Written Answers Nos. 349-360
349. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if, referring to the 2013 report from the strategic working group on shared services in public libraries, there is a cost-benefit analysis report to support the shared services approach to library services for certain towns and cities; and if so, if he will provide this report. [27108/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra350. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if, referring to the 2013 report from the strategic working group on shared services in public libraries, this shared services approach has been piloted to date and if savings have been made; and if so, the details of the savings made. [27109/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 349 and 350 together.
The report Managing the Delivery of Effective Library Services details proposals for an alternative senior management model for certain library authorities. The authorities proposed for the new model include Carlow and Kilkenny; Cavan and Monaghan; Laois and Offaly; Longford and Westmeath; and Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon.
The new model will put in place strategic planning and implementation arrangements in each of the five areas that will deliver more effective and efficient public libraries with a view to securing the delivery of an enhanced quality and range of services. Moreover, it will ensure the long-term sustainability of the library service in Ireland.
The model was developed on foot of a risk assessment. A cost-benefit analysis was not carried out, however, as the approach was identified primarily as a means for achieving a greater and more equitable standard of library service rather than for the purpose of driving greater cost efficiency or savings.
The model has not been implemented to date. A working group has been established to consider if an alternative approach, that yields the same results, can be developed. The group includes my Department and local authority Chief Executives. It is expected to complete its work by end-October this year. It is too early to comment on detailed implementation arrangements, including the piloting of proposals in certain areas. All options will be considered by the working group with a view to securing the delivery of an enhanced quality and range of services and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the library service in the local authority areas concerned.
351. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if, in view of recent emissions scandals, the owners of pre-2008 vehicles will continue to pay much higher rates of motor tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27114/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMotor tax for private vehicles registered from 1 July 2008 is charged on the basis of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. I understand that the emissions issue relates in the main to nitrogen oxide emissions (NOx) rather than CO2 emissions and, therefore, is not relevant to the rates of motor tax charged on the basis of CO2 emissions.
More generally, any change to the rates of motor tax for any category of vehicle is a matter for consideration in a budgetary context.
352. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the amount of money which has been allocated to Galway City Council and Galway County Council under the local government fund and any other funding scheme which allocates funding to the local authorities for each of the years 2002 to 2016 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27115/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraLocal authorities receive a substantial part of their annual funding from a range of central Government Departments and agencies. My Department has a wide and diverse business agenda, including providing necessary housing and planning supports and fostering community development in partnership with local government and other local development bodies. In order to deliver on this broad business agenda, my Department allocates significant resources to local authorities. Total funding provided by my Department to Galway City and Galway County Councils in the years 2007- 2015 is set out in the table. Information in respect of the years prior to 2007 is not readily available and its compilation would involve a disproportionate amount of time and work.
|
Year |
Galway City |
Galway County |
|
2007 |
57,072,943.57 |
141,881,988.41 |
|
2008 |
52,149,975.77 |
111,505,877.81 |
|
2009 |
42,802,592.19 |
88,449,676.01 |
|
2010 |
35,934,349.03 |
89,994,511.05 |
|
2011 |
29,147,213.94 |
86,844,670.45 |
|
2012 |
25,483,100.68 |
51,767,835.08 |
|
2013 |
19,857,842.93 |
59,838,382.94 |
|
2014 |
15,180,995.46 |
31,559,260.64 |
|
2015 |
15,757,011.34 |
31,579,401.65 |
|
2016 (to Aug 31 ) |
10,868,971.39 |
19,977,623.60 |
As a result of the introduction of Local Property Tax and the establishment of Irish Water, the local government funding model has changed considerably, particularly in terms of removal of water related expenditures previously incurred by local authorities. Accordingly, direct year on year comparisons are not practicable. In addition, the provision of specific funding for individual projects can result in increases in funding in some years, again limiting the capacity to make valid year on year comparisons.
Total allocations from the Local Government Fund for the years 2007-2015 to each local authority area, which are included in the above figures, are available on my Department’s website at the following link:
http://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/payments_to_local_authorities_from_the_local_government_fund_2007-2015.pdf.
and General Purpose Grant payments from the Local Government Fund from 1998 to 2015 are available at the following link:
http://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/general_purpose_grants_and_local_property_tax_payments_1998-2015.xlsx.
353. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the extent to which a study has been done to identify and address the ongoing delays affecting the development of the town centre at Naas, County Kildare which has been stalled for almost ten years; if urgent action can be taken to address the issue which is seriously affecting the morale of the business community and trading potential of the town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27179/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I indicated in replies to previous Parliamentary Questions tabled on this matter, including the reply to Question No. 126 of 7 July 2016, the management of the development concerned is primarily a matter for Kildare County Council in the first instance, and I have no function in the matter.
