Written Answers Nos. 281-298
281. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if his Department has offered the option of modular housing to the local authorities that have long housing waiting lists; if so, the uptake in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45478/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra282. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the extent to which rapid build or modular housing has been offered to Kildare County Council having regard to the seriousness of the housing situation in view of the fact that this will not improve unless steps are taken to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45479/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 281 and 282 together.
Utilising innovative construction technologies can accelerate housing provision, as timeframes are considerably less than for traditional build. Faster delivery may also mean that homes can be provided at more affordable rates than traditional build. To date, my Department's focus in relation to this form of house building has been on encouraging its use for accelerated delivery of social housing units and considerable progress is being made.
In that regard, my Department recently asked all local authorities, including Kildare County Council, to review the social housing projects in their areas and in the interest of achieving earliest delivery, they have been requested to consider their suitability for Design and Build contracts under the Rapid Build Framework, which includes modular design, set up by the Office Of Government Procurement. They were asked to consider, in particular, schemes which are amenable to early commencement, particularly in terms of their approved planning status.
In response, some authorities have indicated that a number of approved schemes and new schemes under consideration may be suitable. I expect that some authorities will utilise the OGP Rapid Build framework to help expedite delivery and I expect to be announcing further details in this regard in the coming weeks.
The question of utilising rapid build methodologies and other innovative construction technologies is, ultimately, a matter for consideration by each local authority in the context of individual projects. As I previously indicated to the Deputy, my Department and I are working with local authorities and approved housing bodies to accelerate the delivery of all housing, including rapid build, in order to tackle the current housing waiting lists and to deliver homes, as quickly as possible, to those who need them.
283. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the extent to which planning procedures can be expedited to facilitate the building of extra local authority houses with particular reference to the need to make an impact on the numbers on local authority waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45480/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the planning process, the 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, to provide for greater clarity around timelines associated with the various steps in the process. This amendment required a supporting amendment to the Planning and Development Regulations 2001, which was provided for in the Planning and Development (Strategic Housing Development) Regulations 2017.
Under the new arrangements, which came into operation from 3 July 2017, 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.
285. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the extent to which he might authorise the reintroduction of the rural housing programme, with particular reference to those on the local authority housing lists coming from a rural area being facilitated by way of a programme to ensure that they might be housed in their own area rather than adding to the waiting lists in urban areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45482/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraDetails on the number of households qualified for social housing support in each housing authority area are provided in the statutory Summary of Social Housing Assessments (SSHA). The purpose of the assessment is to count the total number of households qualified for and in need of social housing support across the country on a specified date in order to inform policy and plan for the right types of housing support.
The most recent statutory summary of social housing assessments, carried out in 2016, details the number of households on all local authority waiting lists as at 21 September 2016.
The results are available on my Department’s website at the link below and include breakdowns by each local authority across a range of categories. The 2016 report also includes the results of the 2013 summary for comparative purposes:
http://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/summary_of_social_housing_assessments_2016.pdf .
In line with a commitment given in the Social Housing Strategy 2020 summaries are now being carried out an annual basis. I expect the results of the 2017 Summary to be available for publication in the coming weeks.
It is a matter for each local authority to determine the nature, location and relative priority of individual social housing projects and the SSHA data can be utilised to aid this process. In submitting proposals for funding to my Department in respect of new social housing projects, local authorities may include proposals for single social houses in rural areas where they have identified and prioritised such need.
Addressing our housing shortage and homelessness crisis is the Government's number one priority. The Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness, is focussed on increasing and accelerating housing delivery, across all tenures. The funding earmarked for the Action Plan was increased from €5.35 billion to over €6 billion in Budget 2018.
Local authorities now have substantial pipelines of new social housing projects, details of which have been published and are available at the following link: http://rebuildingireland.ie/news/social-housing-developments/ .
I am keen that local authorities advance their projects as soon as possible and have assured them that funding is available to fully support their efforts in this regard.
286. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the extent to which serviced or serviceable lands, zoned or unzoned, have been identified by each of the local authorities in the greater Dublin area to facilitate a rapid build housing programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45483/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 27 April 2017, details of some 1,700 hectares of land in local authority and Housing Agency ownership were published on the Rebuilding Ireland Housing Land Map, with the potential to accommodate some 42,500 homes nationally. The map also includes details of some 300 hectares of land in ownership of other State or semi-State bodies, with the potential to deliver a further 7,500 homes.
Details in relation to these sites can be viewed at the following link:
http://rebuildingireland.ie/news/rebuilding-ireland-land-map/ .
All local authorities have been requested to prepare Strategic Development and Management Plans for residential lands in their ownership to ensure they are brought forward for development at the earliest appropriate opportunity. My Department facilitated a workshop for local authorities in July to commence this process. Once all the plans have been reviewed and finalised, they will be made available publicly, both on the dedicated Rebuilding Ireland website as well as on the website of the relevant local authority.
Utilising Rapid Build and other innovative construction technologies can accelerate housing provision, as timeframes are considerably less than for traditional build. This form of house building is being encouraged for accelerated delivery of social units under my Department's programmes. Faster delivery may also mean the units can be provided at lower cost than traditional build, given that the latter may have significantly greater labour costs over the course of construction. The question of utilising Rapid Build methodologies for housing on local authority sites is, in the first instance, a matter for the relevant local authority in the context of each individual project.
The rapid delivery programme has seen new social homes completed in Dublin at Poppintree, Ballymun (22 homes) and Finglas (39 homes). Other rapid delivery projects are nearing completion, including at Mulhuddart (20), Cherry Orchard, Ballyfermot (24), Mourne Road, Drimnagh (29) and Belcamp (38), a range of other projects are progressing, and a number of further additional projects are in planning, including projects outside Dublin.
I am keen that all local authorities advance their social housing construction programme as speedily as possible, using the optimum delivery mechanism and I have assured them that funding is in place to support their activity in this regard.
288. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the extent to which the number of families deemed homeless in County Kildare are likely to achieve accommodation in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45485/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraKildare County Council, along with all other local authorities, is being funded to increase significantly its delivery of social housing as part of Rebuilding Ireland. In Budget 2018, I secured €1.9 billion for housing programmes next year, a 46% increase over 2017. It will support the housing needs of 25,500 households. I also secured an additional €500 million in investment in 3,000 extra social homes over the period 2019–2021, which means the Rebuilding Ireland social housing target is increasing from 47,000 to 50,000 homes, with the total funding investment growing from €5.35 billion to over €6 billion.
An important aspect of this delivery is new social housing construction and details of all the projects under that programme are now published quarterly. The latest report, setting out the position at end Q2 2017, is available on my Department's website at the following link:
http://rebuildingireland.ie/news/social-housing-construction-projects-report-2017/ .
This report shows a sizeable construction portfolio for County Kildare, delivering over 280 new social homes. In fact, since the publication of that report, a further five new social housing construction projects, with 72 new homes, have been approved for the County.
In addition to the permanent accommodation solutions that we are putting in place, I also recently opened a new family hub development at Athy, where the Council and the Peter McVerry Trust have delivered good quality, supported accommodation for 7 families who were experiencing homelessness.
In tandem with the construction programme, all local authorities have been undertaking the targeted acquisition of properties for immediate social housing use and so far this year, Kildare County Council has purchased over 80 such homes. Approved housing bodies (AHBs) are also very active in delivery in Kildare, as can be seen with the 45 new homes approved through the Capital Advance Leasing Facility and, over 2016/17, a further 100 new homes were acquired by AHBs for households on the Kildare social housing waiting list through the Capital Assistance Scheme.
In addition, between 2014 and the end of this year, around 100 vacant social houses in Kildare will have been returned to productive use through the programme of funding support from my Department.
