Written Answers Nos. 591-608
591. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if a tenant to a local authority or a tenant referred to a housing association by a local authority can avail of a Rebuilding Ireland home loan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26597/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan is designed to enable credit-worthy first-time buyers to access sustainable mortgage lending to purchase new or second-hand properties in a suitable price range. The scheme is targeted at first-time buyers who have access to an adequate deposit and have the capacity to repay a mortgage, but who are unable to access a mortgage sufficient for them to purchase their first home. The low rate of fixed interest associated with the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan provides first-time buyers with access to mortgage finance that they may not otherwise be able to afford at a higher interest rate.
Single applicants for the loan must not be earning greater than €50,000 gross per annum. The combined income of joint applicants must not be greater than €75,000 per annum. There are no set minimum income limits; however, applicants do need to have sufficient borrowing and repayment capacity and must be capable of repaying the mortgage in accordance with the statutory credit policy underpinning the loan. These income limits are unchanged from the previous local authority loan offerings.
Full details of the loan's eligibility criteria and other information is available from the dedicated Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan website: http://rebuildingirelandhomeloan.ie/.
Any person who meets the eligibility criteria may apply for a loan, regardless of whether or not they are on the local authority housing list or qualify for social housing support.
592. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when persons who are legally divorced or separated and have legally discharged their interest in the family home are applying for the Rebuilding Ireland home loan scheme, the terms of the financial gain provisions that currently prevent applicants from applying; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26601/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan Scheme enables credit-worthy first-time buyers to access sustainable mortgage lending to purchase new or second-hand properties in a suitable price range, where they cannot obtain sufficient mortgage finance from a commercial lender.
As with the previous local authority loan offerings, the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan is available to first-time buyers only. There is no change to this regard. This is set out in the regulations governing the Scheme so as to ensure the effective targeting of limited resources.
Applicants who are separated or divorced may be treated as first-time buyers, in accordance with the regulations, if they meet certain conditions, including:
- they are separated or divorced under a court order or by a separation agreement;
- the property being purchased is the first property since leaving the family home;
- they have left the family home and retain no interest in it; or
- the other party has remained in the family home.
In meeting the conditions as set out above, in particular that the other party has remained in the family home and that the potential applicant has relinquished any rights they had over that property, no financial gain should have been made by the potential applicant in exchange for relinquishing their rights to the property in this manner. Were the individual to have made a financial gain in releasing their rights to the property, such as being bought out by the other party who remains resident in it, they would be deemed to have been compensated for their interest in the property, and therefore not be eligible as a first-time buyer.
The loans are provided by the Local Authorities and the applications are assessed by the Housing Agency on their behalf. Each local authority must have in place a credit committee which makes the final decision on applications for loans, in accordance with the regulations and having regard to the recommendations made by the Housing Agency.
593. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of requests received from the Residential Tenancies Board for permission to employ additional staff in 2017 and to date in 2018; the number approved, pending or refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26646/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraDemand for the RTB’s services has increased significantly due to the increasing size of the rental sector and also because of the changing regulatory structure. Furthermore, a number of additional functions have been added to the remit of the RTB since 2017, including:
- implementation of new Rent Predictability Measures, such as the introduction of Rent Pressure Zones and associated on-going analysis,
- increased engagement with the Approved Housing Body (AHB) Sector,
- integration of Rent Tribunal functions into the RTB,
- introduction of free Mediation Services,
- development of a voluntary Landlord Accreditation Scheme,
- establishment of a one-stop shop,
- establishment of one-person Tribunals,
- increased education/awareness and research role, and
- consideration and analysis in respect of a Deposit Protection Scheme.
Legislative changes are currently being drafted which will make it an offence to implement rent increases that contravene the limit of a 4% increase in rent per annum in Rent Pressure Zones and the RTB will be given the necessary powers and resources to protect tenants from illegal rent increases. The RTB, in consultation with my Department, is currently in the process of developing a new workforce plan, which will outline future staff resource requirements, taking into account the plans to expand the RTB's role.
