is putting out. It is vital that local authorities are aware that affordable housing is as much a priority as social housing. That may require a change of communications.
There may also need to be more regular communication between the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and local authorities and this communication needs to be upped and to be considered. For example, can we get more up-to-date progress reports on a monthly basis as it will be easy enough to count the affordable housing in Galway now in both city and county. I will await the Minister of State’s response and I do not want to pre-empt it.
Of course, I do not want any substantial time wasted on paperwork or on the limited resources of local authorities but ask for a document outlining same to put pressure on the director of housing and on the chief executive officers, as that is certainly not happening in Galway city and county, which is an area I can speak about, being very familiar with it.
I am open to alternative suggestions from the Minister of State that perhaps these are not needed but from my perspective, it is clear the local authorities may need to be made aware of how important affordable housing is viewed by Government, and that urgency is required to make progress in this area.
We have passed the midway point in the term of this Government and Covid-19 obviously had a major impact, which all Members of this House accept, but the number of affordable housing schemes in Galway certainly needs to increase quickly. I am greatly concerned now that this is not happening and will not do so under the current conditions. I await the Minister of State’s response to see how we are going to improve the situation on the ground in Galway city and county. I thank the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach and the Minister of State.
Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCathaoirleach Gníomhach agus le Seanadóir Crowe as an gceist seo. The Housing for All strategy delivers on the programme for Government commitment to step up housing supply and put affordability at the heart of the housing system.
Delivery of affordable housing, in accordance with the schemes set out in the Affordable Housing Act 2021, and the funding being made available, is underpinned by local authorities' housing delivery action plans. Local authorities, including Galway City Council and Galway County Council, each published their finalised plans in July. They provide a comprehensive overview of projected delivery of affordable housing in Galway.
Funding is made available by Government to assist local authority and approved housing bodies for the delivery of affordable housing for purchase or rent through the affordable housing fund, AHF, previously known as the serviced sites fund, SSF, and the cost rental equity loan, CREL. A planned affordable housing development at Merlin Woods in Galway city, to deliver approximately 85 affordable homes to purchase at sales prices of at least 15% below average prices for the area, is being supported by the SSF. I understand that Galway City Council are planning to make further applications for funding to the Department in support of further affordable housing schemes.
Affordable housing officials met recently with Galway County Council's chief executive officer, director of housing and other members of the housing team to discuss their plans for a number of affordable purchase schemes in Galway county. The council intend to apply to our Department for affordable housing fund, AHF, funding to support these schemes in the coming months.
The Land Development Agency, LDA, is progressing two major projects in Galway City, at Dyke Road and Sandy Road, as part of their initial tranche of State lands. Overall projected delivery from these sites is for more than 1,500 homes with the first 170 to be achieved by 2026 on Dyke Road.
The Dyke Road site forms part of a strategic brownfield land bank located on the edge of Galway City centre and the LDA has advised the Department that it has reached an agreement with Galway City Council to progress a residential-led development at this site. Following the most recent draft city development plan, the Land Development Agency intends to progress a phased planning application for the site.
On Sandy Road, the LDA has advised my Department that it is currently preparing a framework masterplan to guide development of the site, currently owned by Galway City Council, Galway County Council and the ESB. The Land Development Agency will align with the timetable for the draft city development plan and will consult on the framework masterplan in early 2023. A design team has been commissioned, stakeholder engagement is under way, and a public consultation will be undertaken.
As the Senator can see, there is quite a significant level of activity being undertaken by both Galway City Council and Galway County Council on affordable housing. I note the points the Senator is making specifically on communication. From our Department perspective, in funding and the asks that we have of local authorities around affordable housing, this is the same message. We are trying to achieve a balance and mix right across housing delivery in local authorities and it is a matter for the local authorities to develop their own plans for housing delivery. It is critically important that the local authorities work with our Department. There are quite a number of schemes under way. It takes time and public consultation is critically important. From our Department's perspective, however, we will certainly not be found wanting in respect of funding projects and innovative schemes around affordable housing delivery in Galway city and county.
I have needed ten minutes to raise this with the Minister of State and the senior Minister, Deputy O'Brien. I do not want to be giving out too much but, with respect, what I got from this answer is that there will be 85 affordable houses built in the lifetime of this Government. We are talking about 17 affordable houses for all of Galway, with a population of 200,000 people. We are moving on to 2026, 2027 and 2028, which is just too far. I do not see the urgency with the executives in either Galway City Council or Galway County Council.