However, as outlined previously, I understand from Kildare County Council that the securing of a satisfactory conclusion to the development of the site in question has been a particular focus of the Council’s efforts over the last number of years. On foot of arbitration procedures, Kildare County Council successfully completed an agreement with one of two site owners, relating to the provision of roads infrastructure to service the town centre site. The arbitration case relating to the second site owner remains to be heard by the Property Arbitrator, the hearing of which is not scheduled to take place until April 2017, due to the Property Arbitrator’s caseload. In parallel with these arbitration cases, the Council has also been involved in ongoing discussions with the owner of the town centre site, and his agents, with a view to advancing development of the site as early as possible.
With relevant processes underway involving NAMA and arbitration, it would be inappropriate for me as Minister to become involved or make any further comment on the matter.
354. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the extent to which the development at The Waterways, Sallins, has been freed of any encumbrances with a view to becoming fully functional in both the commercial and residential; if adequate progress has been achieved in this regard; when likely aspects affecting the title to residential property threat are likely to be resolved; if and when he expects the commercial space to be fully functional; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27186/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs I outlined to the Deputy in my reply to Question No. 265 of 24 May 2016, which set out the position in this matter, the finalisation of any outstanding planning related matters affecting the development concerned is a matter for Kildare County Council and one in which I have no function. Under section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, 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.
355. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the reason he continues to allow the sewage treatment plant to dump excess waste into the Grange river which flows into Streedagh beach; and his plans to cease this practice (details supplied). [27202/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraNeither I nor my Department has any role in monitoring or supervising the delivery of water services. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the environmental regulator responsible for the licensing, authorisation and enforcement of urban waste water discharges consistent with the requirements of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive which sets out requirements for the collection, treatment and discharge of urban waste water, with the objective of protecting the environment from the adverse effects of waste water discharges. Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels for public water services, including the management of urban waste water collection and treatment infrastructure, and is responsible for compliance with the requirements of authorisations issued by the EPA.
All discharges to the aquatic environment from sewerage systems owned, managed and operated by Irish Water require a waste water discharge licence or certificate of authorisation from the EPA, and the authorisation process provides for the EPA to place stringent conditions on the operation of such discharges to ensure that potential effects on the receiving water bodies are strictly limited and controlled.
Irish Water has informed my Department that it has invited tenders for the upgrade of the Grange wastewater treatment plant. It expects that the tender and evaluation process will be completed by the end of this year and that contracts will be signed in the second quarter of 2017, with construction commencing very shortly thereafter. The project will also include wastewater treatment plant upgrades at Tubbercurry and Strandhill, providing modern treatment plants at all three sites in County Sligo.
Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. They may be contacted via e-mail at oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on 1890 578 578.
356. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the extent to which provisions have been made and plans put in place to combat flooding that might occur during the winter season at various locations previously affected by winter flooding; if it is expected a rapid response can be achieved in the event of recurrences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27239/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe procedures for coordination of emergencies, such as flooding events, at national level are set out in Guidelines for Coordinating a National Level Emergency/Crisis Response, published by the Office of Emergency Planning in the Department of Defence, in 2011. This document also sets out the designated lead Government Department for 41 risk scenarios identified for Ireland.
Where a situation merits, national level support can be brought to bear and the ‘lead Government Department’ will lead the coordination of the national level response. The purpose of this is to bring “whole of Government” support to bear in assisting the local response if required, to manage the national level issues and to ensure that information is provided to the public.
As lead Government Department for severe weather, my Department convened and chaired a National Coordination Group on Severe Weather during last winter’s flooding events on the basis of the Guidelines referred to above. In accordance with standing procedures, all aspects of these severe weather events, including response and coordination at national levels, are being reviewed and any lessons identified will be incorporated into future operating procedures.
The response to all emergencies is, however, appropriately locally-led in the first instance. Local authorities are designated as the Lead Agency for responding to severe weather events, including flooding. The generic response arrangements are detailed in A Framework for Major Emergency Management (2006). Specific guidance for responding to severe weather events is outlined in A Guide to Flood Emergencies (2013) and A Guide to Severe Weather Events (2010). Local authorities have in place severe weather sub-plans based on this guidance material.
Met Éireann alerts local authorities directly when severe weather is forecast and such warnings are received by a severe weather assessment team within a local authority. The severe weather assessment team take the appropriate action to scale a response and to ensure resources are in place to support a response. During last winter’s flooding, this approach helped to anticipate and prepare for the response required by local authorities.
