Written Answers Nos. 451-470
451. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will consider using his powers under section 166 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 to develop the Athy south area as a strategic development zone to facilitate a new sugar beet processing plant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19557/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe designation of an area as a Strategic Development Zone (SDZ) under Section 166 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) is a decision of the Government, on the proposal of the Minister and taking on board observations from relevant Government Departments and the various agencies and public bodies under their aegis.
Under Section 166(1) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), the Minister shall, before proposing the designation of a site to the Government, consult with relevant development agencies on the proposed designation, which under Section 165 of the Act include IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, local authorities and others.
SDZs are designated for locations of strategic national importance in economic or social terms. In this regard I have not received any proposals from the statutorily defined development agencies for such a designation in strategic national terms and therefore I have no plans to bring such a proposal to Government.
In addition, such a development proposal could be considered appropriately within the normal planning application process as in many other areas of enterprise and food sector development.
452. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his plans to introduce a planning aid service that would offer planning advice and support to persons and communities regarding planning issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19563/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have no proposals to introduce a planning aid service along the lines of that operating in the UK, which is a free service independent of central and local government, whereby qualified planners offer professional advice on planning matters to local communities and individuals on a voluntary basis.
Section 247 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, provides that any person intending to apply for planning permission for development on land in which he or she has an interest may request a pre-application consultation with the relevant planning authority about the proposed development.
453. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will liaise with Tipperary County Council in resolving the unfinished entrance to an estate (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19567/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the provisions of Section 30 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), I am specifically precluded from intervening in individual cases. However my Department has made inquiries to Tipperary County Council in relation to the estate the subject of this question and I have been informed that the estate has been taken in charge and work is progressing on resolving any outstanding matters in the estate.
454. Deputy Kevin Boxer Moran asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the reasons for homelessness of each household accepted by local authorities as homeless over the past two years; the type of accommodation previously occupied by each such household before becoming homeless (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19570/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe assessment of households for social housing support, including homeless households, is a matter for individual housing authorities in accordance with the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and associated regulations. The results of the statutory Summary of Social Housing Assessments carried out in 2016 provide updated figures on the number of households who qualified for social housing support across each housing authority, including the number of qualified households whose housing need arose from homelessness. The full 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.
Homelessness is a complex phenomenon which is usually the result of a number of inter-related issues, often including complex personal problems, mental health, addiction, relationship breakdown, family issues, domestic violence, financial loss, economic insecurity, rent arrears, tenancy issues, anti-social behaviour, the vulnerability of migrants, etc. The myriad of issues contributing to homelessness mean that it is of limited value to attempt to classify incidence of homeless presentation to a single causative factor. It is generally accepted that the supply shortage across the housing sector, which in turn is a result of the economic collapse and the associated contraction in the construction sector, has been a driving force behind the increased number of families and individuals presenting as homeless in recent times.
Recent housing authority analysis into reasons for homeless presentations by families identifies two broad categories: departure from private rented accommodation, primarily following receipt of a ‘notice to quit’, and family circumstances which includes both relationship breakdown and overcrowding. As noted, it is overly simplistic to classify presentation by a single causative factor and it is likely in many cases that underlying reasons overlap. This analysis corresponds with recent independent surveys carried out by homeless service providers.
455. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the reason his Department does not use data on compliance certification from the building control management system to count annual completions of new build housing units, rather than or in addition to connections to ESB supply. [19602/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra456. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will make the building control management system database on compliance certification public in order to allow persons to corroborate the statistics published by his Department on new build completions. [19603/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra476. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the reason for the difference between the house completion figures provided by his Department and the figures from the building control management system provided by the Local Government Management Agency as outlined in a table (details supplied). [20100/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra477. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will change the way he presents the house construction figures making clear the difference between new build completions and existing builds returned to active housing stock. [20101/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra478. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will publish the building control management system house completion figures for each year that the system has been in place. [20102/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra479. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he is satisfied that the house completion figures published by his Department are a true record of the actual number of new homes being built. [20103/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra480. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his views on the criticism of his Department's house completion figures by persons (details supplied). [20104/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra492. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his views on the building control management system construction statistics which report that just 2,076 new homes were constructed in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20339/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra493. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the measurement of new home construction his Department will rely on in 2017 in view of the disparity between the building control management system figures of 2,076 new homes being constructed in 2016 and his Department's estimate of 15,000 plus new homes in 2016 based on connections to ESB networks; if his Department is examining new methodologies to accurately estimate the level of new homes being constructed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20340/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra494. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he stands by his earlier estimates to Dáil Éireann that over 15,000 new homes were built in 2016 and that over 18,000 new homes will be built in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20341/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra502. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the reason for the discrepancy between the figures used by the Local Government Management Agency and his Department in relation to the number of homes built in 2016; the basis for the figures used by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20642/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 455, 456, 476 to 480, inclusive, 492 to 494, inclusive, and 502 together.
