Eoghan Murphy
Ceist:531. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the revitalisation of rural communities. [41312/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraRural Development Policy
Ceisteanna (531)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, I am fully committed to supporting the development of rural Ireland through advancing the implementation of the Commission on the Economic Development of Rural Areas (CEDRA) Report recommendations, including working with Government Departments to maximise the financial resources already available for rural development and ensuring that these resources are directed in a way that best supports the sustainable economic development of rural areas.
In relation to the specific activity referred to in the Question, the LEADER element of the Rural Development Programme 2014–2020 will provide €250 million in financial resources to support the development of sustainable rural communities and the type of activity he refers to may be funded under that programme. As LEADER is a community led approach to development, it is, however, up to individual communities, through their Local Action Groups, to identify the priority investment projects in their areas, including decisions on the type of investment referred to by the Deputy.
In line with the objectives of the CEDRA report, I also recently announced an additional €30 million investment package for rural Ireland, which will be rolled out over the coming months. This funding will support the revitalisation of towns and villages with a view to improving the living and working environment in these communities and enhancing their potential to support increased economic activity into the future. The initiative will be channelled through the local authorities and details of the application process will be available over the coming weeks. It may be possible under this initiative to fund elements of the type of activity referred to in the Question.
Local Authority Functions
Ceisteanna (532)
Anne Ferris
Ceist:532. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his plans to issue guidance or direction to local authorities regarding the removal of hundreds of out of date public infrastructure development signs littering the countryside, much of it dating back two decades or longer, given that the signage materials and poles are manufactured from metal that has a recycling value; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41316/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department will issue a request to local authorities at the first suitable opportunity to remove signage relating to public infrastructure provided by them that sets out information that is no longer necessary or is out of date and whose display is no longer required by the funding body concerned.
Private Rented Accommodation Standards
Ceisteanna (533)
Tom Fleming
Ceist:533. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will introduce regulations to enable the reintroduction of bedsits into the rental housing stock, to alleviate the housing crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41326/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
New standards for rented dwellings were provided for in Regulations made in 2008, which came into effect generally on 1 February 2009 but allowed a generous four year phasing-in period to facilitate any improvement works that needed to be carried out in respect of Articles 6, 7 and 8. Landlords affected by these changes should have engaged with their tenants during this time to discuss the implications of any works that needed to be carried out on their properties. The revised standards in the 2008 Regulations do not specifically target bedsits but were based on a review of minimum standards dating back to 1993 which tolerated very basic facilities such as external toilets, cold water only and having an open fireplace as the only heating source. In consultation with key stakeholders including organisations representing landlords and tenant rights, such as Threshold and the IPOA, the Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations 2008 were drafted. Minimum standards are necessary as a protection to all consumers and especially to the most vulnerable who may not be in a position to protect themselves adequately.
Census 2011 indicated that there were approximately 4,500 bed-sits across the country – the majority of which were in Dublin – accounting for 1% of households in the private rented sector. In 2012, Dublin City Council commenced an intensified inspection programme, funded by my Department, specifically targeting properties likely to be at risk of non-compliance. It found that 90 % of dwellings selected for inspection were non-compliant with the regulations on initial inspection. It is worth emphasising that 72% of the dwellings inspected were failing on fire safety grounds. By the end of March 2015, 73 % of the non-compliant properties had been brought into compliance resulting in improved standards for tenants in over 4,000 properties. Enforcement action continues against the remainder, including legal action in certain cases.
Responsibility for the enforcement of minimum standards rests with local authorities. It is important to note that the vast majority of landlords have brought their properties into line with the minimum standards. Any remaining non-compliant bed-sits are failing on multiple grounds, including fire safety, and many are simply not fit for habitation.
The improvement in basic standards of living for those in rented accommodation brought about by the 2008 Regulations has been a success. As a result of the regulations, many more tenants are now living in safe, healthy homes. I have no plans to amend the regulations to reduce the standards required.
Building Regulations Compliance
Ceisteanna (534)
Joan Collins
Ceist:534. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he is aware that when planning permission was granted for the Johnston Court development in Sligo it was a condition, under Part V of the Planning Act, that six of the 30 apartments in the development would be made available for social housing; that when the apartments were completed in May 2008 Sligo County Council drew down €1,232,000, 90% of the cost from his Department to pay for them; that despite this 90% funding being provided seven years ago, and despite the fact that in excess of 1,000 households are on the housing waiting list in County Sligo, the purchase of the apartments has not yet been completed and they remain vacant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41332/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The arrangements for the acquisition of social housing units at the Johnston Court development in Sligo is a matter for the County Council. I understand that the Council has been working to complete this deal, alongside the approved housing body that will manage the units, and their legal representatives are in contact with those of the developer with a view to resolution of outstanding issues as soon as possible.