It is not acceptable for the Minister of State to come in and tell me that in the lifetime of this Government, 85 affordable houses will be built, and that this will be part of a planned affordable housing development. I will give the Minister of State an example, of which I am sure he is familiar. Cork City Council and Cork County Council have eight schemes of affordable housing under way at this moment in time and are moving onto the next eight. Galway has a population of 200,000 people and the Minister of State is telling me that 85 affordable houses will be built in the lifetime of this Government. This is not credible.
I will not be able to go back to Galway city and give the people there that message because there will be riots in the street. It is very disappointing. I plead with the Minister of State and his Department to contact the officials in Galway City Council and Galway County Council to work with them to see if we can provide more affordable housing. I have acknowledged in my contribution that there is significant social housing, but this should be looked at in comparison with Limerick or Cork. I have given the information on Cork and it is factual. I am disappointed with the Minister of State's answer.
With all due respect, the priorities around housing delivery in Galway City Council and Galway County Council are a matter for Galway City Council and Galway County Council. Our Government sets the policy agenda through Housing for All, but it is down to the local authority to strike the balance in respect of social and affordable housing delivery. That is a matter for the elected members of those councils to prioritise. Again, I stress the point that it goes back to the local authority. If the Senator feels that the local authorities are not delivering enough in that regard, it is really a matter for them to drive a more ambitious agenda. As I said in closing, our Department will not be found wanting in funding schemes. There is also the first home scheme and the affordable purchase scheme. We are delivering a range of schemes under Housing for All as well as Croí Cónaithe. There are other options available in respect of Town Centre First and infill delivery of housing. We should be looking at innovation in the urban centre. That is critical. Really, though, it is a matter for the local authority to set the agenda.
I will take back the points the Senator has raised to our Department for further engagement with the local authority and to try to achieve a greater balance and greater ambition because we will fund that ambition.
Wastewater Treatment
Before I get into my Commencement matter, I wish to let the Minister of State know that checktheregister.ie, which is under his stewardship, is not digitally accessible to the blind and visually impaired community in Ireland, so more than 150,000 people in Ireland cannot register to vote using the website. I urge the Minister of State to look at that as a matter of urgency. It came to my attention last week when a young person who was trying to register to vote was not able to do so. I do not expect the Minister of State to reply to that, but he might just take it back to the Department.
The Commencement matter I raise today is about a scheme that has been in the pipeline for more than two years. The scheme is ministerially led within the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to facilitate small communities that need wastewater sewerage schemes. One case in point in County Clare is Broadford. The village of Broadford has many people who want to invest in it, many people with money who have ideas as to what they would like to do with the village, and people who are prepared to build houses and to pay for that out of their own pockets. The problem, however, is that the system there has reached capacity and the answer they get back from Clare County Council is that it is premature pending the upgrading of the systems there.
We have a housing problem in this country. This is not the panacea that will resolve all the issues to do with housing but it would be a step in the right direction. It is all about taking steps in the right direction.
As for this scheme, there was an engagement with numerous representatives in Clare and the Minister, Deputy Darragh O'Brien, about a year and a half ago in the Department. He suggested this pilot scheme, and each local authority in the country, I understand, was written to and asked to nominate either one or two schemes. Clare County Council, like every other county council, submitted a scheme, and Broadford was the scheme that was submitted.
We are now three weeks away from the end of 2022. We expected that the successful schemes would be announced at this stage because the expressions of interest to the local authorities were sent out a number of months ago. I think the indication was that in September or October we would have confirmation as to what the successful schemes would be. Now we are moving into January and there has still been no announcement. The question, therefore, which is reasonable for people to ask, is when the successful applicants will be notified. Will the Minister of State give me a specific date? The people in Broadford are getting very nervous at this stage. This has been going on month after month and we do not have an announcement. This scheme will address one project or one town per county. In County Clare alone we have about 50 or 60 schemes that need upgrading.
There was a meeting in Doonbeg last night. Unfortunately, I could not make it, but it was a meeting of residents because the village water periodically stops and starts. We are talking about an area which has a huge tourist population as a result of the golf and leisure outlet there, whose name I will not mention. We are talking about 200 or 300 working there and thousands of people visiting it every year, yet the water system in the town is not fit for purpose and keeps breaking down. It is very unfair on the people living there 24-7, all year round. We really need to escalate the progression of these schemes in general. The pilot project announced by the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, is a start but it needs to get up and running because it will not be felt before the Government comes to an end. Will any of the schemes be done?
Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta as an gceist sin. As for checktheregister.ie, we meet and have met with the NCBI on a number of occasions, primarily to do with accessibility around polling stations and ballot papers. I was not aware of the issue the Senator raises.
I appreciate that.
Certainly, if there is an issue we need to correct, I will talk to officials in franchise to try to correct it because there has been fantastic uptake on checktheregister.ie.
Absolutely.
The last thing we want is to exclude anyone from the ability to register to vote.
I appreciate that.
If anything, it is quite the opposite, so again, I thank the Senator for raising that with me.
I thank the Senator for raising this issue also. I am aware of the demand for wastewater infrastructure in villages where there is no access to public infrastructure, including Galway, Clare and other areas around the country. The Department builds its strategic water policy and infrastructure delivery programmes around the national planning framework for 2018 to 2040 and the National Development Plan 2021-2030. Investment is delivered primarily through Irish Water, while my Department operates the rural water programme directly. The national planning framework supports proportionate growth of rural towns and villages to attract people to build their own homes and to live in these areas. The programme for Government includes a specific commitment for investment in wastewater services in villages - those not currently provided for under Irish Water's small towns and villages growth programme - including commitments for regeneration of these areas.
In response, the Minister, Darragh O'Brien, announced on 28 April 2022 a funding initiative to enable progressively the development of wastewater infrastructure in villages and settlements that do not have access to such public infrastructure. This initiative, an advance phase of the multi-annual rural water programme 2022-2025, is funded under the national development plan in conjunction with an appropriate local contribution. An allocation of €50 million for the measure has been committed for the period 2021 to 2025 under the plan. The measure was open to all rural local authorities to submit, on a priority basis, up to two applications for funding by the deadline of 15 September 2022. Twenty-three applications in total were received from 13 local authorities, including two from Clare County Council, namely, Broadford and Cooraclare.
The demonstration project model - the pilot scheme, as the Senator refers to it in his Commencement matter - allows for the development of appropriate longer term strategies and protocols and better informs future funding needs for the progressive development of public wastewater collection and treatment infrastructure in villages that are currently without these services. An expert panel is in place to support the evaluation process. In addition to providing an expert perspective, the panel brings independence, openness and transparency to the bids evaluation process. The panel's membership includes departmental, stakeholder and independent representations. The Department has recently completed validation of all the applications for funding. Arising from this, the panel is carrying out a detailed evaluation of all valid applications. Based on the recommendations of the panel, a report will be submitted for consideration and approval by the Minister.
That is where my script ends. I am not sure where the timeline is in that but I will come back and try to get a specific date as to when that evaluation process will be complete.
I am not looking for a specific date but I would like to think it will be in quarter 1 of 2023. It is right to put an evaluation panel in place. That is good governance, and I welcome that. I spoke about Broadford, but Cooraclare is a key scheme as well. I would also name Carrigaholt and Doolin.
No development of any significance can happen in Doolin - this has been the case for the past 15 to 20 years - simply because of the wastewater systems in the area. Some small development has taken place, but people have had to invest in systems themselves. Doolin is probably one of the biggest tourist attractions in the country because it is located next to the Cliffs of Moher. It is also the gateway to the Aran islands. Thousands of people visit Doolin each day during the summer. This scheme is welcome but it needs to be scaled-up as a matter of urgency.
We will come back with a timeline on that. Now that the validation and the applications are being processed, as the Senator indicated, the first quarter of 2023 would be reasonable in the context of the Minister submitting them. These projects will end up with Irish Water in order to be brought into operation. This is extremely important for tourism, local economic development and local communities. It is a key commitment of the Government to ensure that we have balanced regional development and that our rural communities can thrive into the future. That has to include water and wastewater infrastructure. We will respond to the Senator with a time line and ensure that these projects are prioritised.
I welcome our guests in the Public Gallery. They are sitting down just as the House is about to suspend.
Cuireadh an Seanad ar fionraí ar 12.02 p.m. agus cuireadh tús leis arís ar 12.30 p.m.
Sitting suspended at 12.02 p.m. and resumed at 12.30 p.m.