The Social Housing Current Expenditure Programme is also supporting local authorities and AHBs for the long term leasing of houses and apartments from private owners and developers for social housing use. Currently, there are around 375 operational units under this programme in Kildare.
Over 1,300 households are also being supported currently through the HAP scheme in Kildare. This will continue to provide a flexible housing support for addressing the housing needs of households presenting as homeless to Kildare County Council.
289. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the extent to which emergency housing accommodation is available to Kildare County Council to accommodate the increasing emergency housing need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45486/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra292. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the degree to which he expects to meet the imminent housing demand following the displacement of persons from private accommodation for a variety of reasons, including repossession and the immediate needs of such persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45489/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 289 and 292 together.
My Department’s role in relation to homelessness involves the provision of a national framework of policy, legislation and funding to underpin the role of housing authorities in addressing homelessness at local level. Statutory responsibility in relation to the provision of homeless accommodation and related services rests with individual housing authorities. My Department has no function in relation to operational issues, such as placements into emergency accommodation, which are a matter for the relevant housing authorities.
Under the Housing Act 1988, it is a matter for the housing authority concerned to determine whether a person is regarded as homeless. Any person regarded as homeless by a housing authority may be placed into temporary emergency accommodation, which the housing authority may arrange itself or which may be operated by a State-funded service provider. I am satisfied that housing authorities, including Kildare County Council, are making every effort to provide the most suitable accommodation available to homeless households seeking emergency accommodation
The Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan on Housing and Homelessness comprises a range of actions to tackle homelessness and to assist families residing in emergency accommodation. It is evident that the long-term solution to the current homelessness crisis is to increase the supply of new homes, across all forms of housing, to 25,000 per annum by 2020. Over one year into the plan, all of the key statistical indicators point to a significant scaling up of housing activity, with planning permissions, commencement notices and ESB residential connections all increasing substantially. With over 19,000 households having had their social housing needs met in 2016, I expect that a further 21,000 such supports will be delivered in 2017.
With regard to the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP), there are currently more than 28,500 households being supported by the scheme and over 14,500 of these households commenced HAP support since the beginning of 2017; more than 350 households are being set up on HAP each week in 2017.
It is intended that the long-term housing needs of households in emergency accommodation will be met through a range of social housing supports such as the HAP scheme and through general social housing allocations. Significant progress is being made, with over 3,000 sustainable exits from homelessness into independent tenancies being achieved in 2016, and 2,000 further such exits being achieved during the first half of 2017.
It should be noted that Budget 2018 provides for a national allocation of €116 million for homeless services - an additional €18 million, or 18%, on this year's provision of €98m, and a 66% increase on the 2016 provision of €70m.
290. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the progress over the past six months in respect of the town centre, Naas, County Kildare, with particular reference to the urgent need to restart the project and encourage a major anchor tenant into the centre, thereby facilitating the reinvigoration of the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45487/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe management of issues related to this development are primarily 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 precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any particular case with which a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála is or may be involved, except in very specific circumstances.
As outlined in previous replies to the Deputy's Question Numbers 1265 and 1266 of 13th July 2017, I understand from Kildare County Council that a Receiver has been appointed in relation to the site in question and the Council continues to encourage the Receiver to develop the site or put the property up for sale as soon as possible.
However, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on the specific case.
291. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of families rehoused by Kildare County Council in each of the past two years to date in 2017, excluding the use of voids; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45488/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn accordance with section 22 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and associated Regulations, the allocation of social housing support to qualified households is a matter for Kildare County Council. Therefore, my Department does not hold the information requested.
293. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will undertake a review of responsibility for the maintenance of the public sewerage system in view of the fact that the establishment of Irish Water residences and businesses now have the responsibility of the infrastructure to the centre of the road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45534/17]
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. Irish Water is responsible for water services infrastructure including water supply pipes or sewers extending from a waterworks or waste water works to the curtilage of a property.