In parallel with pursuing the resolution of this issue, the Council has been working on delivery of new social housing units in line with the ambitious targets set under the Social Housing Strategy. In the case of Sligo County Council, I set a target of 301 units out to 2017 to be delivered through build, buying and leasing programmes, supported by funding provision of €20.2 million. Since then funding has been sanctioned to support the Council in relation to new build projects at Carrowbunaun, Strandhill and Culleens, with further approvals to be made in the near future, alongside housing acquisitions and funding from my Department to support the return to use of 39 vacant units this year. Sligo County Council has also delivered 37 Rental Accommodation Scheme transfers up to end-September 2015.
An Bord Pleanála Review
Ceisteanna (535, 557)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:535. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when the review of An Bord Pleanála will be published; his views on the length of time it takes An Bord Pleanála to reach decisions; and his plans to address this. [41333/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:557. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the status of appeals to An Bord Pleanála; if statistics for the past few years will be given in relation to appeals made, and the time span for decisions; if the standard 16-week target is being met; if cases are more or less decided on time; if the outcomes are better or worse than existed in boom times; why the number of late cases has not significantly reduced since the end of the boom; if a greater overall percentage of planning applications are now appealed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41687/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 535 and 557 together.
In July 2015, I announced details of an organisational review of An Bord Pleanála (the Board) to be undertaken by an external independent review group who, having regard to its terms of reference, have been mandated to prepare a report to me and make recommendations to support the Board in its operations, with a view to ensuring that it is appropriately positioned and fit for purpose from an organisational perspective to achieve its legislative mandate.
Details of the members of the review group along with its terms of reference can be found on my Department’s website at http://www.environ.ie/en/AnBordPleanálaReview/.
The review group is currently engaged in a series of meetings with relevant stakeholders and has recently carried out a public consultation. I expect to receive the report of the review group in January 2016.
Under Section 126 of the Planning and Development Acts 2000-2014, the Board has a statutory objective to determine appeals within 18 weeks of their receipt. Where the Board does not consider it possible or appropriate to reach a decision within 18 weeks (e.g. because of the particular circumstances of the appeal or the volume of appeals on hand), it is required to inform the relevant parties of the reasons for this, and to indicate when it intends to make its decision.
The Board’s compliance rate with the statutory objective period for the current year (at end October) stands at 82%.
Details in relation to the compliance rate with the statutory objective period, the average length of time taken by the Board to determine appeals, the volume of appeals received and the volume disposed of for each of years 2010 – 2015 (at end October) are set out in the table below:
|
Year |
Average Length of Time to Process Appeal (weeks)
|
Compliance with Statutory Objective Period
|
No. cases Received |
No. cases Disposed |
|
2015 (end Oct) |
15.3 |
82% |
1,665 |
1,597 |
|
2014 |
16 |
83% |
1,456 |
1,384 |
|
2013 |
19 |
72% |
1,396 |
1,572 |
|
2012* |
23 |
36% |
2,227 |
1,794 |
|
2011 |
17 |
83% |
2,110 |
2,326 |
|
2010 |
19 |
63% |
2,850 |
3,248 |
* Note: The 2012 figures arose primarily due to the reduced number of Board Members (down to 4 of a maximum of 10) for much of 2012 due to a time interval between the expiration of terms of outgoing Board Members and the appointment of new members.
Wastewater Treatment
Ceisteanna (536)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:536. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 573 of 29 September 2015, the progress to date on the taking in charge of developments with standalone treatment plants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41334/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department commissioned a representative sample of local authorities in a pilot project to identify the extent of problems arising from developer-provided water services infrastructure nationally, a range of possible solutions and the potential costs involved. Based on investigations carried out in the functional areas of the local authorities participating in the pilot project, the Steering Group has made a number of recommendations. My Department is continuing to develop a national approach, including funding options, having regard to the recommendations of the pilot project’s Steering Group, to address the problems arising from developer-provided water services infrastructure in order to remove impediments to the taking in charge of associated housing estates.
