Written Answers Nos. 624-644
624. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the planned capital expenditure in each year up to 2020 for social housing build through local authorities. [26027/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Housing Strategy 2020, published in November 2014, sets out clear, measurable actions and targets to increase the supply of social housing, reform delivery arrangements and meet the housing needs of all households on the housing list. The Strategy will support an additional 35,000 new units to be delivered by local authorities and approved housing bodies through a combination of building, purchase and leasing schemes at an estimated cost of €3.8bn.
Ambitious targets have been set for local authorities in respect of this delivery to 2017, with the announcement on 1 April 2015 of allocations of over €1.5 billion.
Together with Minister of State Coffey, I announced €312 million of funding on 5 May 2015 for the first phase of a direct build local authority construction programme, which will result in an additional 1,700 social housing units by 2017. Details are available on my Department's website at the following links:http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/News/MainBody,41016,en.htm and http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/News/MainBody,41340,en.htm.
Further announcements of new unit delivery under the Capital Assistance Scheme and the broader social housing investment programmes will be made in the coming weeks and months.
626. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide an update on the work being carried out by the working group, led by his Department, in relation to treatment plants and septic tanks in housing estates that are due to be taken in charge by the local authority. [26032/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, as part of a wider overhaul of the taking in charge process, is seeking to determine the number of residential developments with developer provided stand-alone wastewater treatment plants and/or water treatment systems that are not connected to public water and waste water networks. Many of the developments in question have not yet been taken in charge by the relevant local authority because they are unfinished. In some cases the developments may be completed but not to the standards required under the planning permissions granted. My Department is engaged on a pilot project focusing on the situation in a number of local authority areas in order to get a clear overview of the nature of the problems which exist in the developments in question, and identifying possible solutions and the costs of alleviating those problems. The information garnered from the pilot project will be used by my Department to inform the development of a co-ordinated approach to the taking-in charge by local authorities of developments with developer provided water services infrastructure and, where appropriate, the transfer of such infrastructure to Irish Water. The participating local authorities have provided information regarding developments with developer-provided waste water treatment plans in their functional areas. This information is currently being analysed, with consideration being given to the various remediation options available, depending on the location and size of the development and the nature and condition of the treatment system in place.
627. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will provide, in tabular form, the social housing targets issued to local authorities by his Department for the period 2015 to 2017, detailing the total number of units to be delivered by each council and the breakdown of these units by construction and acquisition, social housing current expenditure programme and rental accommodation scheme; if he will provide the housing assistance payment targets for each relevant local authority for the period 2015 to 2017; and when those local authorities which do not currently have housing assistance payment targets will be provided with these targets. [26147/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Housing Strategy 2020 targets the provision of over 110,000 social housing units, through the delivery of 35,000 new social housing units and meeting the housing needs of some 75,000 households through the Housing Assistance Payment and Rental Accommodation Scheme.
Social housing targets have been set for each local authority out to 2017 and are available on my Department's website at the following link: http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/News/MainBody,41016,en.htm.
A further breakdown of these targets has been provided to the local authorities, details of which are as follows:
|
Local Authority |
Local Authority build and acquisition/ Approved Housing Body via the Capital Assistance Scheme/ Return of vacant properties |
Social Housing Current Expenditure Programme |
Rental Accommodation Scheme |
||
|
2015/ 1 7 |
2015 |
2016/7 |
2015 |
2016/7 |
|
|
Carlow County Council |
94 |
65 |
195 |
40 |
41 |
|
Cavan County Council |
60 |
25 |
58 |
53 |
44 |
|
Clare County Council |
124 |
75 |
215 |
57 |
58 |
|
Cork City Council |
643 |
128 |
365 |
105 |
108 |
|
Cork County Council |
401 |
170 |
494 |
75 |
77 |
|
DLR County Council |
316 |
75 |
138 |
75 |
77 |
|
Donegal County Council |
170 |
65 |
179 |
46 |
47 |
|
Dublin City Council |
1498 |
425 |
1201 |
110 |
113 |
|
Fingal County Council |
396 |
200 |
557 |
110 |
113 |
|
Galway City Council |
136 |
90 |
251 |
20 |
21 |
|
Galway County Council |
144 |
80 |
