Written Answers Nos. 362-379
362. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of houses in Dublin North West; if he will provide a breakdown of the location of any houses that have been transferred by the National Asset Management Agency to the local authorities for the purpose of alleviating social housing needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44551/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, the Housing Agency and NAMA continue to work together with housing authorities and approved housing bodies towards identifying suitable NAMA housing units and bringing them into social housing use. It continues to be my Department's objective to maximise the delivery of social housing using all of the resources available. A breakdown by county of the units identified, deemed suitable and completed or contracted, at 30 September 2013, is shown in the table. Further data, including quarterly updates, in relation to the delivery of NAMA sourced units are available at the Housing Agency’s website; www.housing.ie/nama. My Department does not hold data on number s of houses o n a Dáil constituency basis.
|
County |
Identified |
Suitable |
Complete/Contracted |
|
Carlow |
137 |
82 |
55 |
|
Cavan |
47 |
- |
- |
|
Clare |
169 |
19 |
7 |
|
Cork |
471 |
271 |
36 |
|
Cork City |
419 |
202 |
53 |
|
Donegal |
95 |
59 |
|
|
Dublin City |
628 |
252 |
55 |
|
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown |
328 |
122 |
58 |
|
Fingal |
203 |
45 |
20 |
|
Galway |
84 |
44 |
|
|
Galway City |
117 |
117 |
45 |
|
Kerry |
90 |
52 |
15 |
|
Kildare |
243 |
97 |
57 |
|
Kilkenny |
167 |
96 |
- |
|
Laois |
98 |
10 |
- |
|
Leitrim |
35 |
- |
- |
|
Limerick |
112 |
9 |
9 |
|
Longford |
31 |
11 |
- |
|
Louth |
27 |
27 |
27 |
|
Mayo |
66 |
58 |
- |
|
Meath |
203 |
38 |
- |
|
Monaghan |
35 |
30 |
- |
|
North Tipperary |
13 |
- |
- |
|
Offaly |
79 |
64 |
- |
|
Roscommon |
91 |
1 |
- |
|
Sligo |
46 |
15 |
- |
|
South Dublin |
60 |
42 |
- |
|
South Tipperary |
24 |
- |
- |
|
Waterford |
65 |
27 |
- |
|
Westmeath |
42 |
29 |
4 |
|
Wexford |
90 |
74 |
2 |
|
Wicklow |
36 |
7 |
- |
|
Total |
4,351 |
1,900 |
443 |
363. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 188 of 22 May 2013, the steps being taken to assist those trapped in the shared ownership scheme; if the Government review on this matter has been completed; the steps that will be taken to assist the families affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44554/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s 2011 housing policy statement announced the standing down of all affordable housing schemes, including the shared ownership scheme, in the context of a full review of Part V of the Planning and Development Act. That review is available on my Department’s website (www.environ.ie) and the period for public submissions closed on 27 September 2013. Earlier in 2013, I asked the Housing Agency to conduct a stand-alone review of the shared ownership scheme, including identification of the main difficulties and recommendations for mitigating measures. I have received an interim draft of the review from the Agency and I intend to issue a circular letter to local authorities this month with preliminary recommendations arising from the review. A number of issues have been identified that need further detailed financial analysis in order fully to assess the impact on local authority finances of possible mitigating measures. This additional work is underway and I expect to make further determinations in the coming months.
364. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the capacity in litres for water storage on Cape Clear island, County Cork; the annual demand in litres for water on the island; when added capacity will be provided on the island in order that water will be provided on a 24 hour basis throughout the year rather than the present system where the water supply is turned off for 12 hours a day during dry spells; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44557/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Water Services Act 2007 provides that local authorities are responsible for the operation, maintenance and management of public water services. My Department’s Water Services Investment Programme 2010 – 2013, a copy of which is available in the Oireachtas library, includes a number of water conservation schemes for Cork County Council. Funding of over €23m is available to the Council for suitable projects for water main rehabilitation works, under the Water Conservation Stage 3 Works - Watermains Rehabilitation Project - Phase 1. To date, Cork County Council has been given approval for the rehabilitation of approximately 28km of water main in priority areas. In July 2013 the Council submitted a proposal to my Department for Water Main Rehabilitation Works for Cape Clear Water Supply Scheme and Crookstown Water Supply Scheme with an estimated cost of €3.14m. My Department approved this proposal in August 2013.
366. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the way the Dublin local authorities are to absorb the funding cuts by year end, so there is no pass on directly or indirectly to homeless services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44592/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides funding to housing authorities towards the operational costs of homeless accommodation and related services under Section 10 of the Housing Act 1988; €45 million is being made available by my Department to housing authorities in 2013 for this purpose. This amount represents a decrease of 3.32% on the 2012 outturn and this reduction has been applied on a pro-rata basis to each of the 9 homeless regional allocations for 2013. Housing authorities also provide funding from their own resources and the total available funding from my Department and housing authorities is expected to be approximately €50 million in 2013. In addition to this funding, in excess of €30 million is also provided annually through the HSE for health and personal social care related supports. The 2013 allocation to the Dublin Region is €31,322,223 which represents almost 70% of my Department's homeless budget. It is a matter for housing authorities to consider ongoing funding requirements of homeless services within the available allocations.
367. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to examine the senior alert scheme; if he will provide extra resources to help persons upgrade to enable them to use a mobile phone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44632/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Seniors Alert Scheme aims to encourage community support for vulnerable older people in our communities by providing grant assistance towards the purchase and installation of personal monitored alarms to enable older persons, of limited means, to continue to live securely in their homes with confidence, independence and peace of mind. The Scheme is administered by local community and voluntary groups with the support of my Department. The funding allocated to the Seniors Alert Scheme in 2013 is €2.35m and I intend to continue the Scheme in 2014. To date, my Department has only approved applications for personal monitored alarms connected to a landline. Personal monitored alarms are now available using mobile technology and my Department is currently examining these alternative systems including any resource implications. It would be a matter for the sponsoring community group to satisfy itself that a system using mobile technology provides reliable coverage in its area.
368. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if grant aid for radon remediation works will be made available to persons who live in radon black spots as established by the RPII. in view of the fact that persons in these areas who qualify for Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland grants under the better energy homes scheme face the problem of increased radon concentrations as a result of greater airtightness following the draught proofing of the house. [44646/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s approach to radon, which is similar to that of the majority of EU Member States, is to concentrate efforts on increasing public awareness of the risks posed by radon in the home. Through support for the RPII’s radon advice and awareness work, my Department is supporting efforts to raise public awareness of the risks posed by radon, particularly in the home. Householders, particularly those in known high radon areas, have been strongly encouraged to have their homes tested for radon and to undertake re mediation works where necessary. Since 1998, the Building Regulations require all new buildings to incorporate radon protection measures at the time of construction. In October 2004 an updated edition of Technical Guidance Document C on Part C of the Building Regulations (Site Preparation and Resistance to Moisture) was published incorporating enhanced radon prevention measures for new buildings commencing on or after 1 April 2005. This guidance document is aimed at ensuring that radon protection measures are carried out more effectively. Copies of the guidance documents are available on my Department’s website – www.environ.ie.
If a dwelling is found to have a high radon level, remediation work may be recommended. Technical guidance on radon remediation techniques is available in a booklet issued by my Department, Radon in Buildings - Corrective Options, which is also available on my Department’s website. The RPII has also issued guidance, Understanding Radon Remediation - A Householders Guide, which is available on the Institute’s website at www.rpii.ie, together with a list of companies who can provide a radon remediation service and offer specific advice and recommendations. In addition, the RPII can be contacted for radon advice on freephone 1800 300 600. An Inter-Agency Group, established in September 2011 under the leadership of my Department, has been tasked to develop a draft National Integrated Strategy for Radon Control. I expect to receive the draft National Integrated Strategy for Radon Control shortly.
I have no plans at present to establish a scheme of grant assistance for radon remediation.
370. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide in tabular form the number of new houses each local authority has acquired in each of the past ten years; if these houses were new builds or acquired through the National Asset Management Agency or any other available scheme; his plans to build or acquire new social housing over the next five years on a yearly basis. [44673/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department collates and publishes a wide range of housing and planning statistics that inform the preparation and evaluation of policy, and the data relating to the acquisition of houses by local authorities over the past ten years are available on my Department’s website www.environ.ie. The Government’s housing policy statement, published in June 2011, clearly identifies that the priority for Government will be to meet the most acute needs of households applying for social housing support.
I am determined to ensure that the social housing programme optimises the delivery of social housing and the return for the resources invested. To achieve this, it is essential that we tailor the use of available Exchequer supports to prevailing conditions and explore the full range of solutions to address housing needs. The financial parameters within which we will continue to operate rule out a return to large capital funded construction programmes. The Government is committed to responding more quickly and on a larger scale to social housing support needs through a variety of mechanisms, including through increased provision of social housing.