Local Authority Functions
Ceisteanna (537)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:537. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he will release the funding for the redevelopment of a park (details supplied) in Dublin 10; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41346/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department issued approval to Dublin City Council on 13 August 2015 to proceed to tender stage for phase 1 of Labre Park Redevelopment, involving the reconstruction of three Traveller-Specific houses in Kylemore Grove, Labre Park. Funding in the amount of €499,400 in respect of the work has been approved. I understand from the Council that the closing date for receipt of tenders was last week and that a number of tenders have been received. Dublin City Council will examine these and submit a tender report to my Department for approval in due course. In addition, Dublin City Council is considering an extensive redevelopment of the whole site at Labre Park. A feasibility study and preliminary outline proposals have been recently submitted to my Department by the Council, and are currently under consideration with a view to further discussions with the Council in the near future.
Local Authority Housing Provision
Ceisteanna (538)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:538. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if the Irish League of Credit Unions made a proposal to him which included €2 billion for local authority housing or social housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41347/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have recently received a submission from the Irish League of Credit Unions which contains a proposal setting out a means by which funding could be provided to Approved Housing Bodies by credit unions for the development of social housing. I welcome the willingness of credit unions to actively seek a role in financing the delivery of social housing. The submission is comprehensive and contains some progressive and imaginative ideas. It sets out a proposal whereby the Irish credit union movement could create a dedicated funding vehicle to provide finance for social housing, in line with the aims of the Social Housing Strategy 2020.
I expect to meet with the Irish League of Credit Unions shortly to discuss the issues raised in its proposal.
Special Protection Areas Designation
Ceisteanna (539)
Finian McGrath
Ceist:539. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will ensure that north Dublin Bay is not damaged in any way by building proposals around it; and that it is designated as a special protection area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41387/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I understand that the Question refers to a Dublin City Council project at Dollymount, comprising a cycleway proposal as well as flood alleviation works to address anticipated higher tides and sea levels, which was originally approved by An Bord Pleanála in 2011 under section 226 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, relating to foreshore developments. The environmental impacts of the project were comprehensively assessed as part of this process. Dublin City Council subsequently made some alterations to the cycleway aspects of their proposals which were progressed under the Part VIII requirements of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, as amended, relating to local authority own developments. Planning approval for the revised proposals was granted by Dublin City Council in May 2013.
Under section 30 of the Act, I am specifically precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular planning case with which a planning authority, including An Bord Pleanála, is or may be concerned.
Emergency Accommodation Provision
Ceisteanna (540)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:540. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government how his ministerial direction that a high percentage of housing vacancies are being allocated to families and children in emergency accommodation is being implemented by local authorities; if he receives ongoing reports from each local authority on the numbers and conditions of citizens and families in emergency accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41401/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under a Ministerial Direction, which applies until 31 January 2016, key local authorities are required to prioritise homeless and other vulnerable households in the allocation of tenancies under their control. The four Dublin local authorities have been directed to allocate 50% of all available dwellings to such households, while the local authorities in counties Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford have been directed to allocate 30%. My Department is currently collecting up-to-date details from the relevant housing authorities in relation to such allocations and I expect these details to be finalised shortly.
Data on individuals in emergency accommodation is provided through the Pathway Accommodation and Support System (PASS). Lead housing authorities provide monthly reports on homelessness which identify the number of people utilising State-funded emergency accommodation on a regional and county basis. These monthly reports are available on my Department’s website at the following link:
http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/SpecialNeeds/HomelessPeople/.
Motor Tax Collection
Ceisteanna (541)
Terence Flanagan
Ceist:541. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the number of vehicles that are untaxed and off the road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41488/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
At 31 October 2015, 2,576,900 vehicles were taxed and 97,141 vehicles were declared off the road. Details of the number of vehicles untaxed at that date are not available.
Cycling Facilities Provision
Ceisteanna (542, 558)
James Bannon
Ceist:542. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the status of the provision of funding to a project (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41524/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Robert Troy
Ceist:558. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the status of funding to develop a cycle route greenway from Killashee in County Kildare to Keenagh in County Longford. [41711/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 542 and 558 together.
My Department recently invited expressions of interest from a variety of organisations, agencies and groups in respect of the funding of recreational infrastructure projects, should funding become available.
This initiative has generated a considerable amount of interest and my Department is currently carrying out a detailed assessment of each expression of interest received, including those referred to by the Deputies. This assessment process, which I envisage will be completed over the coming weeks, will allow projects to be prioritised for any funding which is made available.