Under sections 43 and 54 of the Water Services Act 2007, responsibility for maintenance and replacement of any water or wastewater pipes, connections or distribution systems that are located within the boundary of a property rests with the owner. This was the position that pertained prior to the establishment of Irish Water, when individual local authorities held responsibility for public water services and infrastructure.
While the legal position is set out in the 2007 Act, the Department is engaging with Irish Water to set out clearly the responsibilities of both Irish Water and property owners in relation to water supply and wastewater infrastructure.
294. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if the proposal to provide a new fire station in Ballybay, County Monaghan, will be progressed during 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45608/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of fire services in local authority areas, including the establishment and maintenance of fire brigades, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of premises, is a statutory function of the individual fire authorities under the provisions of the Fire Services Act, 1981. My Department supports the fire authorities through setting general policy, providing a central training programme, issuing guidance on operational and other related matters and providing capital funding for priority infrastructural projects.
In February 2016, my Department announced a five-year Fire Services Capital Programme with an allocation of €40 million, based on an annual €8 million allocation, to be used for the purchase of fire appliances and specialist equipment, building or upgrading of prioritised Fire Stations, an upgrade of the Communications and Mobilisation system and improvements to Training Centres.
Monaghan County Council has prioritised a new fire station project in Castleblayney and this is included as part of this programme under the list of priority projects to be progressed for 2019. Ballybay is also included under the 2016 – 2020 Capital Programme as a new build station project to be included in annual reviews. Approval-in-principle issued in 2008 for a new fire station at Corrybrennan, Ballybay to a maximum cost of €1,000,000. In April 2009, design and cost plans were received in my Department indicating a total cost of € 1.2 million. The Council was recouped €17,000 for professional fees in 2012 and €100,000 site acquisition costs in 2016.
Correspondence was received by my Department in July this year requesting inclusion of Ballybay in the Capital Programme, stating that the current station falls short of the needs of Monaghan Fire Service. A revised cost plan has been requested from Monaghan County Council and upon receipt of this, my Department will continue working with the local authority to progress this project.
295. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the recent figures for the strength in whole-time equivalent terms of the Permanent Defence Force with regard to all three services and all ranks; the gender breakdown of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45493/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra296. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the recent figures for the strength of the Reserve Defence Forces with regard to all three services and all ranks; the gender breakdown of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45494/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra297. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of additional recruits the Permanent Defence Force have taken on to date in 2017 with regard to all three services; the gender breakdown of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45495/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra298. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of whole-time equivalent persons who have been recruited in each of the years 2013 to 2016 and to date in 2017, to the Permanent Defence Forces. [45496/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 295 to 298, inclusive, together.
The following tables set out below provide the strength of the Permanent Defence Force as of 30 September 2017 across all three services and ranks, broken down by gender. The figures provided are for whole time equivalent posts.
Army
|
Rank |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
Lieutenant General |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Major General |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|