230 |
80 |
74 |
|
Kerry County Council |
304 |
130 |
367 |
127 |
130 |
|
Kildare County Council |
433 |
180 |
508 |
80 |
82 |
|
Kilkenny County Council |
215 |
103 |
310 |
39 |
19 |
|
Laois County Council |
158 |
35 |
145 |
15 |
13 |
|
Leitrim County Council |
20 |
20 |
38 |
20 |
21 |
|
Limerick City and County |
293 |
100 |
291 |
34 |
35 |
|
Longford County Council |
34 |
35 |
79 |
30 |
32 |
|
Louth County Council |
288 |
115 |
328 |
23 |
24 |
|
Mayo County Council |
146 |
50 |
137 |
115 |
118 |
|
Meath County Council |
134 |
75 |
209 |
50 |
51 |
|
Monaghan County Council |
55 |
30 |
79 |
20 |
21 |
|
Offaly County Council |
75 |
73 |
207 |
15 |
15 |
|
Roscommon County Council |
25 |
15 |
3 |
55 |
54 |
|
Sligo County Council |
101 |
20 |
48 |
65 |
67 |
|
Sth Dublin County Council |
350 |
200 |
561 |
165 |
169 |
|
Tipperary County Council |
287 |
90 |
252 |
100 |
103 |
|
Waterford City and County |
164 |
120 |
336 |
69 |
71 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
148 |
72 |
226 |
52 |
44 |
|
Wexford County Council |
114 |
89 |
251 |
110 |
113 |
|
Wicklow County Council |
156 |
50 |
142 |
45 |
45 |
Under capital funding provided by my Department, local authorities will build and acquire social housing units, support approved housing bodies to provide units via the Capital Assistance Scheme for special needs situations and support the return of vacant properties to productive use.
Social Housing units under the Social Housing Current Expenditure Programme (SHCEP) are delivered through:
- local Authority units leased or rented;
- approved Housing Body units constructed, acquired or leased; and
- NAMA special purpose vehicle owned units.
The implementation of the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a key Government priority and a major pillar of the Social Housing Strategy 2020. The HAP scheme will bring all social housing supports provided by the State under the aegis of local authorities. The scheme will remove a barrier to employment by allowing recipients to remain in the scheme if they gain full-time employment. HAP will also improve regulation of the rented accommodation being supported and provide certainty for landlords as regards their rental income.
Further to the enactment of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 on 28 July 2014, the first phase of the HAP statutory pilot commenced with effect from 15 September 2014 in Limerick City and County Council, Waterford City and County Council and Cork County Council. HAP commenced in Louth, Kilkenny, South Dublin and Monaghan County Councils from 1 October 2014. Subsequently, on 18 December 2014, Dublin City Council became part of the statutory HAP pilot, with a specific focus on accommodating homeless households. Dublin City Council is implementing the HAP pilot for homeless households in the Dublin region on behalf of all 4 Dublin local authorities.
The second phase of the HAP statutory pilot has recently commenced with the HAP scheme becoming operational in Donegal County Council on 25 May 2015, in Offaly County Council on the 15 June, 2015 and in Carlow, Clare and Tipperary County Councils and Cork City Council on 29 June 2015. Consideration is currently being given to the introduction of HAP to further local authorities on an incremental basis later this year. As the scheme is still in a pilot phase and is being rolled out incrementally, specific targets have not been set for each local authority area. However the provision of HAP in these additional local authorities will assist in achieving the 2015 HAP delivery target of 8, 400 households supported by the scheme, as set out in the Strategy.
The Social Housing Strategy 2020 sets ambitious targets for the rollout of HAP across all local authorities. Specifically, the Strategy requires that all eligible households that require HAP will transition to the new scheme between 2014 and 2020. As such, all other local authorities will be included in further phases of the rollout of HAP.
628. Deputy John Deasy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the obligations that apply to the provision of social housing when it comes to Part V planning permissions for private developments; if the 20% requirement can be exceeded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26185/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 94 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, provides that each planning authority shall include a housing strategy in its development plan. The housing strategy shall include an estimate of the amount of social and affordable housing provision required. A housing strategy shall provide that as a general policy a specified percentage, not being more than 20 per cent, of the land zoned for residential use, or for a mixture of residential and other uses, shall be reserved under this Part for the provision of housing for the purposes of either or both social and affordable housing.
The Part V provisions do not prevent any person (including a local authority ) from using more than 20 per cent of land zoned for residential use, or for a mixture of residential and other uses, for the provision of social and affordable housing.
With the substantial fall off in private construction, very little social housing is currently being provided under Part V. Informed by a recent review of the Part V provisions, which included a public consultation process, my Department has incorporated the required legislative changes into the Urban Regeneration and Housing Bill 2015 which is currently before the Oireachtas.