Leader Programmes Funding
Ceisteanna (543)
Michelle Mulherin
Ceist:543. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 718 of 6 October 2015, the appeal options that are open to an organisation (details supplied) in County Mayo, following a decision to withdraw an offer of Leader funding by Mayo North East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41526/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised that the project referred to in the Question was deemed ineligible by Mayo North East LEADER Partnership, for funding under the Leader elements of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013, on the basis that expenditure on the project commenced prior to the lodgement of a signed contract with them. The project, therefore, did not comply with the rules and regulations governing the programme. This decision was subsequently reviewed and upheld by both the Regional Inspector and the Head of Administration for the programme.
There is no further appeal option available to the promoter in relation to this project under the rules and regulations governing the programme. However, if the project promoter is dissatisfied with the decision they may refer the matter to the Office of the Ombudsman.
Question No. 544 answered with Question No. 527.
Land Acquisition
Ceisteanna (545)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:545. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government a list of lands that have been acquired by State agencies under his control, such as the Housing Agency, from local authorities under the land aggregation scheme, by postal address, amount of lands acquired, loan payments entered into, reasons for acquisition, and future use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41571/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Land Aggregation Scheme was introduced in 2010 as part of revised arrangements for the funding of land for social housing purposes. The primary purpose of the Scheme was to assist in the gradual unwinding of loans taken out by housing authorities to purchase land for the social and affordable housing investment programme. Applications to the value of some €163 million in loans were accepted into the Land Aggregation Scheme. The figure of €163 million includes €111 million in respect of loans which were fully redeemed by local authorities with funding recouped from my Department, under the original terms of the Scheme. The remaining €52 million accepted into the Land Aggregation Scheme is in the form of annuity loans, for which local authorities are making repayments to the Housing Finance Agency. Such annuity repayments are recoupable from my Department subject to the local authority complying with the terms of the Scheme.
In 2013, as a consequence of continuing pressure on Exchequer resources, and following a review of the Scheme carried out in consultation with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, it became evident that further expenditure on the Land Aggregation Scheme, in terms of accepting new applications, was no longer a sustainable option. The review concluded with the issuance of Circular 35/2013 on 11 December 2013, notifying Local Authorities of the discontinuance of the Scheme in respect of new applications.
The focus of the Scheme has now shifted to the management and future utilisation of the lands included in the Scheme. Details of the sites accepted into the Land Aggregation Scheme are set out in the following tables.
Table 1: Sitesacceptedunder the first phaseof the Scheme ( Loan capital and interest fully redeemed).
|
Previous Owner |
Location |
Value of Loan accepted into the scheme (Capital and Interest ) |
Size of Site |
|
[€] |
[ha] |
||
|
Carlow County Council |
Tinryland |
499,835 |
1.9 |
|
Carlow County Council |
Slate Row, Hacketstown |
611,677 |
3.2 |
|
Clare County Council |
Lisdoonvarna |
2,189,982 |
4.4 |
|
Cork County Council |
Meelin |
115,032 |
1.6 |
|
Cork County Council |
Oakwood, Macroom |
1,126,472 |
2.3 |
|
Cork County Council |
Colleras, Goleen |
348,337 |
0.5 |
|
Cork County Council |
Knocknagree |
241,595 |
1.3 |
|
Cork County Council |
Lombardstown |
152,184 |
1.3 |
|
Cork County Council |
The Slip, Bantry, |
2,788,750 |
13.5 |
|
Cork County Council |
Carrigtwohill |
1,474,014 |
2 |
|
Dún Laoghaire- Rathdown County Council |
Enniskerry Road, Sandyford |
10,257,875 |
2.8 |
|
Fingal County Council |
