Written Answers Nos. 153-70
153. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the extent to which the prospect of emergency measures continues to be considered to cater for the immediate housing needs of families currently being displaced from rental accommodation, in view of the desirability of providing accommodation from which children can readily access schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17336/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra154. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the number of families currently deemed to be homeless by the various local authorities in Dublin and the immediately adjoining counties; the extent to which measures can be put in place to expedite the procedures and the provision of permanent or emergency accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17337/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra156. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the extent to which the local authorities in Dublin and immediately adjoining counties have access to emergency accommodation to meet the needs of families becoming homeless, for example, through the sale of properties, and repossessions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17339/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 153, 154 and 156 together.
I refer to the replies to Questions Nos. 9, 59 and 162 on today's Order Paper, which set out the position on this matter.
155. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the efforts made by various local authorities in Dublin and adjoining counties to provide modular homes to meet the immediate housing crisis of those who find themselves homeless; if a programme can be developed to ensure that families about to become homeless in a subsequent three month period might be provided with an emergency or modular home at a convenient location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17338/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra157. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the number of housing starts currently under way by the various local authorities in Dublin and immediately adjoining counties; when it is expected such houses are likely to be available for occupation in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17340/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra161. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the extent to which the local authorities in Dublin and immediately adjoining counties have proposals in hand to facilitate an accelerated housing programme to meet the rapidly emerging needs of the population arising from the existing size of the local authority housing register and the demand for private houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17344/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 155, 157 and 161 together.
The publication of the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness has seen a new level of ambition in respect of tackling the challenges in the housing sector and I am confident it represents a well-judged and comprehensive response to the urgent need for social housing and to respond to the need for an significant increase in housing supply generally.
To support the ambitious target of 47,000 new social housing units, I have secured €5.35 billion in exchequer investment over the period to 2021. This comprises some €4.5 billion in capital funding and €844 million in support of programmes funded from current expenditure.
Under Pillar 2 of Rebuilding Ireland, my Department is working closely with all local authorities in relation to increasing and accelerating the delivery of a range of social housing programmes and supports, including rapid build homes.
At the end of 2016, across all four Dublin Local Authorities, a total of 350 rapid build homes were advancing through various stages of delivery, including construction, with 22 rapid build homes being delivered and occupied in 2016. A further 650 rapid build homes will be advanced in 2017, with another 500 units to be delivered in 2018. Sites for rapid build schemes are currently being identified in Louth, Wicklow, Kildare, Meath, Cork, Waterford, Galway and Limerick.
There has been significant pressure to ramp-up rapid build delivery, which local authorities have been responding to positively. Of particular note is the establishment of a framework of rapid build contractors by the Office of Government Procurement, which means that local authorities across the country will be able to run quicker procurement competitions and advance rapid build projects to site more efficiently and effectively.
My Department has published a comprehensive status list of all social housing construction schemes that are advancing nationwide, as at end-Quarter 4 of 2016. Over 500 approved schemes were listed that, when completed, will deliver some 8,500 new social homes. The schemes listed range from those that are being designed, through to those currently on site and those completed in 2016. It showed that just over 650 new social houses were built in 2016 and a further 90 schemes, delivering over 1,800 newly built social houses, went on site last year. I have also continued to approve further schemes which will add to the already strong pipeline. The status list is available on the Rebuilding Ireland website at the following link:
http://rebuildingireland.ie/news/social-housing-developments/.
Other actions are underway by local authorities to respond to housing need and meet the needs of homeless people within their areas. These include targeted acquisitions, the new Repair and Leasing initiative and the range of current funded programmes, such as the Rental Accommodation Scheme, Housing Assistance Payment and various leasing arrangements under my Department’s Social Housing Current Expenditure Programme. Again, properties sourced under these programmes are used to accommodate persons on the local authority housing waiting lists, including those in emergency accommodation or at risk of homelessness.
While the construction programme is being advanced, I have also strongly supported local authorities in the acquisition of new and previously owned houses/apartments. In 2016, I provided over €175 million to local authorities for such acquisitions and these approaches are delivering early solutions for people in need of social housing.