The table sets out staffing requests made by the RTB since 2017.
|
Year |
Additional Resources Sought |
Additional Resources Sanctioned |
|
2017 |
Sanction requested for 10.5 additional posts. |
10.5 additional posts sanctioned |
|
2018 (to 15 June) |
Sanction requested for 1 additional post. |
1 additional post sanctioned |
594. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the status of an application by a person (details supplied) under the Rebuilding Ireland initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26657/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan is provided by local authorities in accordance with the Housing (Rebuilding Ireland Home Loans) Regulations 2018, which broadly set out the eligibility criteria to avail of the loans as well as the obligations of the local authorities and duties of borrowers in respect of the Scheme. In accordance with the regulations as Minister, I have issued a statutory credit policy which obliges each local authority to establish a credit committee to assess and decide on applications and an appeals mechanism for those who are not satisfied with a decision of the credit committee.
To support local authorities in operating the Scheme the Housing Agency provides a central assessment service to the authorities and makes recommendations to them in respect of each application submitted to it. The final decision on loan approval is a matter for each local authority and its credit committee to make on a case-by-case basis. Decisions on all housing loan applications must be made in accordance with the Regulations and the statutory credit policy, having regard to the recommendation of the Housing Agency, in order to ensure consistency of treatment for all applicants.
Under legislation, a local authority is independent in the performance of its functions and as Minister, I am precluded from exercising any power or control in relation to any individual case with which a housing authority is or may be concerned. I am therefore not in a position to comment on or deal with an individual case.
The person concerned should therefore contact the local authority to which they applied for the loan for an update in relation to their application.
595. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the average cost of social housing units delivered in 2017 by schemes (details supplied) in tabular form. [26669/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe data requested is currently being compiled and will be provided to the Deputy as soon as possible. This exercise will involve the examination of an extremely voluminous amount of data and it may not be possible to furnish the material within the timeframe set out in Standing Order 42 A (1)(b). However, My Department will endeavour to provide the information to you as soon as possible.
596. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the capital allocation for 2018 for schemes (details supplied) in tabular form. [26670/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Disabled Persons Grants Scheme (DPG's), my Department provides funding to local authorities for adaptations and extensions to the existing social housing stock to meet the needs of local authority tenants. The scheme applies to adaptations that are necessary to address the needs of older people or people with a disability who may require stair-lifts; grab-rails; showers; wet-rooms and ramps etc. It also provides funding for extensions such as the installation of a downstairs bedroom or bathroom.
The scheme is demand-led and allows local authorities to prioritise works based on need. Exchequer funding meets 90% of the cost of such works, with the local authority providing the remaining 10%.
The scheme also provides funding for Improvement Works in Lieu of Social Housing (IWIL’s) in order to improve or extend privately owned accommodation where the applicant is already approved for social housing. This allows people to remain in private housing while their housing need is met without increasing the strain on current social housing stock and also reduces the numbers of persons who might otherwise find themselves homeless.
In order to ensure that there were no delays for priority and urgent cases, all local authorities were advised that they may undertake works of up to 65% of their 2017 allocation in advance of the notification of their 2018 allocation. This allowed them to plan and progress works under the scheme and allows for the full utilisation of the 2018 allocation throughout the year.
Local authorities have submitted to my Department details of their work proposals and related funding requirements for this scheme in 2018. These proposals have now been evaluated and funding allocations will be confirmed to the local authorities shortly.
597. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when the building control Bill will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26691/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraStronger compliance with building standards and the broader building control reform agenda are critical priorities for the Government, and a commitment has been given to placing the Construction Industry Register Ireland, or CIRI, on a statutory footing. CIRI was established on a voluntary basis in 2014 and over 800 building and contracting entities are currently included on the register.