Hampton, Balbriggan |
26,479,174 |
24.2 |
|
Galway City Council |
Ballymoneen Road, Ballyburke |
7,006,412 |
2.5 |
|
Kildare County Council |
Kildare, Brallistown |
1,929,294 |
4.0 |
|
Kildare County Council |
Nurney |
829,896 |
4.2 |
|
Kildare County Council |
Clane |
3,595,901 |
8.5 |
|
Kildare County Council |
Naas , Craddockstown |
4,750,580 |
7.9 |
|
Laois County Council |
Castletown |
111,392 |
1.5 |
|
Laois County Council |
Portlaoise Road, Mountrath |
849,818 |
3.1 |
|
Laois County Council |
Golflinks Road Rathdowney |
342,669 |
2 |
|
Laois County Council |
Adj. to Cemetery Ballinakill |
178,188 |
1.3 |
|
Laois County Council |
Woodbrook, Mountrath |
370,383 |
1.7 |
|
Limerick County Council |
Glin |
124,123 |
0.5 |
|
Limerick County Council |
Ballyhahill |
54,466 |
1.2 |
|
Limerick County Council |
Mountcollins |
135,694 |
1.5 |
|
Limerick County Council |
Knocklong |
434,019 |
3.5 |
|
Limerick County Council |
Bruff |
229,899 |
2.1 |
|
Mallow Town Council |
St Joseph's Road, Mallow |
3,877,077 |
5.3 |
|
Meath County Council |
Townparks Kells |
2,516,242 |
4.4 |
|
Naas Town Council |
Naas Devoy Barracks |
11,522,100 |
5.6 |
|
National Building Agency |
Cartontroy-Kilnafaddoge and Lissywollen, Athlone |
4,167,544 |
5.5 |
|
National Building Agency |
Tullow Road, Carlow |
3,327,875 |
2 |
|
Offaly County Council |
Shinrone |
371,847 |
2.9 |
|
Sligo County Council |
Ballintogher |
274,344 |
1.3 |
|
Sligo County Council |
Tubbercurry |
34,062 |
0.2 |
|
Sligo County Council |
Lisnalurg |
4,828,276 |
11.8 |
|
Tralee Town Council |
Ballyard, Tralee |
5,585,790 |
8.3 |
|
Waterford County Council |
Townpark East, Tallow |
871,053 |
4.3 |
|
Waterford City Council |
Gibbet Hill |
1,620,215 |
2.9 |
|
Wexford County Council |
Creagh B Demesne, Gorey |
270,933 |
0.7 |
|
Wexford County Council |
Ballyowen, Ramsfort Park Gorey |
701,448 |
1 |
|
Wexford County Council |
Hospital Hill, Bunclody |
1,252,881 |
4.4 |
|
Wexford County Council |
Parish Field, Bunclody |
283,233 |
0.7 |
|
Wexford County Council |
Taghmon, Wexford |
829,214 |
3.4 |
|
Wexford County Council |
Carrick on Bannow |
111,339 |
0.5 |
|
Wicklow Town Council |
Hillview, Ballynerrin, Wicklow Town |
1,390,145 |
2.9 |
|
|
Total |
€ 111,063,279 |
172. 6 ha |
Table 2: Sites accepted under the second phase of the Scheme (Annuity repayments recoupable from the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government).
|
Local Authority |
Location |
Value of Loan accepted into the scheme (Capital and Interest) |
Size of Site |
|
|
|
[€] |
[ha] |
|
Carlow County Council |
Royal Oak Road, Bagenalstown |
50,484 * |
0.11 |
|
Carlow County Council |
Paupish |
960,510 |
2.2 |
|
Cork County Council |
Dripsey |
708,517 |
1.295 |
|
Cork County Council |
Cloughmacsimon, Bandon |
3,006,467 |
3.63 |
|
Cork County Council |
Duntahane Rd, Fermoy |
3,535,156 |
3.98 |
|
Cork County Council |
The Miles. Clonakilty |
1,066,686 |
2.464 |
|
Cork County Council |
Stag Park, Mitchelstown |
3,781,435 |
8.59 |
|
Cork County Council |
Barrack Rd, Youghal |
1,136,077 |
1.16 |
|
Cork County Council |
Townsend St, Skibbereen |
253,467 |
0.13 |
|
Cork County Council |
Union Hall |
622,233 |
1.403 |
|
Dundalk Town Council |
Mount Avenue |
4,158,868 |
3.09 |
|
Fingal County Council |
Garristown |
1,554,333 |
2.77 |
|
Fingal County Council |
Hackettstown |
7,285,629 |
7.3 |
|
Laois County Council |
Abbeyleix Rd |
1,383,355 |
1.491 |
|
Laois County Council |
Derry Rd Durrow |
554,089 |
1.0281 |
|
Laois County Council |
Old Knockmay Rd Portlaoise |
2,067,744 |
1.031 |
|
Laois County Council |
Bride St Ballinakill |
340,360 |
0.92 |
|
Laois County Council |
Doonane |
123,158 |
0.7405 |
|
Laois County Council |
Golflinks Rd (2) |
1,243,534 |
2.132 |
|
Limerick County Council |
Cappamore |
99,397 |
1.25 |
|
Offaly County Council |
Kilcormac |
622,331 |
1.2165 |
|
Sligo Borough Council |
Ballindoe |
8,830,267 |
15.1753 |
|
Tullamore Town Council |
Collins Lane |
4,836,978 |
4.34 |
|
Wexford County Council |
Campile Ballykerogue |
236,635 |
0.76 |
|
Wexford County Council |
Castlemoyle A and B New Ross |
3,744,513 |
5.96 |
|
|
Total |
€ 52, 202 , 222 |
74. 16 64 ha |
* Royal Oak Road, Bagenalstown was accepted under the second phase of the scheme. However given the loan amount involved, €50,484, it was decided that it would be more efficient and effective to redeem the loan in full. Accordingly no interest payment arises in relation to that site.