Details on the number of properties constructed and purchased by all local authorities for letting to those on their social housing waiting lists are available on my Department’s website at the following link:
http://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/social-housing/social-and-affordble/overall-social-housing-provision.
Information on the full year of 2016 is currently being finalised and will be published shortly.
The results of the statutory Summary of Social Housing Assessments carried out in 2016 show that there were 91,600 households on local authority housing waiting lists as at 21 September 2016. This figure represents an increase of 1,728 households, or 1.9%, on the 89,872 households recorded in the last summary which was carried out in May 2013. The results of the 2016 Summary are available on my Department’s website at the following link:
http://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/summary_of_social_housing_assessments_2016.pdf.
In line with the commitment under Social Housing Strategy 2020, statutory summaries of social housing assessments are now being carried out on an annual basis, rather than every three years as was the case in the past. These regular summaries will provide up-to-date and comprehensive data on the numbers of households qualified for social housing support on an on-going basis and will ensure that social housing supports delivered continue to match the variable profile of those in need.
While a very significant amount of work has been carried out since the publication of Rebuilding Ireland in July 2016, I recognise the significant further progress required to activate additional housing development sites and accelerate delivery, increasing supply to the scale required, i.e. 25,000 homes per annum by 2021. The indicators, however, are positive and the latest residential commencements and completions data show that house-building activity is continuing to grow. Completions for the 12 month-period to end January 2017 stood at 15,256 homes, an 18% increase year on year. Likewise, commencement notices for 13,334 new homes were submitted in the 12-month period to end January 2017, an increase of 44% year on year. Importantly, multi-unit developments (i.e. developments other than one-off houses) currently represent 69% of all housing commencements (up from 60% in 2015). My expectation is that some 18,000 homes will be completed nationally this year.
Building on the early actions taken to make affordable housing more viable through re-affirming apartment guidelines and reforming the development contribution regime, a number of other actions are underway to make residential property delivery viable, at a far greater scale, and at more generally affordable prices and rents. For example, the announcement, on 28 March 2017, of €226 million funding for housing infrastructure on 34 high-impact sites, through the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF), will act at the catalyst for the delivery of some 23,000 homes by 2021 and an overall figure of up to 70,000 homes in the next ten to fifteen years in areas of greatest supply constraints. Details of the projects approved under LIHAF, including those located in the four Dublin local authority areas and in Louth, Meath and Kildare County Councils, can be accessed at the following link: http://rebuildingireland.ie/news/local-infrastructure-housing-activation-fund-announced/.
Through the range of actions currently being progressed under Rebuilding Ireland, to increase the supply of homes across all tenures, the Government will create the conditions required for the restoration of a more sustainable and normally functioning housing market, capable of providing homes, to buy or rent, at more affordable price points, where and when they are required.
158. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the extent to which recently awarded infrastructural funds in County Kildare will facilitate a housing programme to meet the needs of those on local authority housing lists and in the private sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17341/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra159. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the extent to which his Department has identified further deficiencies which might impede the development of a housing programme to meet the needs of the public and private sector in County Kildare in the aftermath of the recent award of funding to meet infrastructural deficits; when an accelerated housing programme might emerge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17342/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 158 and 159 together.
The aim of the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) is to relieve critical infrastructural blockages in order to enable the accelerated delivery of housing on key development sites in urban areas with high demand for housing.
A call for proposals was issued to all local authorities in August 2016. It was open to all local authorities to apply for funding towards the capital cost of public infrastructure, which, when provided, would secure the early delivery of additional housing at considerable scale and at more affordable price points, with developments in excess of 500 units in the Dublin area, or in excess of 200 units in areas outside Dublin.
21 local authorities submitted a total of 74 proposals in October 2016. Kildare County Council submitted 7 proposals in respect of Naas, Kildare, Maynooth, Newbridge, Celbridge, Leixlip and Sallins. On 28 March 2017, I announced funding for 34 projects under the LIHAF. The cost of these projects is €226.46 million, of which €169.65 million would be funded under LIHAF with local authorities funding the remaining €56.81 million. These public infrastructure projects will be key to the delivery of 23,000 housing units over the next four years, with a longer term projection of up to 70,000 units as the selected sites are fully built out.