The recording and reporting of statistics on housing activity is a complex matter that involves tracking a range of different indicators – including planning permissions, commencement notices, ESB connections and several others - from various sources, each of which measure different aspects of housing market activity. Each dataset presents part of the overall housing activity picture but none of the datasets were specifically designed to count new houses.
Since the 1970s, my Department has published ESB data on residential properties connected to the ESB grid, as a proxy for house completions, as it represents the best available indicator that a residential unit is becoming available for occupation. This dataset includes recently completed once-off homes, multi-unit scheme developments and apartments as well as some reconnections to the grid, where properties that have been unoccupied for over two years are being brought back into use.
ESB data are collected at a point in time when the home is connected to the grid and bears no relationship to the period of its construction. My Department has regularly drawn attention to this fact in the context of the recent economic and construction collapse where many homes commenced before 2008 but remained unfinished for several years and have gradually been finished out and brought to the marketplace as recovery took hold. Indeed, for a number of years my Department has published the results of annual surveys undertaken in relation to unfinished housing developments, including details in relation to the progress on completion of such developments.
In this context the Department has published data indicating that, based on ESB connections, 12,666 homes became available in 2015, 14,932 homes in 2016 and, based on current trends, it is anticipated that this figure will rise to 18,000 homes in 2017. The Department is working closely with the ESB in an attempt to obtain additional, more granular data from its dataset to get a further and deeper understanding of the various components of the overall connection data.
It is important to note that the ESB figures are by no means the only dataset used to measure housing activity. For example, detailed information on residential construction activity is available from certain local authorities - at the end of 2016, the four Dublin local authorities reported 144 active construction sites, encompassing the construction of some 5,200 new dwellings. This is a really important source of information in terms of informing policies aimed at increasing supply in the key Dublin housing market.
In relation to the Building Control Management System (BCMS), it is important to note that the BCMS was introduced with effect from 1 March 2014 to facilitate building control authorities, building owners, builders and construction professionals in discharging their responsibilities under the Building Control Act 1990, as amended. The building control process includes a requirement, in certain circumstances, to lodge a statutory Certificate of Compliance on Completion (CCC) in respect of buildings, including dwellings. While this represents another useful source of data on residential completions, it also has a number of limitations in this regard. Firstly, CCCs apply only to works commenced on or after 1 March 2014 and so would not apply to homes completed at a current date which were subject to a commencement notice submitted prior to 1 March 2014. Secondly, one-off houses were given the facility to opt out of the statutory CCC process on and from 1st September 2015, so not all single homes constructed will appear in these returns. Finally, a CCC may cover multiple buildings or works, so the number of CCCs registered on the BCMS does not correlate to the number of building units completed. My Department is actively engaging with the Local Government Management Agency, which hosts the BCMS, with a view to developing its potential further as an additional source of data in relation to house building activity.
The Central Statistics Office, which is the State’s authoritative voice in relation to the provision of high quality and independent statistical information supporting evidence-based decision-making, established an independent group in January 2017, chaired by an Assistant Director General, to examine housing statistics and my Department is a member of that group. This group is considering the best analytical approaches to reconciling and combining datasets in this area and will have oversight of, and a direct involvement in, the examination of any output arising from the variety of analyses currently underway.
My Department has also established a new Housing Data Analytics Group, with membership from the CSO, Central Bank, local authorities and others to examine this complex area and to monitor and review the various sources of data collected nationally to provide a comprehensive and coherent suite of statistics relating to housing matters.
457. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if funding from LIHAF may be available to progress a second bridge over the River Liffey in Celbridge and provide some of the required infrastructure to allow the magnitude of new housing provided for in the context of the Celbridge local area plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19654/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 LIHAF. The cost of these projects is €226.46 million, of which €169.65 million will be funded by the Exchequer, 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.
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 capital funds available. In the event that more funds are secured, local authorities will be able to resubmit proposals, including in relation to Celbridge, that did not receive funding or to advance other new proposals that would meet LIHAF objectives.
458. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will address pension concerns with regard to fire fighters (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19655/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe retirement age for retained fire fighters is 55 but may be extended to age 58 subject to medical fitness requirements. In 2008, retained fire fighters were given the option of joining the Local Government Superannuation Scheme (LGSS) and receive a pension and retirement lump sum based on their pensionable remuneration and length of service. Where a retained fire fighter, who is a member of the Scheme, retires on their compulsory retirement age, the lump sum and LGSS part of their pension are immediately payable. Any social welfare element of their pension will be payable at State pension age. Retained fire fighters attendance is part-time on a “fire call out” basis and many of the fire fighters are employed separately on a whole-time basis in other employments, some are self-employed and others are whole-time local authority employees. These employees can of course continue in their working lives outside of the retained fire services.
Only a very small percentage of retained fire fighters chose to join the LGSS in 2008. Those retained fire fighters who opted not to join will not receive a pension. On retirement, a non-pensionable gratuity of 1/8th of the annual retainer multiplied by the number of years of actual service (up to a maximum of four times the annual retainer) is payable to this group.
All retained fire fighters appointed after 1 January 2013 must join the Single Public Service Pension Scheme and are subject to the rules of that Scheme at retirement. This Scheme is the responsibility of my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
459. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the procurement rules for the tendering process for services such as drain cleaners; the reason local contractors find themselves excluded from this process yet they are the ones who deliver on the tender as sub-contractors to the winning tender; if the procurement process will include a positive weighting system which acknowledges local knowledge and expertise, track record and previous work with local authority water sections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19664/17]
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. Contracts entered into by Irish Water are a matter for the utility and I have no function in the matter.
Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via email at oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on a dedicated number, 1890 578 578.
460. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the rationale used by Irish Water to set connection fees for water and sewage in the case of new builds for both domestic and commercial buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19665/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith effect from 1 January 2014, Irish Water is responsible for public water services. Connection fees are a matter for the utility and the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). I have no function in the matter.
Section 22(5) of the Water Services (No. 2) Act 2013 provides that a water charges plan may provide for charges in respect of the provision of a service connection (within the meaning of the Water Services Act 2007) to, or in respect of, a premises. Since assuming responsibility for water and wastewater connection charging on 1 January 2014, Irish Water has continued to implement the connection charging policies and related charges applied by each local authority prior to that date.
I understand that the CER has commenced work on a project in relation to Irish Water’s connection charging policy and that it expects to commence the public consultation later this year on the development of an enduring policy for domestic and non-domestic connections to Irish Water’s network.
Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via email at oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on a dedicated number, 1890 578 578.
461. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his views on claims by the chief executive of a charity (details supplied) that Brexit will have a major effect on homelessness here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19692/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe issue of rough sleeping, which the organisation concerned primarily focuses on, is monitored closely by housing authorities countrywide but particularly in Dublin where a twice-yearly rough sleeper count is conducted through the Dublin Region Homeless Executive (DRHE) using a consistent enumeration methodology. The latest Dublin Region rough sleeper count was conducted on the night of 4 April 2017 and the results were published by the DRHE on 25 April, following verification and analysis. The count identified a minimum of 138 persons sleeping rough across the Dublin Region, a figure very similar to the 142 identified under the previous count which was conducted in November 2016. There was no meaningful difference with regard to the volume of non-Irish nationals identified over the two counts; if anything, the number of non-Irish national rough sleepers would appear to have declined since November 2016. I have not seen any analysis to support the suggestion by the organisation concerned that ‘Brexit’ will have a major effect on homelessness in Ireland.
462. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his plans to increase the number of landlords which accept HAP tenancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19697/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is a flexible and immediate housing support that is now available to all eligible households throughout the State. There are currently more more than 20,700 households in receipt of HAP, including 7,000 households that were previously supported by Rent Supplement. In excess of 15,000 separate agents and landlords are involved in providing that support.
To date in 2017, an average of 315 additional households a week are having their housing need met by finding private rental accommodation and landlords willing to enter into a tenancy agreement on the basis of HAP support. In order to provide access to information on the scheme to interested parties, a new HAP website, www.hap.ie, was recently launched and provides prospective HAP tenants and landlords with the information that they need to understand how the HAP scheme works. Local authorities are also promoting the scheme to landlords who might be interested in entering into a HAP tenancy.
My Department continues to keep the operation of the scheme under review. In general, I am satisfied with the operation of the HAP scheme and I consider it to be a key vehicle for meeting housing need and fulfilling the ambitious programme outlined under the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness.
464. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the process available to fire fighter representative organisations that wish to have the mandatory retirement age of 58 years lengthened to 60 years on a discretionary basis subject to health and fitness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19817/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraInternational research indicates that the retirement age of 55 is the optimum age to ensure that fire-fighters are capable of satisfactorily performing the tasks expected of them. The retirement age of 55 years of age was introduced because of health and safety considerations related to the job. Since the enactment of the Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Act 1989, underpinned by subsequent legislation, each fire authority, as an employer, has a statutory duty to avoid placing employees at risk.