In their role as Lead Agency, local authorities carry out a number of functions during the response stage of flooding events and deal with recovery issues in conjunction with other responsible agencies. The local authority role includes co-ordinating an inter-agency response; continuously monitoring forecasts/alerts/warnings to scale the appropriate response measures; operating Flood Defences and deploying sandbag defences; clearing debris and fallen trees; flood Rescue and pumping water (fire service); and public Communication.
When required, local authorities liaise with the other Principal Response Agencies (HSE, An Garda Síochána) and, where necessary, activate inter-agency structures to manage the response.
357. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will approve Wicklow County Council's application to employ an additional five staff members consisting of one grade 5, three clerical staff and one supervisor as part of the roll out of the housing assistance payment, HAP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27366/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department received a staffing request, for an additional five members of staff as part of the roll-out of the Housing Assistance Payment, from Wicklow County Council on 23 September 2016. This request is under consideration and a response will issue to the Council without delay.
358. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his estimate of the cost of reimbursing those who have paid their domestic water charges to Irish Water, net of the amount already paid to persons under the water conservation grant scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27367/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels.
Irish Water customer billing and collection levels are a matter for the utility and one in which I have no function. Irish Water has published information on bill payment levels on its website at www.water.ie, which indicates that some €162.5 million had been collected in domestic water charges to the end of its 5th billing cycle.
Costs associated with the collection or reimbursement of domestic water charges by Irish Water would be an operational matter for the company. Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via email to oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on a dedicated number, 1890 578 578.
The 2015 water conservation grant was a universal payment to support water conservation in the home and was available to all householders in respect of their principal private residence, who had registered details of their water services with Irish Water before 30 June 2015. A detailed breakdown between grants paid to Irish Water and non-Irish Water customers is not available.
To date, the Department of Social Protection, which administers the Water Conservation Grant on behalf of my Department, has made grant payments totalling €89,009,000 in respect of the 2015 Water Conservation Grant. A small number of residual payments continue to be made to householders who have an entitlement to the 2015 Water Conservation Grant.
359. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the projected cost of providing 100,000 council homes over the next five years if these homes were to be provided and managed by local authorities, not leased or rented from developers or private landlords, taking into account both the savings in the savings accrued from the transfer of those in supported private rented accommodation and emergency accommodation and the extra revenue accrued by local authorities in rent. [27491/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra360. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the cost of building 20,000 local authority homes ensuring that all of these homes are managed by local authorities and not leased or rented from private landlords or developers, taking into account both the savings in the savings accrued from the transfer of those in supported private rented accommodation and emergency accommodation and the extra revenue accrued by local authorities in rent. [27492/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 359 and 360 together.
The provision of social housing is carried out through a range of delivery methods, including construction, acquisition, leasing and other approaches, which allow local authorities to respond flexibly to meet local demand and operate within local property circumstances.
The cost for the capital-funded construction of a new social housing unit varies widely, depending on the type of housing unit and the location, but a reasonable average for this per unit cost is €205,000. Therefore the cost of building 20,000 new social housing units would be approximately €4.1 billion and 100,000 houses would be approximately €20.5 billion. For a building programme spread over a number of years, the costs could alter depending on the trends in construction costs over that time.
In relation to the cost of supporting households in the private rented sector, my Department funds the implementation of a range of social housing programmes delivered at local authority level. The Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) directly supports households with the cost of meeting their long-term housing need in the rented sector. Under HAP, local authorities will make payments, subject to rent limits, on behalf of the HAP recipient directly to the landlord in respect of rent. The HAP recipient will then pay a rent contribution to the local authority. The rent contribution is a differential rent – that is, a rent set by the local authority based on income and the ability to pay. The cost of providing such support ranges significantly depending on the location of the property and the household type. Taking the total number of HAP supported households at year end and the full cost of the scheme in 2015 (which includes the cost of payments to landlords as well as the administration of the scheme at local authority level, and the transactional shared service centre operated by Limerick City and County Council), the average annual cost per unit would be €2,537. However, this is not an accurate reflection of the average cost per unit when account is taken of the phased introduction of units over the course of the year. A better measure is the annualised cost of the average monthly rent paid to landlords in 2015, which is estimated as €6,804. The Rent Supplement scheme operated by the Department of Social Protection also supports households with the cost of meeting their housing needs in the rented sector. Information in relation to the cost of the Rent Supplement scheme is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection.
The latest (2014) estimated average rental income per annum per social house managed by local authorities is approximately €2,500.