Kildare County Council has received approval for the proposals at Maynooth, Naas and Sallins. The total cost of these projects is €21.43 million, of which €16.07 million will be funded by my Department with Kildare County Council providing the balance of €5.36 million. These projects are expected to deliver 1,850 housing units by 2021 and have the potential to provide 4,850 housing units in the longer term, with a strong focus on affordability. The resultant significant increase in private housing supply from these sites will facilitate increased social housing through the 10% Part V social housing dividend. The overall increase in supply should also help ease the pressure on rented accommodation and facilitate efforts to provide social housing through existing measures such as the Housing Assistance Payment scheme.
I am seeking additional funding for LIHAF under the Mid-term Review of the Capital Plan 2016-2021, but it will be a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, to consider in the context of other demands for the available funds. In the event that more funds are secured, local authorities will be able to re-submit proposals that did not receive funding or to advance other new proposals that would meet LIHAF objectives.
160. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if, in view of the housing crisis that currently exists, local authorities such as in County Kildare might be encouraged to facilitate indigenous housing applications in rural areas in circumstances in which previously such persons have been encouraged to locate in an urban setting, having particular regard to the need to ensure the utilisation of every option to address the housing needs of the county in accordance with good planning and a response to the social demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17343/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department published Guidelines for Planning Authorities on Sustainable Rural Housing in April 2005, which set out the national policy framework for planning authorities in drawing up their statutory development plans in relation to the issue of housing in rural areas, taking into account local circumstances and the type of area involved, including areas near large cities and towns, which need careful management of development pressures and other rural areas experiencing population decline.
Under the Guidelines, planning authorities are required to frame their planning policies in a balanced and measured way that ensures that the housing needs of rural communities are met, while avoiding excessive urban-generated housing and haphazard development in areas near cities and towns. The Guidelines also aim to ensure that sites being developed for rural housing are suitable with regard to access and wastewater disposal, and also from landscape and design perspectives.
It is a matter for individual planning authorities to prepare their development plans and the policies contained within such plans, taking account of local and varying geographical and landscape circumstances, as well as the approaches set out under the Guidelines in relation to rural-generated housing. It is also a matter for planning authorities, as well as An Bord Pleanála, to implement the Guidelines and local planning policies in assessing and deciding on individual planning applications and appeals under the development management consent process.
My Department maintains a constant overview of the practical implementation of all statutory planning guidelines, including the 2005 Rural Housing Guidelines. As the Deputy will be aware, the Government's key priority is delivering upon the commitments contained in its Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness, which collectively aim to accelerate the delivery of housing in key areas of demand, particularly in the major urban areas.
With regard to housing requirements that, from a planning policy point of view, are considered to be best facilitated in an urban setting, I am confident that the broad array of policy measures this Government is taking will ensure that such requirements can be met within the fabric of our cities, towns and villages, avoiding a repeat of past mistakes when rural areas in the vicinity of our cities and towns developed in a haphazard, uncoordinated manner, with consequent adverse implications for the amenities and environment of those areas and strategic infrastructure provision.
162. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the degree to which the planning process has been accelerated to facilitate the rapidly emerging needs of persons on local authority housing lists in danger of becoming homeless due to repossession of buy-to-let properties or repossession through mortgage arrears; the extent to which targets can be increased, both in numbers and in deadlines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17345/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the planning process, the recently enacted Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016 amended section 179 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, relating to the arrangements for approval by local authorities of their own development proposals, often referred to as the Part 8 process and providing for greater clarity around timelines associated with the various steps in the process.
Under the new arrangements, the maximum timeframe for the determination of local authority own development proposals is 20 weeks from the date of issue of the proposals for public consultation by the Chief Executive, whereas previously there was no maximum timeframe. These reforms provide greater certainty around the timeframes for such proposals, including proposals for social housing projects and infrastructure servicing both public and private development.