At the end of May 2017, the Government approved the draft heads of a Bill to place the CIRI on a statutory footing and the Bill was referred to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Housing, Planning and Local Government for pre-legislative scrutiny. The Committee’s report was received on 14 December 2017and its recommendations are being considered. In parallel, the drafting of the Bill is being progressed but I am not in a position at this stage to give a precise indication of the timeline for the Bill's publication.
The main objective of the legislation is to develop and promote a culture of competence, good practice and compliance with Building Regulations within the builder community of the construction sector. The establishment of a robust, mandatory, statutory register of builders and specialist contractors is an essential consumer protection measure giving those who engage a registered builder the assurance that they are dealing with a competent and compliant operator. In addition, it will complement the reforms which have been made through the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2014 and contribute to the development of an enhanced culture of competence and compliance in the construction sector.
598. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the location at which a housing assistance payment, HAP, applicant can redeem the full cost of borrowings they have had to make in order to pay the rent while the HAP application is being processed; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a HAP application can take 12 to 15 weeks to be processed and is not backdated and consequently the applicant will have to borrow money to pay the rent in the interim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26693/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) is deemed to be a social housing support under the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014. As a long term housing support, an assessment of housing need must be completed in order for a household to qualify for HAP. Any household with an identified housing need is eligible for HAP. The Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011 provide that subject to conditions, a housing authority shall deal with such an application within a period of 12 weeks. Local authorities will prioritise housing needs assessments for those in greatest need and average waiting times are significantly shorter than the statutory maximum in many areas.
Under the HAP scheme, eligible households source their own accommodation in the private rented sector. My Department does not hold details on the processing times for HAP applications or payments. The earliest date a HAP payment will issue to a landlord is the date a complete and valid HAP application has been received by the local authority. Limerick City and County Council provide a highly effective transactional shared service on behalf of all HAP local authorities. This HAP Shared Services Centre (SSC) manages all HAP related rental transactions for the tenant, local authority and landlord. Once a HAP application has been received and confirmed as valid by the relevant local authority, it is then processed by the HAP SSC. On average, HAP applications are processed by the HAP Shared Service Centre within 1 working day of receipt. Any rental payment arising for a given month will then be made to a landlord on the last Wednesday of that month.
More than 37,000 households are currently in receipt of HAP support. My Department continues to keep the operation of the HAP 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 under the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness.
599. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of homes brought into use in 2016 and 2017 under the repair and lease and the buy and renew schemes, in tabular form; the expenditure in each year for each scheme; the number of homes acquired via the Housing Agency in 2017 and to date in 2018; and the cost of these houses in each of these years. [26696/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe data requested is currently being compiled and will be provided to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
|
Local Authority |
€ Current |
€ Capital |
|
Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council |
€8,809 |
€4,987 |
|
Waterford City and County Council |
€17,371 |
€191,398 |
|
Wexford County Council |
€4,009 |
|
|
Total |
€30,189 |
€196,385 |
600. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of Part V units delivered in each local authority area in 2017, in tabular form; and the average cost of those units in each area. [26697/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe data requested is currently being compiled and will be provided to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