Brigadier General |
6 |
0 |
6 |
|
Colonel |
32 |
1 |
33 |
|
Lieutenant Colonel |
101 |
2 |
103 |
|
Commandant |
217 |
33 |
250 |
|
Captain |
220 |
46 |
266 |
|
Lieutenant |
103 |
13 |
116 |
|
Sergeant Major |
26 |
0 |
26 |
|
Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant |
26 |
0 |
26 |
|
Company Sergeant |
82 |
2 |
84 |
|
Company Quartermaster Sergeant |
139 |
2 |
141 |
|
Sergeant |
752 |
52 |
804 |
|
Corporal |
1,228 |
107 |
1,335 |
|
Private |
3,738 |
200 |
3,938 |
|
Cadets |
124 |
27 |
151 |
|
Total |
6,797 |
485 |
7,282 |
Air Corps
|
Rank |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
Brigadier General |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Colonel |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|
Lieutenant Colonel |
11 |
0 |
11 |
|
Commandant |
31 |
2 |
33 |
|
Captain |
44 |
7 |
51 |
|
Lieutenant |
22 |
0 |
22 |
|
Sergeant Major |
6 |
1 |
7 |
|
Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant |
3 |
0 |
3 |
|
Company Sergeant |
52 |
0 |
52 |
|
Company Quartermaster Sergeant |
9 |
1 |
10 |
|
Sergeant |
95 |
7 |
102 |
|
Corporal |
141 |
10 |
151 |
|
Private |
210 |
7 |
217 |
|
Cadets |
42 |
1 |
43 |
|
Total |
669 |
36 |
705 |
Naval Service
|
Rank |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
Brigadier General |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Colonel |
2 |
0 |
2 |
|
Lieutenant Colonel |
13 |
0 |
13 |
|
Commandant |
42 |
8 |
50 |
|
Captain |
38 |
14 |
52 |
|
Lieutenant |
42 |
2 |
44 |
|
Sergeant Major |
5 |
0 |
5 |
|
Battalion Quartermaster Sergeant |
6 |
0 |
6 |
|
Company Sergeant |
66 |
0 |
66 |
|
Company Quartermaster Sergeant |
13 |
0 |
13 |
|
Sergeant |
158 |
7 |
165 |
|
Corporal |
126 |
8 |
134 |
|
Private |
475 |
25 |
500 |
|
Cadets |
22 |
2 |
24 |
|
Total |
1,009 |
66 |
1,075 |
The tables below set out the effective strength of the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve as of 30 September 2017, by rank, service and gender.
Army Reserve
|
Rank |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
Lieutenant Colonel |
5 |
0 |
5 |
|
Commandant |
48 |
2 |
50 |
|
Captain |
35 |
1 |
36 |
|
Lieutenant |
142 |
40 |
182 |
|
Sergeant Major |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Battalion Quarter Master Sergeant |
5 |
0 |
5 |
|
Company Sergeant |
43 |
0 |
43 |
|
Company Quarter Master Sergeant |
55 |
2 |
57 |
|
Sergeant |
232 |
19 |
251 |
|
Corporal |
279 |
67 |
346 |
|
Private |
685 |
128 |
813 |
|
Total |
1,530 |
259 |
1,789 |
Naval Service Reserve
|
Rank |
Male |
Female |
Total |
|
Lieutenant Colonel |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Commandant |
4 |
0 |
4 |
|
Captain |
5 |
0 |
5 |
|
Lieutenant |
6 |
1 |
7 |
|
Sergeant Major |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Battalion Quarter Master Sergeant |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Company Sergeant |
6 |
0 |
6 |
|
Company Quarter Master Sergeant |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
Sergeant |
10 |
0 |
10 |
|
Corporal |
17 |
5 |
22 |
|
Private |
58 |
14 |
72 |
|
Total |
107 |
20 |
127 |
The table below sets out the number of additional general service recruits the Permanent Defence Force have taken on to-date in 2017.
|
Service |
Total |
Male |
Female |
|
Army |
448 |
412 |
36 |
|
Naval Service |
62 |
52 |
10 |
|
Air Corps |
22 |
22 |
0 |
|
Total |
532 |
486 |
46 |
The table below sets out the number of whole time equivalent persons recruited in the years 2017 to-date (including general service recruits, cadets, direct entry).
|
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 to date |
|
446 |
503 |
415 |
690 |
645 |
There is significant ongoing recruitment at both enlisted and officer level and it is anticipated that up to 800 new personnel will have been inducted into the Permanent Defence Force during 2017. This includes general service recruits, apprentices, cadets and direct entry officers. A range of recruitment methods are being employed including direct entry competitions for specialist positions and the scope to further expand direct entry is being considered.
I remain committed to maximising recruitment to the Defence Forces and ensuring that, where possible, the terms and conditions of service are as favourable as they can be within the current budgetary parameters.
With the support of the Chief of Staff and within the resources available, the Government is committed to retaining the capacity of the Defence Forces to operate effectively across all roles and to undertake the tasks laid down by Government both at home and abroad.