A full time firefighter is statutorily required to retire at age 55 under the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004. This retirement age is set at 55 due to the physically demanding nature of the fire-fighter role.
The retirement age for retained fire fighters is 55 with an extended period to age 58 subject to a formal application process including a compulsory medical assessment.
A collective agreement was reached between the Local Government Management Services Board and the trade unions involved (SIPTU and ATGWU) in November 2002. This collective agreement provided, inter alia, for the appointment of an Expert Group which in turn would advise as to the retirement age for retained firefighters. The Expert Group's Report on Retirement Age recommended that the retirement age for retained firefighters remain at 55, with provision for an annual extension, subject to medical assessment, up to 58 years of age. Following the report of the Expert Group published in April 2003, a circular was issued by my Department in November 2003 setting out the age requirements in relation to retained firefighters in line with the Expert Report.
In general, any changes proposed by either management or unions are negotiated using the established Industrial Relations processes.
465. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the way in which the affordable rental scheme will function; if the affordable rental pilot scheme which was announced in October 2015 was completed; if so, if he will provide a report on same; the likely breakdown between private and commercial landlords he envisions; his plans to place a limit on the number of either group involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19839/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraBuilding on the announcement made in October 2015, Action 4.6 of the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan provided for the introduction of an affordable rental scheme to enhance the capacity of the private rented sector to provide quality and affordable accommodation for households currently paying a disproportionate amount of disposable income on rent.
As set out in the Strategy for the Rental Sector published in December 2016, the commitment on affordable rental is now to be progressed through kick-starting supply in rent pressure zones. Lands held by local authorities in rent pressure zones are to be brought to market on a competitive tendering basis, with a view to leveraging the value of the land to deliver the optimum number of units for rent, targeting middle income households, in mixed tenure developments. The cost of providing rental units is to be permanently reduced by lowering the initial investment and development costs for providers - AHB or private - allowing the rental units to be made available at below market prices without the need for ongoing rental subsidies.
In this regard, an important policy intervention in the delivery of new housing supply under Pillar 3 of Rebuilding Ireland is the development of State-owned lands for mixed-tenure housing, particularly in the major urban areas, where demand is greatest. On 27 April 2017, I published details of some 2,000 hectares of land in public ownership, which has the potential to deliver up to 50,000 homes nationally. Full details of these sites can be accessed on the Rebuilding Ireland Housing Land Map at the following link: http://rebuildingireland.ie/news/rebuilding-ireland-land-map/.
I have asked all local authorities to be innovative and proactive in developing these sites. The final model for each site will be the subject of careful consideration by the local authority concerned, the elected members included, who are best placed to know and provide for the housing need in their area. Indeed, the Dublin local authorities are well advanced in bringing large-scale sites forward for mixed tenure housing, with projects advertised that can deliver circa 3,000 mixed-tenure homes in the Dublin City Council and South Dublin County Council areas alone.
467. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his plans to make changes to the Building Control Act; if he is considering a proposal received by a body (details supplied) in this regard; when decisions will be made following consideration of the proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19848/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraPart 3 of the Building Control Act 2007 introduced a system of statutory registration for architects and restricted use of the title architect to persons who are registered architects. Section 22 of the Act makes specific provision for registration based on technical assessment of persons who had been independently performing duties commensurate with those of an architect for a period of 10 or more years in the State prior to the commencement of the Act.
In addition to the provision set out above, Section 14(2)(f) of the Act provides a permanent route to registration for practically trained persons who have 7 years appropriate practical experience and who have passed a prescribed register admission examination (PRAE). There is currently one PRAE available, provided by ARAE Ltd.
I have met with representatives of the organisation referred to on a number of occasions, as part of my efforts to resolve any issues arising in a manner which is acceptable to all parties. The most recent meeting took place on 13 April 2017. My Department and the RIAI, as registration body, are committed to continuing to work with the organisation in question and all other stakeholders to achieve whatever further reasonable and practical improvements in registration arrangements can be made.
469. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government the estimated impact of a hard Brexit on purchasing and-or renting a house in the greater Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19895/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra470. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government if he will conduct a strategic review of the measures needed to meet Brexit demand on housing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19896/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 469 and 470 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Government has adopted a whole-of-Government approach to the challenges and opportunities posed by Brexit led by the Cabinet Committee on Brexit which is chaired by An Taoiseach. In all negotiations, the Government will strive to ensure that the best possible outcomes will be achieved for our citizens, for the economy, for Northern Ireland and for the Common Travel Area.