In relation to assisting people to stay in their homes, this Government is committed to supporting households in long-term mortgage arrears to remain in their homes, where possible. In this regard, there are currently two Mortgage to Rent (MTR) schemes funded by my Department. One scheme facilitates a local authority in acquiring ownership of properties with unsustainable local authority mortgages, thus enabling the household to remain in their home as a social housing tenant. The second scheme provides for an Approved Housing Body (AHB) to acquire ownership of a property with an unsustainable private mortgage, which also enables the household to remain in their home as a social housing tenant. Both schemes are part of the overall suite of social housing options and an important part of the mortgage arrears resolution process. Both schemes target only the most acute arrears cases where a mortgage is clearly unsustainable and the household have very limited options, if any, to provide for itself.
To support the ambitious Rebuilding Ireland target of 47,000 new social housing units, I have secured €5.35 billion in Exchequer investment over the period to 2021. This comprises some €4.5 billion in capital funding and €844 million in support of programmes funded from current expenditure.
I am committed to tackling the range of challenges in the housing sector. The publication of the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan underpins this resolve and has seen a new level of ambition on housing. I am confident that the multi-stranded actions involved represent a well-judged and comprehensive response to the urgent need for social housing and to respond to the need for a significant increase in housing supply generally.
163. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government when a local authority loan scheme can be put in place to facilitate first-time buyers or those on local authority housing lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17346/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra165. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government when the criteria for qualification for local authority loans can be re-examined with a view to ensuring that families have an opportunity of providing themselves with their own home through the local authority scheme by reference to a realistic access criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17348/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 163 and 165 together.
As stated in the reply to Question No. 117 of 19 January 2017, there are already currently two local authority house purchase loan offerings available to lower income first-time buyers from local authorities.
The first is the standard annuity mortgage available from all local authorities. A first-time buyer unable to get a loan from a building society or a bank, may be eligible for a mortgage from the local authority concerned to purchase a new or second hand property or build their own home. The loan can be up to 97% of the price of the house subject to a maximum loan of €200,000. A local authority mortgage is an annuity mortgage with variable interest rates, so repayments will go up and down in line with interest rate changes. The relevant terms and conditions applying to local authority housing loans are set out in the Housing (Local Authority Loans) Regulations 2012.
Key eligibility criteria provide that a loan applicant must be a first-time buyer and must be able to show their local authority that they cannot get a loan from a bank or building society. Also, the gross income (before tax) of a single-income household in the previous year must be €50,000 or less and the combined gross income (before tax) of a two-income household in the previous year must be €75,000 or less. Prospective applicants should contact their relevant local authority for further information.
The second option is the Home Choice Loan, which is available for first-time buyers to purchase a new or second-hand property or build their own home and will be of interest to those earning above the income limits for the standard annuity loan. The relevant terms and conditions applying to the Home Choice Loan are set out in the Housing (Home Choice Loan) Regulations 2009. Home Choice provides a loan of up to 92% of the market value of a property purchased, subject to a maximum loan amount of €285,000. The loan is a normal capital and interest bearing mortgage which is repaid on a monthly basis. Home Choice Loan offers one variable interest rate. The rate is currently set at 3.25% variable, APR 3.3%. Further information is available at http://www.homechoiceloan.ie.
To support local authorities in operating their housing loan schemes in a consistent and efficient manner, the Housing Agency provides a central underwriting service to local authorities. The final decision on loan approval is a matter for the relevant local authority and its credit committee on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with the relevant statutory Credit Policy that underpins the scheme to ensure prudent lending.
The Credit Policy that underpins both house purchase loan schemes was introduced in 2009 and adherence to the requirements of the Credit Policy since then has ensured that the risk of borrowers defaulting on mortgages has been reduced. It is imperative that local authority lending is sustainable and protects prospective borrowers from drawing down unsustainable mortgages.
164. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the extent to which he has examined the anomaly whereby qualification income limits for local authority housing are set in such a way as to deprive many families of a possible local authority home notwithstanding the fact that their income does not give them the choice to fund a mortgage; if immediate steps can be taken to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17347/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs indicated in my reply to Question No. 118 of 19 January 2017, given the cost to the State of providing social housing, it is considered prudent and fair to direct resources to those most in need of social housing support.