In July 2012 I announced details of a three-year funding programme of €100 million to deliver some 800 new units of voluntary and local authority owned social housing. I am monitoring expenditure under my Department’s housing programme for 2013, together with the level of contractual commitments extending into 2014, with a view to a decision later this year on approving some limited new construction and house purchases over the period to end 2014. In addition Budget 2014 provides for the allocation of a further €50 million to fund infrastructural investment primarily in the housing area, including €30 million to recommence a State house building programme; €10 million for an unfinished housing estate resolution project; and €10 million for housing adaptation grants. When this is taken into account, funding for housing for next year is effectively maintained at 2013 levels.
Delivery of social housing will also continue to be significantly facilitated through more flexible funding models such as the Rental Accommodation Scheme and leasing; other funding mechanisms to increase the supply of permanent new social housing will include options to purchase, build to lease and the sourcing of loan finance by approved housing bodies for construction and acquisition. In addition, my Department and the Housing Agency are engaged with NAMA to ensure continued delivery of housing units for social purposes. In spite of the current challenging circumstances, I expect the final output across all social housing programmes for 2013 to be in the region of 5,000 new housing units, and it is provisionally estimated that in the region of 5,000 units will be provided for social housing in 2014.
371. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update regarding the announcement made on 19 July 2012 that his Department would allocate €100 million for social housing, which would result in the provision of 800 new units across the country; the number of units that have been completed in each local authority area; and his views on the way this will impact on the 500 new units that were announced in budget 2014. [44674/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith a view to making optimum use of the capital funding available under the housing programme over the 2012-14 period, I announced funding of €100 million in July 2012 for a 3-year housing construction and acquisition programme to deliver some 800 new units of social housing by end 2014. This included a construction programme which is currently underway for 185 local authority houses and 111 houses for special needs accommodation for the voluntary sector. The 3-year construction programme is on-going at present and is expected be completed by end 2014. The funding also provided for the acquisition of built properties with some 246 units to be delivered through the local authorities and a further 266 units to be acquired by Approved Housing Bodies (AHB’s) and funded under the Capital Assistance Scheme (CAS).
Earlier in 2012 I announced separate capital allocations to city and county councils which included some €59 million for the local authority housing construction and acquisitions programme and a further € 4 6 million for the provision of accommodation by AHB’s. It is not possible to disaggregate the numbers of housing units delivered under each of the two allocations announced in 2012. Data in relation to the overall numbers of local authority housing units delivered, including completion figures for local authorities and the voluntary and co-operative housing programmes funded by my Department, are available on my Department’s website, www.environ.ie. It is expected that the recently announced €30 million additional investment in social housing will deliver 500 homes for families on the housing waiting list.
372. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will make the necessary changes to the configuration of homeless services which creates a strict division between Dublin and Wicklow in view of the close relationship between the towns of Dún Laoghaire and Bray. [44675/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe regionalisation of homelessness services follows ministerial directions, made in 2010 under the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, on the establishment and membership of the Joint Homeless Consultative Fora and Management Groups. These regional fora are based on the statutory local government regions, with the internal division of the Border region into North East and North West regions. Under these arrangements Dun Laoghaire is in the Dublin Region while Bray is in the Mid-East Region.
The regional approach is considered more appropriate as it helps to bring a more strategic perspective to bear on action to address homelessness, including avoidance of over-concentration of homelessness services in certain centres and promoting appropriate regional availability of services, consistent with need. It does not however impinge on responsibilities of housing authorities arising under the Housing Act 1988. In addition, and in accordance with Section 40 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, a housing authority may consult any housing authority in the adjoining administrative area during the preparation of its draft homelessness action plan.
373. Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the legislation that will put the Pyrite Resolution Board on a statutory footing will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44682/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has recently approved, for drafting as a matter of priority, a revised general scheme to provide for the establishment of the Pyrite Resolution Board. My Department will be working with the Parliamentary Counsel to ensure that the Bill is published at the earliest possible date and I hope to bring the legislation to the Oireachtas in this term.
374. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide in tabular form a breakdown by county of the number of housing adaption grants distributed in 2010, 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013; the amount of money spent per annum; the number awaiting decision in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44687/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department’s involvement in the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability relates primarily to the recoupment of a proportion of local authority expenditure on the payment of the individual grants. The grants schemes are funded by 80% recoupment available from my Department together with a 20% contribution from the resources of the local authority. It is a matter for each local authority to determine how the funding is apportioned between the various grant measures and to manage the operation of the schemes in their areas from within the allocations provided by my Department. The detailed information requested in relation to the number of applications on hands awaiting decision in local authorities is not available in my Department. Information in relation to capital allocations and the number of grants paid over the period 2010 to date is set out in the following table:
|
County/City Council |
2010 Amount |
No. of Grants |
2011 Amount |
No. of Grants |
2012 Amount |
No. of Grants |
2013 (to end Sept) |
No. of Grants |
|
Carlow |
€1,868,125 |
205 |
€1,974,014 |
257 |
€1,474,014 |
192 |
€792,601 |
54 |
|
Cavan |
€1,875,000 |
195 |
€1,875,000 |
186 |
€1,312,500 |
154 |
€1,101,059 |
67 |
|
Clare |
€3,125,000 |
443 |
€3,581,250 |
509 |
€1,375,690 |
173 |
€1,546,858 |
75 |
|
Cork |
€8,112,584 |
1244 |
€6,928,524 |
1108 |
€8,286,734 |
1347 |
€4,768,653 |
128 |
|
Donegal |
€4,600,000 |
674 |
€1,066,549 |
334 |
€1,019,396 |
206 |
€972,610 |
80 |
|
Dun Laoghaire |
€2,135,000 |
247 |
€1,011,964 |
153 |
€1,110,603 |
141 |
€925,589 |
70 |
|
Fingal |
€2,625,000 |
298 |
€2,278,391 |
262 |
€2,072,365 |
232 |
€1,825,435 |
117 |
|
Galway |
€2,375,000 |
469 |
€2,683,750 |
571 |
€2,375,000 |
511 |
€1,797,623 |
256 |
|
Kerry |
€4,061,250 |
742 |
€4,509,023 |
774 |
€3,257,865 |
609 |
€1,697,533 |
186 |
|
Kildare |
€3,750,000 |
547 |
€3,565,285 |
457 |
€2,025,000 |
270 |
€2,174,873 |
54 |
|
Kilkenny |
€1,867,500 |
300 |
€2,633,914 |
380 |
€1,867,500 |
249 |
€1,488,633 |
110 |
|
Laois |
€1,830,000 |
309 |
€1,171,093 |
212 |
€1,084,828 |
224 |
€481,033 |
65 |
|
Leitrim |
€1,637,500 |
186 |
€671,866 |
118 |
€693,805 |
108 |
€287,326 |
16 |
|
Limerick |
€1,933,750 |
387 |
€2,134,811 |
327 |
€1,723,455 |
276 |
€1,587,391 |
158 |
|
Longford |
€1,250,000 |
282 |
€1,250,000 |
238 |
€1,243,575 |
193 |
€721,750 |
125 |
|
Louth |
€2,695,625 |
244 |
€1,242,968 |
151 |
€1,186,265 |
78 |
€1,203,835 |
25 |
|
Mayo |
€3,720,000 |
848 |
€2,843,000 |
639 |
€2,575,216 |
622 |
€2,700,505 |
392 |
|
Meath |
€1,464,096 |
202 |
€1,483,803 |
134 |
€1,072,208 |
125 |
€624,431 |
17 |
|
Monaghan |
€2,080,000 |
229 |
€1,562,500 |
199 |
€1,500,000 |
228 |
€889,661 |
80 |
|
North Tipperary |
€1,676,250 |
244 |
€1,641,511 |
196 |
€1,200,000 |
154 |
€622,424 |
52 |
|
Offaly |
€2,250,000 |
163 |
€1,757,500 |
132 |
€875,000 |
57 |
€689,579 |
54 |
|
Roscommon |
€2,750,000 |
384 |
€1,888,750 |
291 |
€979,251 |
151 |
€770,746 |
51 |
|
Sligo |
€1,843,750 |
273 |
€1,485,768 |
221 |
€1,383,528 |
222 |
*€429,100 |
24 |
|
South Dublin |
€4,750,000 |
390 |
€1,582,073 |
220 |
€2,228,309 |
275 |
€1,536,265 |
151 |
|
South Tipperary |
€3,125,000 |
358 |
€3,500,000 |
422 |
€3,111,714 |
331 |
€1,321,578 |
74 |
|
Waterford |
€1,702,500 |
217 |
€1,500,294 |
168 |
€994,766 |
137 |
€473,745 |
27 |
|
Westmeath |
€1,854,963 |
321 |
€1,330,789 |
226 |
€988,155 |
181 |
€653,376 |
81 |
|
Wexford |
€3,276,875 |
520 |
€2,774,524 |
449 |
€2,691,773 |
429 |
€1,338,340 |
105 |
|
Wicklow |
€2,437,313 |
224 |
€1,186,760 |
144 |
€954,794 |
120 |
€679,126 |
42 |
|
Cork City |
€2,707,916 |
403 |
€2,737,916 |
487 |
€1,749,741 |
143 |
€1,864,500 |
255 |
|
Dublin City |
€14,125,000 |
1589 |
€8,689,330 |
1112 |
€9,518,318 |
1237 |
€5,512,886 |
644 |
|
Galway City |
€1,226,666 |
80 |
€1,043,588 |
182 |
€1,090,853 |
173 |
€521,880 |
68 |
|
Limerick City |
€1,525,000 |
374 |
€2,048,750 |
369 |
€1,900,000 |
320 |
€1,164,070 |
157 |
|
Waterford City |
€872,500 |
216 |
€875,403 |
152 |
€827,781 |
136 |
€442,413 |
50 |
|
Totals |
€99,131,173 |
13807 |
€78,512,672 |
11780 |
€67,752,014 |
10004 |
€45,180,337 |
3910 |
*includes Sligo Borough
375. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will outline the full-year effect of all expenditure reductions for his Department as set out in the expenditure report 2014 and as was provided for in the expenditure report 2013. [44745/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is set out in the following table:
|
Measure |
Savings in 2014 € million |
Savings in full year € million |
|