|
LA |
Total Part V output 2017 |
|
SHCIP Part V output 2017 |
Average Cost of SHCIP part V unit € |
|
CAS Part V output 2017 |
Average Cost of CAS Part V unit € |
|
CALF Part V output 2017 |
Average total cost of CALF Part V unit € |
Average CALF Approved for CALF Part V unit € |
Average annual P&A cost for CALF Part V unit € |
|
Leased Part V unit output 2017 |
Average annual P&A cost € |
|
Non DHPLG funded Part V units output 2017 |
|
Carlow |
10 |
10 |
184,395 |
0 |
0 |
||||||||||||
|
Cavan |
1 |
1 |
130,000 |
0 |
|||||||||||||
|
Clare |
4 |
4 |
222,500 |
0 |
0 |
||||||||||||
|
Cork City |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|||||||||||||
|
Cork County |
7 |
5 |
179,772 |
0 |
2 |
||||||||||||
|
Donegal |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|||||||||||||
|
Dublin City |
56 |
1 |
240,434 |
0 |
- |
55 |
|||||||||||
|
DLR |
137 |
0 |
8 |
266,476 |
15,057 |
20,021 |
124 |
14,210 |
5 |
||||||||
|
Fingal |
101 |
11 |
206,855 |
66 |
222,464 |
32,511 |
14,431 |
24 |
|||||||||
|
Galway |
34 |
2 |
32 |
189,287 |
56,474 |
9,670 |
0 |
||||||||||
|
Galway City |
0 |
0 |
137,512 |
0 |
0 |
||||||||||||
|
Kerry |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|||||||||||||
|
Kildare |
24 |
8 |
181,240 |
0 |
16 |
||||||||||||
|
Kilkenny |
3 |
0 |
3 |
93,503 |
13,090 |
6,584 |
0 |
||||||||||
|
Laois |
1 |
1 |
165,000 |
0 |
0 |
||||||||||||
|
Leitrim |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|||||||||||||
|
Limerick |
9 |
9 |
169,215 |
0 |
0 |
||||||||||||
|
Longford |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|||||||||||||
|
Louth |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|||||||||||||
|
Mayo |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|||||||||||||
|
Meath |
23 |
0 |
12 |
233,157 |
61,458 |
15,088 |
11 |
||||||||||
|
Monaghan |
5 |
5 |
206,117 |
0 |
0 |
||||||||||||
|
Offaly |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|||||||||||||
|
Roscommon |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|||||||||||||
|
Sligo |
6 |
0 |
6 |
238157 |
0 |
0 |
|||||||||||
|
South Dublin |
80 |
10 |
220,434 |
6 |
200000 |
36 |
257,496 |
64,328 |
15,346 |
18 |
13,754 |
10 |
|||||
|
Tipperary |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|||||||||||||
|
Waterford |
13 |
13 |
178,383 |
0 |
0 |
||||||||||||
|
Westmeath |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|||||||||||||
|
Wexford |
6 |
0 |
6 |
203,846 |
61,154 |
9,384 |
0 |
||||||||||
|
Wicklow |
1 |
1 |
315,000 |
0 |
0 |
||||||||||||
|
All LAs |
522 |
81 |
12 |
163 |
142 |
124 |
601. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the measures which can be taken with regard to a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26700/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe taking-in-charge of housing developments is a matter for the relevant local authority under section 180 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).
In April 2016, my Department launched a National Taking-in-Charge Initiative (NTICI) to encourage local authorities to trial new approaches and working methods in supporting and accelerating overall national and local action on the taking-in-charge process of housing estates, including estates with developer-provided water services infrastructure (DPI). However, the NTICI was not intended as an ongoing funding support to the taking-in-charge process but rather an exercise in developing new approaches to analysing the level of estates not yet taken in charge and the steps to be taken in expediting applications on hand.
The findings and recommendations from the NTICI process will be included in a report on the initiative that I intend to publish shortly. The publication of the NTICI report will be of value to local authorities and other stakeholders in applying the lessons from the pilot authorities, in a more general roll-out of a streamlined approach to taking-in-charge.
The National Development Plan (NDP) also includes provision of €31 million for resolving developer-provided infrastructure for the period 2018-2021. This is clear evidence of the Government's commitment to transitioning from a pilot phase under NTICI to a programme phase, commencing with an Estimates provision of €3m in 2018 and on which I intend to announce further details in the coming months.
It is therefore a matter for Kerry County Council, as the authority that granted planning permission for the development in question, to consider what steps it intends to take in relation to the taking-in-charge or otherwise of the development in conjunction with the residents, in the light of its experience with the NTICI and its identification of appropriate funding to resolve any issues in relation to the development. This may include the proceeds from enforcing bonds and securities, its own sources or the measures outlined in the NDP.
602. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the position regarding the licensing and mechanical harvesting of seaweed and kelp in Bantry Bay; if a licence (details supplied) will be revoked in view of the judgment as reported which confirms he has the power to revoke the licence for Bantry Bay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26764/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe licence in question was approved in principle by the then Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in 2011 and the legal papers giving effect to that decision were completed in 2014 by the then Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. As leave to apply for reliefs by way of Judicial Review on certain matters related to the licence has been granted by the High Court, I am not in a position to comment on the matter in detail. However, I can confirm that there has been no judgment regarding Condition 12.2 of the licence. Accordingly, as I have previously stated, I have no plans to suspend or revoke the licence in advance of the outcome of the Judicial Review.
603. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if the cost rental pilot project has gone out to tender; when construction is due to begin; the number of units due to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26782/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is determined to make cost rental a major part of the Irish housing system, similar to the role that it plays in many European countries. Under the cost rental approach, rents are set at levels to recover construction costs and to facilitate the management and administration of developments, with only a minimal amount of retained earnings included.
The pilot project is currently being progressed by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, at Enniskerry Road, in conjunction with the Housing Agency and Approved Housing Bodies (AHB), using land owned by the Housing Agency. Delivering 50 cost rental units as part of a 150-home development, this pilot is providing very valuable learning to inform the wider roll-out of the cost rental model.
The development of local authority sites for cost rental homes must comply with the Government’s Capital Works Management Framework and procurement rules, the objectives of which are to ensure greater cost certainty, better value for money, and financial accountability.
Planning permission for the Enniskerry Road project is in place, and I expect that the development will go out to tender in the coming weeks, with a site start later this year.
604. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the public body responsible for road safety in private housing estates that the local council has not taken in charge, such as in a situation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26795/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraRoads and thoroughfares in private housing estates which have not been taken in charge are not public roads within the meaning of the Roads Act 1993. Notwithstanding this, local authorities have statutory powers in relation to their roads and planning functions which enable the taking in charge of housing estates, once completed, and a valid application for taking in charge has been received from the developer or residents. They also have extensive enforcement powers to ensure that the conditions attaching to planning permissions are complied with.
The taking-in-charge of residential estates is therefore a matter for the relevant local authority and is provided for under section 180 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and procedures for this are initiated under section 11 of the Roads Act 1993. A planning authority, where requested by the developer and/or by the majority of the owners of the houses involved, may take a development in charge, including the provision of roads, open spaces, car parks, and sewers.
My Department, by way of circular letter PD 1/2008, dated 26 February 2008, issued updated policy guidance to planning authorities on Taking in Charge of Residential Developments/ Management Arrangements. A copy of the circular is available on my Department's website at the following link: www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/migrated-files/en/Publications/DevelopmentandHousing/Planning/FileDownLoad%2C16779%2Cen.pdf.
This circular advised each planning authority to develop or update, as appropriate, its policy on taking-in-charge, based on the following principles (among others):
- Certain core facilities/infrastructure to be taken in charge on request - public roads and footpaths, unallocated surface parking areas, public lighting, public water supply, foul and storm water drainage and public open spaces; and
- The procedures for taking-in-charge to begin promptly, on foot of a request by the majority of the residents in the development or by the developer, as appropriate. Protocols, including time frames, must be set out by planning authorities to respond to requests for taking-in-charge.
Local authorities also perform many important road safety functions, and if residents have concerns in relation to the safety of roads and public thoroughfares in a particular housing development, these should be referred to the designated road safety officer within the relevant local authority for consideration in the context of the enforcement and taking-in-charge functions of that authority.
605. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if a redress scheme will be announced for homeowners with homes affected by mica in principle; if a ring-fenced promissory tranche of funding will be allocated as part of budget 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26862/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI want at the outset to acknowledge the difficult situations that can arise for home owners when building defects emerge after completion of their homes. These difficult situations can have a serious impact on the lives of those concerned.
The Expert Panel on concrete blocks was established by my Department in 2016, to investigate problems that have emerged in the concrete blockwork of certain dwellings in Counties Donegal and Mayo.