I am satisfied that the current income eligibility requirements generally achieve this - they provide for a fair and equitable system of identifying those households facing the greatest challenge in providing accommodation from their own resources.
I am aware of difficulties faced by households in certain circumstances arising from the income eligibility limits applicable in their areas. These issues will be considered further in the context of a review of these limits, as part of the broader social housing reform agenda set out in the Social Housing Strategy 2020, which is scheduled to commence later this year.
With regard to the difficulties experienced by households in securing a mortgage where they are deemed ineligible on income grounds for social housing support, the measures currently in place to assist first time buyers who are unable to get a loan from a building society or bank might be noted. As indicated in the reply of 19 January 2017, such households may be eligible for a mortgage from their local authority, in cases where the gross income (before tax) is €50,000 or less for a single income household or €75,000 or less in the case of a double income household. The loan can be up to 97% of the price of the house subject to a maximum loan of €200,000. Also, first time buyers can apply for a Home Choice Loan to purchase a new or second hand property or build their own home. Home Choice Loan provides a loan of up to 92% of the market value of a property purchased, subject to a maximum loan amount of €285,000. Further information is available at www.homechoiceloan.ie.
166. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the extent to which subsidised serviced building sites can be made available to low-to-medium income families that cannot currently provide themselves with a home of their own for a variety of reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17349/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraHousing authorities have powers to make low cost sites available to persons who are qualified for social housing support and to voluntary or co-operative non-profit housing groups. I have no plans at present to amend the conditions under which such sites are made available.
A range of measures are being taken under the Government's Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness, to increase housing supply overall, with the aim of creating a better functioning and more sustainable housing system which can meet housing demand at more affordable prices.
Assistance to first time buyers is also available under the Help to Buy Scheme, introduced by my colleague, the Minister for Finance. In addition, households may be eligible for a local authority mortgage or Home Choice Loan to finance their house purchase; further details are available from individual local authorities.
168. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the number of tenants who are in arrears and the value of those arrears in respect of social housing provided by Galway City Council and Galway County Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17424/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not hold information in relation to the number of social housing tenants in arrears in Galway City Council and Galway County Council.
According to the Councils' audited 2015 Annual Financial Statements, the amounts of rent arrears in Galway City Council and Galway County Council at 31/12/2015 were €786,251 and €1,956,399, respectively.
169. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the number of housing units owned by Galway City Council as distinct from HAP, RAS or any other scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17425/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraStatistics in relation to social housing stock are gathered by the National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC) in their annual reports on Performance Indicators in Local Authorities. These reports provide a range of information in relation to social housing stock including the total number of dwellings in each local authority area, broken down between the level of units provided directly and through the various schemes in operation.
The most recent NOAC report available is for 2015, which is available at the following link:
http://noac.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/2015-PI-Report.pdf.
Table 2 of the report shows that the number of units owned by Galway City Council as at 31 December 2015 was 2,307.
170. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the name, costs, date of commission, date or expected date of publication and name of the external consultant of all external reports commissioned by his Department since March 2011 per annum, in tabular form. [17432/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is set out in the following table.