The Bill provides that the percentage of land that must be provided for social and affordable housing in a housing development comprising in excess of 9 units will be 10 per cent. In the operation of these revised Part V arrangements, the priority will be to secure social housing units on-site.
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]
Amharc ar fhreagraPart B (Fire safety) of the Building Regulations, and the accompanying Technical Guidance Document B, sets down clearly the statutory minimum standards of fire safety provision which must be achieved when a new building is designed and constructed or when an existing building is subject to works involving an extension or a material alteration.
A Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) is also required before construction work commences and it may be illegal to operate a building without having a valid fire safety certificate in place where one is required. In addition, section 18(2) of the Fire Services Act 1981 (as amended) imposes a duty on the persons in control of a premises to ensure the safety of persons on the premises in the event of a potential outbreak of fire. Where the Fire Authority (in this case Kildare County Council) has concerns regarding the fire safety arrangements of a building, it may require the owner to carry out a fire safety assessment of the premises.
Building owners, in this case the directors or trustees of the community organisation concerned, are responsible for ensuring compliance with statutory requirements in relation to fire safety and, beyond statutory requirements, have a general duty of care in relation to the safety of persons in or around their property.
My Department does not provide financial assistance along the lines suggested.
630. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the statutory entitlements for county councillors regarding sick leave and sick pay (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26211/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraA range of financial supports are in place to assist councillors in their work. These include an annual representational payment of €16,565, annual expenses allowances, a mobile phone allowance, and allowances for Chairs.
The representational payment is recognition of the work that councillors volunteer to undertake when they stand for election and subsequently serve their community. It is not, and was never meant to be, a salary. Elected members have a commitment to their role that extends beyond financial matters; while councillors know that the representational payment is not fully commensurate with their workload, they continue to undertake their functions with an admirable degree of dedication.
Significant changes have been made to local government structures by the provisions of the Local Government Reform Act 2014. I have recently initiated a review in relation to the operation of the new structures and arrangements generally. This appraisal is being undertaken by a broadly representative Advisory Group and a Forum for engagement with the Association of Irish Local Government. The review will provide a sound evidence base upon which to consider any further changes to the operation of the local government system in Ireland.
I have no doubt that the workload of local authority members in the context of the new structures, and the associated financial arrangements, will arise for consideration in the course of the review and full account will be taken of all views expressed on this, and other matters, as the work proceeds.
No provision is made in the Local Government Acts regarding the specific issues referred to by the Deputy. Questions relating to entitlements under welfare legislation arising from PRSI contributions are a matter for my colleague the Minister for Social Protection.
632. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if properties owned by Dublin City Council which are on their vacant property list will be subject to the vacant site levy. [26297/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra633. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason the provisions in the Urban Regeneration and Housing Bill 2015 which assist in the necessary alleviation of the housing crisis, notably the vacant site levy in Part 2, only come into operation in January 2019, in view of the gravity of the crisis and the need for immediate action on this issue. [26298/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra634. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to introduce legislation to help solve the housing crisis. [26299/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 632 to 634, inclusive, together.
The Urban Regeneration and Housing Bill 2015, which was approved by Government and published earlier this month, is primarily focused on addressing housing supply-related issues with a view to facilitating increased activity in the housing construction sector, particularly in the Dublin area where demand currently outstrips supply.
The main provisions in the Bill relate to:
- the introduction of measures aimed at encouraging the development of vacant, underutilised sites in urban areas,
- amendments to the Part V provisions of the Planning and Development Acts to support the provision of social housing, and
- the introduction of revised arrangements relating to the application of development contributions by planning authorities.
The measures provided for in the Bill are set in the context of the Government's Construction 2020 strategy, which sets out a broad package of measures designed to support a sustainable level of activity in the construction sector and secure an increase in the supply of housing.
A key measure of the Bill is the introduction of a vacant site levy aimed at incentivising the development of vacant, underutilised sites in central urban areas for residential or regeneration development. Under the provisions of the Bill, the levy will be charged on the registered owners of vacant sites at a rate of 3% of the market value of each site, with reduced or zero rates applying in specific circumstances.
The Bill contains an amendment to section 23 of the Derelict Sites Act 1990 to provide that derelict site levy shall not be payable in respect of any land of which the vacant site levy is payable under the Urban Regeneration and Housing Bill, when enacted. This provision is intended to ensure that no double levy situation arises in the case of any individual site in respect of which the vacant site levy is being applied by a planning authority.