Housing Rescheduling of recoupment of local authority loan charges (Capital Loan and Subsidy Scheme) |
15 |
0 |
|
Legal Costs Savings on Legal costs |
4 |
4 |
|
Administrative Efficiencies The Department will achieve further efficiencies and savings in administration costs in 2014. |
2 |
2 |
|
Total |
21 |
6 |
376. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if a new national volunteering strategy is currently being formulated as a departmental policy document; if such a policy document being prepared will seek input from the community and voluntary sector through a public consultation mechanism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44761/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraDuring 2013, the Department commenced a review of its current policy to support volunteer centres with a view to development of a Departmental policy on volunteering. The aim is to have a consistent and sustainable nationwide approach to supporting and promoting volunteering. As part of the process, my Department engaged Volunteering Ireland, the national volunteer development agency, to produce a status report on volunteer centres and volunteering in Ireland, which my Department received in June 2013. My Department also conducted an extensive series of meetings with the main stakeholders, Volunteering Ireland, volunteer centre boards, managers and staff between June and September. Following on from this engagement with the sector, the intention is to produce a draft policy for consultation by year end.
377. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is satisfied that existing planning laws are adequate to ensure that local communities will not be adversely affected by the location of high-output wind farms, that such developments are sufficiently distant from residential or institutional accommodation, that the danger of shadow noise, shimmer, electromagnetic or other interference can be sufficiently addressed to the satisfaction of local communities, whether any further provisions are likely to be governed by guidelines, statutory regulations or instruments or otherwise, if strict adherence to environment impact requirements will be observed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44823/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department issued detailed Guidelines to planning authorities in 2006 in relation to the assessment of proposed wind farm developments. These Guidelines offer advice to planning authorities on planning for wind energy through the development plan process and in determining applications for planning permission. The guidelines are also intended to ensure a consistency of approach throughout the country in the identification of suitable locations for wind energy development and the treatment of planning applications for such developments. While I am generally satisfied with the operation of these Guidelines, my Department is currently undertaking a targeted review of the Guidelines focusing on noise, proximity and shadow flicker. The indicative timetable for the publication of the draft statutory guidelines is Quarter 4 2013. The draft guidelines will – like all other new or revised guidelines – go out for extensive public consultation for a period of 6 weeks to 2 months, to allow for publication of the final guidelines in 2014. Once the consultation period is closed, the submissions received on the draft guidelines will be considered and taken into account in the final form of the guidelines.
378. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of locations at which planning permission has been granted for electricity generating wind farms; if he is satisfied that the planning process was sufficiently and adequately observed to assuage the concerns of local communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44824/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not collate the specific statistical data requested. With regard to whether the planning process was observed in each instance, the enforcement of the conditions attached to a planning permission is a matter for the relevant planning authority and I have no role in that regard. As Minister I am precluded, under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, from involvement in relation to any individual planning application or appeal with which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála is or may be concerned.
379. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the position regarding Gweedore sewerage scheme in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44825/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Gweedore Sewerage Scheme is included in my Department’s Water Services Investment Programme 2010 - 2013 as a scheme to commence construction during the lifetime of the Programme. Donegal County Council has recently submitted the Contract Documents for the scheme to my Department for approval. These are under examination and a decision will be made as soon as possible.