|
Year Commissioned |
Consultant/Author etc. |
Name/Description of Report/Review/Study |
Date or Expected Date of Publication |
Amount Spent Since March 2011 |
|
2011 |
ARUP Consulting Engineers |
Study in respect of provision of fire detection and alarms systems in dwellings. |
Not intended for publication. It is a technical report, to inform work in the Department. |
€29,935 |
|
2011 |
Barrow Archaeological Services |
Archaeological reports on Met Éireann site at Valentia. |
Not intended for publication as it is a technical report relating to a site on Valentia Island where Met Éireann are building an Air Monitoring Facility. |
€1,210 |
|
2011 |
Building Research Establishment Ltd |
Retrofitting Code of Practice. |
Published March 2014. |
(1)€21,190 |
|
2011 |
Dr. Eoin O'Sullivan, Trinity College Dublin |
Review of the Homeless Strategy 2008-2013. |
Published November 2012. |
€6,000 |
|
2011 |
Housing & Sustainable Communities Ltd. |
Toolkit for Local Authorities on regeneration. |
Not intended for publication. This was a report intended to provide assistance to Local Authorities in drawing up proposals for the regeneration of their areas. |
€12,300 |
|
2011 |
Malachy Walsh & Partners |
EIS Screening Report for site at Valentia. |
Not intended for publication as it is a technical report relating to a site on Valentia Island where Met Éireann are building an Air Monitoring Facility. |
€6,336 |
|
2011 |
Marine Institute |
Marine Strategy Framework Directive (1) Initial Assessment; (2) Development of a Monitoring Programme; and (3) Development of a Programme of Measures necessary to achieve Good Environmental Status in Irish Marine Waters. |
(1) Initial Assessment - the technical report was published on the Department's website in Q2 2013 and the summary report was published in Q4 2013. (2) Monitoring Programme – sent to the EU Commission in April 2015. (3) Drawing up of programme of Measures - completed and published July 2016. |
(2)€2,857,481 |
|
2011 |
Murtagh & Partners |
Review of Dublin Region Homelessness Services and Funding in 2011. |
Published October 2011. |
€27,800 |
|
2011 |
National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) |
Audit reports for ISO9001:2008 in 2011 and 2012. |
Not intended for publication. These reports are for internal use only as an input for ongoing development of a Divisional Quality Management System. |
€6,699 |
|
2011 |
Price Waterhouse Coopers |
Independent assessment on establishment of National Water Utility. |
Irish Water - Phase 1 report and appendices published January 2012. Implementation Strategy published December 2012. |
€179,584 |
|
2011 |
Pyrite Panel |
Report of the Pyrite Panel - Independent report to provide options for the Minister to deal with the pyrite problem. |
Published July 2012. |
€22,719 |
|
2012 |
AECOM |
Cost optimal study for non-domestic buildings. |
Published March 2013. |
€53,517 |
|
2012 |
DKM Economic Consultants |
Review of Part V of the Planning and Development Act 2000. |
Published July 2013. |
€39,690 |
|
2012 |
Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) |
Analysis of Property Tax Options - a report to the Interdepartmental Expert Group on Property Tax. |
Published December 2012. |
€60,280 |
|
2012 |
Flynn Furney Consultants Ltd. |
Environmental Management Services re: review of CEMP at Valentia Site (Method Statement). |
Not intended for publication as it is a technical report relating to a site on Valentia Island where Met Éireann are building an Air Monitoring Facility. |
€3,167 |
|
2012 |
Glas Ecology |
Environment Management Plan (Breeding Chough and Peregrine Survey, Valentia Island, Co. Kerry). |
Not intended for publication as it is a technical report relating to a site on Valentia Island where Met Éireann are building an Air Monitoring Facility. |
€4,920 |
|
2012 |
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
Review of leasing model. |
Not Intended for publication. Report for internal use only. |
€1,937 |
|
2012 |
Indecon |
Feasibility study on a Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme. |
Published November 2012. |
(3)€42,706 |
|
2012 |
Mr. Hendrik W van der Kamp |
Independent Evaluation of the Planning Review Report 2012. |
Published January 2013. |
€12,096 |
|
2012 |
Mr. Seamus Woulfe SC |
Review of the management by the Department of an application by Wicklow County Council for loan approval in respect of the compulsory purchase of land at Charlesland, Co. Wicklow - Phase 1. |
Published March 2012. |
€19,680 |
|
2012 |
Mr. Seamus Woulfe SC |
Review of the compulsory acquisition of land by Wicklow County Council at Charlesland, Co. Wicklow - Phase 2. |
Published April 2013. |
€49,200 |
|
2012 |
Munster Archaeology |
Report on archaeological investigation/survey of Met Éireann site at Valentia. |