The Bill provides that planning authorities shall commence charging the vacant site levy from 1 January 2019 in respect of vacant sites entered on the vacant site register on 1 January 2018 i.e. it is charged in arrears. The deferral until 2019 of the commencement of charging the levy is intended to allow site owners sufficient time and opportunity to obtain planning permission and initiate development or alternatively sell their sites in order to avoid becoming liable to the levy. This ultimately facilitates the achievement of the primary objective of the measure which is to bring these sites forward for residential or regeneration development.
638. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his views on reforming eligibility for postal votes to include those who are away from home for non-work purposes or who are abroad for work or study purposes. [26311/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn order to be able to vote at elections and referendums, a person's name must be entered in the register of electors for a constituency in the State in which the person ordinarily resides.
Postal voting is provided for in electoral law in respect of certain categories of person who are entered in the register of electors - whole-time members of the Defence Forces; members of An Garda Síochána; Irish diplomats serving abroad and their spouses or civil partners; electors living at home who are unable to vote because of a physical illness or a physical disability; electors whose occupation, service or employment makes it likely that they will be unable to vote in person at their local polling station on polling day and full-time students registered at their home who are living elsewhere while attending an educational institution in the State; certain election staff employed at the poll outside the constituency where they reside; and electors who because of the circumstances of their detention in prison pursuant to an order of a court are likely to be unable to go in person on polling day to vote.
While electoral law is subject to ongoing review, I have no proposals at present to extend existing arrangements for postal voting. In responding to the recommendation of the Constitution on the Convention in their fourth report that there should be greater access to postal voting, the Government proposed that an electoral commission be tasked in due course with considering the issue and advising in detail on the electoral and operational implications, including costs, of implementing change in this area.
639. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 16 of 11 June 2015, the substantial progress made under the revitalising areas by planning, investment and development, RAPID, programme in identifying the needs of disadvantaged communities and in bringing forward important local projects in response to those needs; the projects that have been brought forward; if these projects have been brought to fruition in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26346/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I stated previously, my Department has continued to meet its existing contractual commitments on RAPID projects throughout the country.
RAPID leverage schemes were initiated in 2004 by the Department in order to support small-scale projects identified locally by the Area Implementation Teams in each of the RAPID areas. These schemes were co-funded by the relevant agencies and funded projects that focused on estate enhancement, graffiti clean-up, traffic calming, CCTV, health and sports facilities, and the provision of playgrounds.
Larger scale local proposals were responded to through Government prioritisation of RAPID areas in the use of mainstream departmental resources and in the allocation of funds such as Dormant Accounts, the Sports Capital Programme and the Community-Based CCTV Programme.
There is now just one remaining measure under the RAPID programme, which accounts for unpaid commitments, namely the sports capital top-ups. In 2015, I allocated funding of €500,000 for sports capital projects under the programme and these are being jointly funded with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. Drawdown to date has been €52,000 with further drawdowns anticipated over the remainder of the year.
The management of individual schemes under the Sports Capital Programme is a matter for the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.
As previously stated, the RAPID programme has made substantial progress in identifying the needs of disadvantaged communities and in bringing forward many important local projects in response to those needs, and should additional resources become available, further consideration can be given to suitable expenditure to benefit RAPID areas in ensuring that priority attention is given to tackling the spatial concentration of poverty and social exclusion in areas covered by the programme.
640. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to fund Traveller specific accommodation in the years 2015 to 2020m respectively; and if he will provide details of the allocation of this funding. [26347/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra641. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the average cost of the delivery of a unit of Traveller specific housing. [26348/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra642. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to ensure the draw-down by local authorities of funding for Traveller accommodation; and the steps he will take to discourage failure to use this funding, as has happened in previous years. [26349/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 640 to 642, inclusive, together.
In accordance with the Housing (Traveller Accommodation) Act 1998, housing authorities have statutory responsibility for the assessment of the accommodation needs of Travellers and the preparation, adoption and implementation of multi-annual Traveller accommodation programmes in their areas. My Department’s role is to ensure that there are adequate structures and supports in place to assist the authorities in providing such accommodation, including a national framework of policy, legislation and funding.
In 2014, local authorities adopted the fourth round of Traveller Accommodation Programmes in 2014, with the five-year rolling accommodation programmes running from 2014 to 2018. These programmes provide a road map for local authority investment priorities over the period. They also form the basis for the allocation of funding from my Department for traveller accommodation, on foot of proposals received from local authorities and subject to approval from my Department.