The panel had the following terms of reference:
(i) To identify, insofar as it is possible, the numbers of private dwellings which appear to be affected by defects in the blockwork in the Counties of Donegal and Mayo;
(ii) To carry out a desktop study, which would include a consultation process with affected homeowners, public representatives, local authorities, product manufacturers, building professionals, testing laboratories, industry stakeholders and other relevant parties, to establish the nature of the problem in the affected dwellings;
(iii) To outline a range of technical options for remediation and the means by which those technical options could be applied; and
(iv)To submit a report within six months.
On 13 June 2017, the report of the Expert Panel was published and included eight recommendations which my Department are actively progressing with the relevant stakeholders.
The Department is prioritising the implementation of Recommendations 1 and 2.
With regard to Recommendation 1, the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) Technical Committee, established to scope and fast track the development of a standardised protocol, held its inaugural meeting on 11 September 2017 and has held several further meetings since. The standardised protocol will inform the course of action in relation to remedial works for all affected householders. The draft standard, which was published on 6 June 2018 for public consultation is available at: www.nsainep.ie/Home/Details/11454, and will run for a period of six weeks.
Last year I visited Donegal and Mayo and met with key stakeholders, including affected homeowners, elected members and officials of the local authorities and other interested parties. On 18 December 2017, I again visited Donegal and met with key stakeholders to provide an update on the progress to date. I made a similar visit to Mayo on 26 January 2018.
Once the public consultation process has been finalised and the standardised protocol is in place, I will be in a position to provide a further update on progress at that time.
In addition, I am currently considering what further actions may be required to assist the parties directly involved in reaching a satisfactory resolution to the problems that have emerged in the two counties.
606. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the position regarding the commercial rates Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26923/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraCommercial rates form an important element of the funding of all local authorities. However, the legislative basis for the levying of rates consists of over 20 separate pieces of legislation, some dating back to the 19th century.
My Department developed legislative proposals to modernise and consolidate the legislation governing commercial rates into a single enactment and, in this regard, the Government last year approved the drafting of a commercial rates Bill. The Bill is currently with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel for drafting, with a view to its introduction as soon as possible.
607. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when the next meeting of the all-party consultation group on commemorations will meet in view of the fact that the group has not met for over a year. [26188/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI intend to convene a meeting of the all-party group within the next few weeks.
608. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the reason no funding or communication has been allocated for major repair works to a structure (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26270/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Structures at Risk Fund (SRF) supports conservation works to historic structures, in both private and public ownership, which are deemed to be at significant risk of deterioration. The Fund encourages the conservation, regeneration and reuse of heritage properties and helps to secure protected structures which might otherwise be lost. The allocation for the 2018 scheme is €1.3 m.
The 2018 Structures at Risk Fund was announced in November 2017 and open for applications until 31 January 2018. The SRF is generally administered by local authorities, who put forward projects to my Department for funding. These are assessed by an expert panel based on the significance of the structure, urgency of works, quality of method statement and efficacy of works proposed.
A total of 128 applications were received from 30 local authorities and 76 projects were approved, including three projects in the local authority area referred to by the Deputy. Due to the volume of applications received this year, and the high standard of applications generally, it was not possible to fund every eligible project.
Local authorities were informed by letter of 5 April 2018 of the successful and unsuccessful projects. All local authorities then contacted applicants to inform them of the outcome of their application.
I understand that the applicants mentioned by the Deputy were contacted by their local authority and apprised of the outcome of their application. I also understand that the applicants have been in informal contact with my Department and initial feedback on their application has been provided to them. They were advised by my officials to contact the Architectural Conservation Officer in the local authority for more detailed feedback and advice, and this has also been provided. There has been no further correspondence that my Department is aware of in relation to this application.
The best advice for owners, in relation to individual historic structures, is generally to remain in contact with the Architectural Conservation Officer in their local authority, who is well placed to provide advice and assistance in relation to the grant schemes.