Not intended for publication as it is a technical report relating to a site on Valentia Island where Met Éireann are building an Air Monitoring Facility. |
€47,289 |
|
2012 |
Padraic Thornton Planning & Environmental Consultancy |
Preparation of EIA Guidelines. |
Published March 2013. |
€7,200 |
|
2012 |
Version 1 |
Evaluation of ICT Disaster Recovery configuration and capability. |
Internal Management Report. Not intended for publication. |
€9,363 |
|
2013 |
Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) |
Affordability aspects of the provision of water services in Ireland and subsequent analysis. |
Published in May 2014 as Appendix 2 and Appendix 5 of the "Report of the Inter-Departmental Working Group on Affordability Measures". |
€57,655 |
|
2013 |
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) |
Article 29(2) Report on Progress on Implementation of the EC (Good Agriculture Practices for the Protection of Waters) Regulations 2010. |
Published April 2014. |
Nil |
|
2013 |
Garrett Fennell Solicitor |
Independent Review of the registration arrangements for Architects under the Building Control Act 2007. |
Published on the Department's website. |
Nil (report produced on a pro-bono basis) |
|
2013 |
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
Review of CALF assessment process. |
Not Intended for publication. Report for internal use only. |
€11,675 |
|
2013 |
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
Business Process Design of the Housing Assistance Payment. |
Not Intended for publication. Report for internal use only. |
€54,938 |
|
2013 |
Indecon |
Assessment of Potential Merits of New Initiative re Purchase of Local Authority Houses by Existing Tenants. |
This report is available on request from the Department. |
Nil (report produced on a pro-bono basis) |
|
2013 |
KW Research & Associates |
NTACC Research into why Travellers leave Traveller-specific accommodation. |
Published on the Department's website April 2014. |
€11,938 |
|
2013 |
RPS Group |
Public consultation process on the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and producing a report. |
Published November 2013. |
€9,000 |
|
2013 |
Userneeds |
Usage survey on the Met Éireann website. |
Internal Management Report. Not intended for publication. |
Nil - provided as a free sample |
|
2014 |
Glas Ecology |
Environment Management follow up Report (Breeding Chough and Peregrine Survey, Valentia Island, Co. Kerry). |
Not intended for publication as it is a technical report relating to a site on Valentia Island where Met Éireann are building an Air Monitoring Facility. |
€1,599 |
|
2014 |
MacCabe, Durney Barnes |
Independent Planning Review. |
Published December 2015. |
€94,521 |
|
2014 |
Padraic Thornton Planning & Environmental Consultancy |
Independent Review of Draft S31 Directions in Westmeath. |
Published May 2014. |
€5,000 |
|
2014 |
Patricia Thornton Tom Philips Associates |
Independent Review of Draft S31 Directions in Limerick. |
Published August 2014. |
€4,151 |
|
2015 |
AECOM |
Additional cost optimal calculations for domestic and non-domestic buildings. |
Published February 2015 |
€33,683 |
|
2015 |
Behaviour & Attitudes Ltd. |
Market Survey to determine weather forecast consumption behaviour of the Irish public. |
Not intended for publication. Report for internal purposes, primarily to inform strategic business decisions. |
€19,865 |
|
2015 |
Deloitte |
Business Case Review for the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP). |
Not intended for publication. Undertaken as part of technical work to update financial modelling related to the preparation of the original business case. |
€28,939 |
|
2015 |
Dr. Dagmar Stengel |
Best practice in relation to the sustainable exploitation and management of intertidal seaweed resources. |
Not intended for publication. Informative research sought to address a gap in knowledge at the time. |
€14,391 |
|
2015 |
Independent Review Group |
An Bord Pleanala - Organisational Review. |
Published March 2016. |
€41,142 |
|
2015 |
IT Executive Focus |
Review of the Structure and Delivery Model of the ICT Services for the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. |
Internal Management Report. Not intended for publication. |
€55,289 |
|
2015 |
MartinPlan Consulting |
To consider the implications of the C-50 judgment in the context of waste water discharge licensing and to make any necessary recommendations. |
Not expected to be published. Report forms part of an ongoing deliberative process. |
€1,750 |
|
2015 |
Mazars Consulting |
Independent Review of Homeless Services (2015). |
Published on the Department's website January 2016. |
€27,075 |
|
2015 |
Rory Mulcahy, Senior Counsel |
Review Report in relation to Certain Planning Matters in respect of Donegal County Council. |