2015 capital allocations in respect of traveller specific accommodation have issued to local authorities. The bulk of the funding was allocated in respect of schemes already under construction, new schemes approved to commence construction in 2015 and to meet final balances on completed schemes. The balance of funding is towards projects that will be newly approved during 2015. Details of the 2015 allocations are available on my Department's website at the following link:http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/SpecialNeeds/Travellers/News/MainBody,41970,en.htm. As funding is subject to the Annual Estimates process, there are no forward annual allocations.
The implementation of the traveller accommodation programme of each local authority, including the drawdown of funds is, in accordance with the above-mentioned Act, a matter for the authorities themselves. Local authorities are requested to submit quarterly profiles of expenditure to my Department and these are closely monitored against actual expenditure. If, during the year, a difficulty is identified in drawing down the funding allocated for a particular scheme, it will then be allocated to another scheme.
As regards the average cost of a unit of traveller specific accommodation, unit costs vary significantly due to the nature of traveller specific accommodation, as well as the differing needs of families. In the case of permanent halting sites, costs can vary due to the difference in site costs and other additional works required as part of the development of the site, including accommodating the families off-site during the construction phase. In the case of a house in a group scheme, it is difficult to determine an average cost as the size of the unit provided can vary across and within schemes. Also, other factors can impact on costs, such as difficulty in obtaining suitable sites close to services and amenities. All of these variables have a bearing on unit costs and proposals are assessed by my Department on a case-by-case basis.
643. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 597 of 23 June 2015, if he will provide a breakdown of the dispersal of the environment fund for the years 2012 to 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26351/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe proceeds of the environmental levy on the supply of plastic bags, collected by the Revenue Commissioners, and the environmental levy on the landfilling of waste, collected by local authorities, are both paid into the Environment Fund. The Environment Fund was established by the Waste Management (Amendment) Act 2001 and came into effect from 17 July 2001, to be managed and controlled by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.
Funding from the Environment Fund can be used for environmental activities or initiatives across a range of areas including, inter alia:
- schemes to prevent/reduce waste and waste recovery activities;
- research and development into waste management;
- production, distribution or sale of products deemed to be less harmful to the environment than other similar products;
- development of producer initiatives to prevent/reduce waste arising from their activities;
- promotion of awareness of the need to protect the environment, including national and regional campaigns;
- promotion/support of education and training to assist achievement of campaign objectives;
- initiatives undertaken by community groups and others for protection of the environment;
- initiatives undertaken by international organisations and others for protection of the environment and/or sustainable development; and
- such other purposes for the protection of the environment as may be prescribed by the Minister in regulations.
Details of expenditure from the Environment Fund in 2012 and 2013 are contained in the published accounts, as audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General. These Annual Accounts can be found on my Department's website at the following links:
http://www.environ.ie/en/Environment/Waste/EnvironmentFund/PublicationsDocuments/FileDownLoad,40050,en.pdf.
http://www.environ.ie/en/Environment/Waste/EnvironmentFund/PublicationsDocuments/FileDownLoad,35069,en.pdf.
The 2014 Accounts are currently in preparation and will also be published on my Department's website once the audit process is completed.
644. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is aware that the members of Sligo County Council, by majority vote on 8 June 2015, resolved to provide funding of €55,000 per annum for Ireland West Airport Knock over a 30 year period, in accordance with a memorandum of understanding with Mayo County Council and subject to Sligo County Council's five-year financial plan being agreed with his Department; that when a request for a copy of the memorandum of understanding was made at the Sligo County Council meeting the elected representatives were informed by the council executive that there was no memorandum of understanding; if Sligo County Council requires approval from his Department to commit to funding the airport over a 30 year period; if his Department will approve such a decision given that there is no memorandum of understanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26370/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is a matter for each local authority to determine its own spending priorities in the context of the annual budgetary process having regard to both locally identified needs and available resources. The elected members of a local authority have direct responsibility in law for all reserved functions of the authority, which includes adopting the annual budget, and are democratically accountable for all expenditure by the local authority.
The Local Government Act 2001 (s106) requires borrowings by a local authority to be sanctioned by the "appropriate Minister". The role of my Department in the loan application sanctioning process is primarily to provide the lead Department, in this case the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, with observations on the suitability of sanctioning the loan from a General Government Balance and a financial and affordability perspective. This includes an examination of the ability of the authority to service the new debt without impacting on the provision of services the authority are bound to provide. In the case of Sligo County Council, the agreement of a financial plan to address the serious issues surrounding the continued deterioration of the authority’s financial position would be an important factor in this financial assessment.