While the specific impact of Brexit will be determined by the nature of the new relationship between the EU and the UK, the extent that this will affect demand for housing units is subject to some uncertainty, given the range of variables involved. However, my priority, as Minister with responsibility for housing and planning, is to ensure that all reasonable steps are being taken to secure the required increase in housing supply to at least 25,000 homes per annum by 2021.
In that regard, the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness contains a suite of responses to address the many interacting structural constraints that have hindered increased supply to date. Under the Plan, a range of actions, such as planning reforms, investment in infrastructure, and land supply initiatives, is being implemented to make residential property delivery viable at a far greater scale and at more generally affordable prices and rents. A copy of Rebuilding Ireland and reports on progress to date under the Plan can be accessed at the following link http://rebuildingireland.ie/.
With regard to ensuring sufficient supply in Dublin, my Department works closely with the four Dublin local authorities, through the governance arrangements under Rebuilding Ireland and, more specifically, through the Dublin Housing Supply Coordination Task Force which was established to address supply-related issues to the delivery of homes in the Dublin region. The Task Force comprises representatives from my Department, the Chief Executives of the four Dublin local authorities, NAMA, and other agencies. Its remit includes monitoring relevant housing data on the supply of viable and market-ready approved developments in the region.
In that regard, in its report for Quarter 4 2016, the Taskforce reports a total of 144 active residential development construction sites across Dublin, which will deliver some 5,200 homes. The full report can be accessed on my Department’s website at the following link: http://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/housing_supply_coordination_task_force_returns_q4_2016.pdf.
Furthermore, under Pillar 3 of Rebuilding Ireland, entitled “Building More Homes”, I have identified 23 Major Urban Housing Development Sites (MUHDS) with the potential to deliver up to 30,000 additional homes, 20,000 of which will be in Dublin, on existing zoned lands and close to the key areas of demand, over the next three to four years. These sites will be highlighted as exemplars for the co-ordination and delivery of plan-led housing development and active land management. Full details of these sites can be accessed at the following link: http://www.rebuildingireland.ie/RebuildingIreland-Pillar3PressRelease.pdf.
In addition, to relieve critical infrastructural blockages, to enable the accelerated delivery of housing on these and other key sites, I established the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF). On 28 March 2017, I announced funding for 34 projects under the LIHAF. The cost of these projects is €226.46 million, €112.72 million of which has been allocated to 12 projects across the 4 Dublin local authorities. These projects are expected to enable delivery of approximately 13,500 homes in Dublin by 2021, with the potential to provide around 37,500 homes in the longer term, with a strong focus on affordability. The overall increase in supply should also help ease the pressure on rented accommodation. Further details in relation to these LIHAF projects can be found at http://rebuildingireland.ie/news/local-infrastructure-housing-activation-fund-announced/.
Separately, the NTMA and ISIF are currently exploring opportunities to support the delivery of housing-related on-site enabling infrastructure in large-scale priority development areas with a view to kick starting the development process.
In addition, an important policy intervention in the delivery of new housing supply under Pillar 3 of Rebuilding Ireland is the development of State-owned lands for mixed-tenure housing, particularly in the major urban areas, where demand is greatest. Last week, I published details of some 2,000 hectares of land in public ownership, which has the potential to deliver up to 50,000 homes nationally. Some 350 hectares of this land is located in the Dublin region. Full details of these sites can be accessed on the Rebuilding Ireland Housing Land Map at the following link: http://rebuildingireland.ie/news/rebuilding-ireland-land-map/.
I have asked all local authorities to be innovative and proactive in developing these sites. The final model for each site will be the subject of careful consideration by the local authority concerned, the elected members included, who are best placed to know and provide for the housing need in their area. Indeed, the Dublin local authorities are well advanced in bringing large-scale sites forward for mixed tenure housing, with projects advertised that can deliver around 3,000 mixed tenure homes in the Dublin City Council and South Dublin County Council areas alone.
The Government is focused on ensuring that the unique circumstances of Ireland and its particular concerns arising from Brexit continue to be understood and addressed. A Brexit co-ordinator has been appointed in my Department to support the management of any impacts of Brexit on the business of my Department and to liaise with the Departments of An Taoiseach and Foreign Affairs and Trade.
I continue to work with all stakeholders and delivery agents to build on the progress achieved to date under the Rebuilding Ireland programme, to further accelerate output in order to achieve moderated rents and house prices, and will continue to keep the potential housing-related impacts of Brexit under ongoing review according as the Brexit negotiations progress over the next 2 years.