Issue of publication to be considered following completion of report. |
Nil |
|
2015 |
School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin |
Review of CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management) in fire service. |
Not intended for publication. It is a technical report, to inform work in the Department. |
Nil |
|
2015 |
Steering Group on Fire Safety Review (Chaired by Martin Riordan) |
Review of Fire Safety arrangements in multi-unit developments where concerns arise regarding non-compliance with statutory requirements. |
Date of publication to be decided. The report remains under consideration pending clarification on a number of issues. |
(4)€34,905 |
|
2016 |
Bruce McCormack |
Independent Review of Draft S31 Direction in Westmeath. |
Published in August 2016 |
€1,970 |
|
2016 |
Des Johnson |
Independent Review of Draft S31 Direction in Louth. |
Published February 2016 |
€3,000 |
|
2016 |
Des Johnson |
Independent Review of Draft S31 Direction in Kildare. |
Published in June 2016. |
€3,000 |
|
2016 |
Expert Panel on Concrete Blocks |
Report on the problems that have emerged in the concrete blockwork of certain dwellings in Donegal and Mayo. |
Date of publication to be decided. The panel has now concluded its meetings and is in the process of finalising its report which is undergoing legal proofing. |
(5)€9,054 |
|
2016 |
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency |
Review by the Housing Agency of the scheme of loans and grants for purchase of caravans by Travellers. |
Not Intended for publication. Report for internal use only. |
Nil |
|
2016 |
Housing and Sustainable Communities Agency/PACEC |
Independent Review of funding for Traveller-specific Accommodation since 2000 in the context of the delivery and implementation of Local Authority Traveller Accommodation Programmes. |
Expected to be published in Q2 2017. |
Nil |
|
2016 |
Invas Biosecurity |
Production of Program of measures on Invasive Alien Plant Species for the Water Framework Directive. |
Not published separately, forms part of the draft River Basin Management Plan published in February 2017. |
€9,225 |
|
2016 |
Mr. Hendrik W van der Kamp |
Independent Review of Draft S31 Direction in Donegal. |
Published in August 2016. |
€2,688 |
|
2016 |
RPS Group |
Strategic Environmental Assessment and Appropriate Assessment of the draft River Basin Management Plans. |
Will be published with the River Basin Management Plans in December 2017. |
€171,503 |
|
2017 |
ASM Chartered Accountants |
Review of the Department ICT Backup systems |
Internal Management Report in preparation. Not intended for publication. |
Nil |
|
2017 |
KOSI Ltd |
Efficacy and Risk Review of the Department's Cyber and IT Security Systems and Computer Rooms. |
Internal Management Report in preparation. Not intended for publication. |
Nil |
|
2017 |
Userneeds |
Usage survey on the Met Éireann website. |
Internal Management Report in preparation. Not intended for publication. |
Nil |
(1) The contract was in conjunction with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. Total cost of the study is €169,302 (inclusive of VAT). My Department's contribution was €21,190 (inclusive of VAT) with the balance met by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (i.e. €148,112 inclusive of VAT).
(2) The Initial Assessment report, monitoring programme and programme of measures each arise from a broader process connected with Ireland’s obligation to implement the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). The work primarily consists of a determination of the status of Ireland’s marine waters, the measures necessary to achieve, or maintain, the required Good Environmental Status by 2020 and a programme to monitor this. The preparation of a draft Initial Assessment (under Art. 8 of the MSFD) including proposals for Good Environmental Status (Art. 9) and for draft Environmental Targets (Art.10) is underpinned by a suite of monitoring measures to measure the maritime environment against these targets (Art. 11). Where human activities are preventing these targets from being met, a Programme of Measures to mitigate the effect of these activities, or halt them as appropriate (Art.13) has been finalised.
(3) This report was co-funded by my Department and the Private Residential Tenancies Board. The cost to my Department of €42,706 represents 50% of the total cost.
(4) The contracting authority for this report was Kildare County Council and the costs were recouped by my Department.
(5) The four members of the panel are providing their services on a pro-bono basis. The costs associated with the preparation of the report will relate to travel and subsistence (at Civil Service rates), legal fees and printing.