Architectural Qualifications
Ceisteanna (546)
Dan Neville
Ceist:546. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 588 of 10 February 2015, the status of the decision by Quality and Qualifications Ireland to facilitate the development of a common standard for architectural technology, in line with the national qualifications framework; the status of the advancement of plans for the strategy registration of architectural technologists; the details of the public consultation which was carried out, with a view to the publication of legislative proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41600/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Earlier this year, Quality Qualification Ireland (QQI) set up a working group which was given the task of defining a proposed national standard for Architectural Technology for inclusion in the National Qualifications Framework. The working group has since finalised its work and I understand that QQI has earlier this month released the draft standards in Architectural Technology Levels 6 to 9 for public consultation with a view to their formal adoption and publication by the QQI Policy and Standards Committee. The closing date for submissions in this public consultation process is 6 January 2016.
The adoption of an agreed national standard to which all education providers must work will enable my Department to provide for statutory registration of the profession of Architectural Technologist in Ireland. Statutory registration would allow suitably qualified and experienced registered technologists, among other things, to independently sign statutory certificates for building control purposes.
In the context of a review by my Department earlier this year of the revised arrangements for building control following the first twelve months in operation of SI No. 9 of 2014, views were sought through public consultation on a number of proposals aimed at broadening the pool of professionals who may sign statutory certificates of compliance. There was considerable support among respondents for the statutory registration of Architectural Technologists. In announcing the outcome of this review on 31 July 2015, Minister Kelly and I reaffirmed our commitment to advancing the statutory registration of architectural technologists.
My Department anticipates that it will be in a position to begin the drafting of the Heads of Bill for the necessary legislation to provide for statutory registration of Architectural Technologists in 2016 with a view to its being ready for consideration by Government at an opportune time once a National Standard for Architectural Technology is included under the National Qualifications Framework.
Voluntary Housing Sector
Ceisteanna (547)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:547. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to provide assurances to tenants of voluntary housing agencies that the new legislation placing these agencies under the remit of the Private Residential Tenancies Board from 2016 will make no material change to their tenancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41608/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Approved housing bodies, or AHBs, are at the heart of the Government’s vision for housing provision and they play a pivotal role in the supply of social housing. It is imperative that the sector is properly regulated in all areas of its work and that includes their landlord-tenant relationships. The current law for AHB tenancies is based on a combination of tenancy agreements, the common law, and landlord and tenant legislation dating as far back as the nineteenth century. As such, there is a need for a modern legislative basis for AHB tenancies. The application of the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 to AHBs will achieve this objective. It will provide real security of tenure to AHB tenants; it will clearly set out the rights and obligations of both AHB landlords and tenants; and, significantly, it will provide access to a comprehensive and independent dispute resolution service.
The rights and obligations for landlords and tenants that are laid out in sections 12 and 16 of the Residential Tenancies Act are appropriate for the not-for-profit sector and in many cases mirror the provisions of leases offered by AHB landlords. Having a common set of rights and obligations provided in statute will benefit the sector as a whole. The Residential Tenancies Act does not prevent landlords giving rights or imposing obligations in addition to those provided for in sections 12 and 16, as long as these are consistent with the Act.
While the practice is for AHB tenants to occupy their dwellings on a long-term basis, the majority of AHB tenancies are in fact periodic tenancies. The Residential Tenancies Act will give most AHB tenants greater rights than they currently have by giving them the right to a four year tenancy under Part 4 of the Act. The entitlement to a four year tenancy is a minimum entitlement for tenants after 6 months. This does not prevent landlords providing for longer fixed-term tenancies should they wish to do so and there is nothing in the Act to prevent a landlord providing a tenant with more beneficial rights generally than those that are provided for in the Act.
The Residential Tenancies Act provides a base level of protection for tenants. When AHB tenancies come within the remit of the Act, AHB tenants will not lose any advantages they might have over private rented tenants; rather, they will benefit from the additional legal protection provided by the Residential Tenancies Act.
Electoral Commission Establishment
Ceisteanna (548)
Anthony Lawlor
Ceist:548. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the status of the establishment of an independent electoral commission; when it will be established and functioning; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41611/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In January 2015, I published a consultation paper on the establishment of an Electoral Commission and invited the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht to undertake a public consultation process on that paper and report back to me. The Committee completed its consultations at the end of July 2015 and, I understand, is currently considering its report and recommendations. The report will inform the development of an Electoral Commission Bill.
When launching the consultation paper last January, I made it clear that the task of establishing an Electoral Commission involves a significant job of work and will take a number of years to complete. Consideration of the outcome of the consultation process and the development of legislation is a necessary first step.
Local Authority Housing Provision
Ceisteanna (549)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:549. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he will issue a ministerial order that modular homes should not be located on sites already planned for social housing such as at Belcamp Avenue in Dublin 17; if he will immediately direct local authorities to commence building on sites already planned for social housing, while also progressing modular homes in alternative local sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41617/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government has approved the delivery of 500 units of modular housing for homeless families across Dublin. It is intended to have the first 150 units delivered as quickly as possible in the Dublin City Council administrative area, with the City Council acting as the contracting authority. The Council is aiming to secure the delivery of an initial fast-tracked 22 of these units by mid-December, with the remaining units to follow by late Q1 2016. A further 350 units will then be provided across the four local authorities in the Dublin region through a national procurement framework overseen by the Office for Government Procurement. My Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of accommodation for homeless persons rests with the individual housing authorities and the purposes for which housing authorities may incur expenditure in addressing homelessness are prescribed in Section 10 of the Housing Act 1988. My Department has no function with regard to operational matters, such as sites selection, which are a matter for the relevant housing authorities. I am therefore not considering issuing a Direction for the purposes referred to in the Question.
Furthermore, targets for the delivery of units for social housing purposes, under both capital and current expenditure programmes, have been set for each local authority out to 2017.
There has been significant engagement between my Department and local authorities in finalising these targets and that engagement is continuing as progress on delivery is achieved. Full details of the targets are available on my Department’s website at the following weblink:
http://www.environ.ie/en/DevelopmentHousing/Housing/News/MainBody,41016,en.htm.
Local Authority Housing Provision
Ceisteanna (550)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:550. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government his policy on housing allocation to lone parents with joint custody of children; why South Dublin County Council, Fingal County Council and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council have implemented policies for allocating two-bed plus homes to parents with relevant legal documentation, proving their custody arrangements, while Dublin City Council does not have such a policy; if he has addressed this discriminatory measure with Dublin City Council; the measures he is taking to address this discriminatory handling of housing cases of separated parents; if Dublin City Council's arrangements conform with current legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41618/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The allocation of social housing support to qualified households is a matter for the local authority concerned, in accordance with its allocation scheme made in accordance with section 22 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and associated Regulations. This legislation requires all housing authorities, as a reserved function, to make an allocation scheme determining the order of priority to be accorded in the allocation of dwellings to households qualified for social housing support, the allocation of which would, in the opinion of the authority, meet the accommodation needs and requirements of the households. As Minister, I am precluded under housing legislation from exercising any power or control in relation to any case being dealt with by a housing authority.
Local Authority Functions
Ceisteanna (551)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:551. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the action he has taken to date following on the receipt by his Department some months ago of the planning review into a number of decisions by local authorities; if the local authorities directly concerned have been circulated with copies of the consultant's report; if replies have been received; if the report has been forwarded to any other person or bodies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41642/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
MacCabe Durney Barnes Consultants were appointed in February 2014 to carry out an independent planning review on the performance of planning functions having regard to specific planning issues in respect of six planning authorities (Carlow, Cork, Galway and Meath County Councils and Cork and Dublin City Councils) in accordance with section 255 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended. I received the final report from the consultants in July 2015 and it has not been forwarded onwards to any other person, body or local authority outside of my Department. I intend to publish the report shortly having fully considered its contents.