Written Answers Nos. 2741-2760
2741. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he is satisfied that there are strong enough measures in place to deal with local authority tenants involved in anti-social behaviour. [34568/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am satisfied that there are strong enough powers available to local authorities at present in relation to dealing with anti-social behaviour.
In relation to tenants engaging in anti-social behaviour in a local authority dwelling, the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1997 provides for a court order on application by the tenant, tenant purchaser or the housing authority or approved body concerned, which has the effect of excluding a household member engaged in anti-social behaviour from the dwelling and, if appropriate, from the estate in question for a maximum period of three years. The Act also empowers a housing authority to refuse to allocate or sell a dwelling to a person engaged in anti-social behaviour or in the interest of good estate management.
The Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2014 strengthened the powers of housing authorities in relation to securing excluding orders where there is anti-social behaviour in their housing stock. Part 2 of the 2014 Act prescribes procedures to deal with serious breaches of the tenancy agreements for their dwellings, including anti-social behaviour and strengthens the power of housing authorities to recover possession of their dwellings from households in serious breach of their tenancy agreements, including engaging in anti-social behaviour.
2742. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding a land transfer; if he will provide advice or assistance on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34572/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Registration of Deeds and Title Act 2006, the Property Registration Authority (PRA) was established as and from 4 November 2006. The PRA replaces the Registrar of Deeds and Titles as the registering authority in relation to property registration in Ireland and, subject to the above Act, is independent in the performance of its functions.
A service for Oireachtas members was introduced in 2006 through which information can be obtained on the current status of applications in a speedy, efficient and cost effective manner all year round. The Deputy's query has been forwarded to the PRA for attention and direct reply via this service.
2743. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the status of plans and the timeline for the delivery of a fire station (details supplied); if there are other similar projects proposed in counties Cavan, Monaghan and Meath; the stages these are at in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34621/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision of a fire service in its functional area, including the establishment and maintenance of a fire brigade, the assessment of fire cover needs and the provision of fire station premises, is a statutory function of individual fire authorities under the Fire Service 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.
My Department is working with County Councils in Cavan, Monaghan and Meath to progress priority projects for these areas under the Fire Services Capital Programme. Cavan County Council has indicated that Virginia is their number one fire station priority and a new fire station at Virginia is provided for in the Fire Services Capital Programme. Cavan County Council submitted a revised cost plan for the new fire station to my Department in August 2016, and permission to proceed to tender was granted in November 2016. Approval to accept a recommended tender was issued in July 2017; however the recommended tenderer withdrew their tender bid and subsequent tenderers were unable to proceed with the project. The Council sought approval to re-tender and my Department gave this on 16 January 2018. Following completion of the re-tender process, approval to accept a recommended re-tender was received from Cavan County Council on 29 May 2018 and my Department issued this approval on 31 May 2018. My Department will continue to work with Cavan County Council to progress this project.
With regard to Monaghan County Council, fire station priorities for the county place a new fire station build at Castleblayney at No. 1 and a new build fire station at Ballybay at No 2. The station at Castleblayney is included under the 2016-2020 Capital Programme as a new build station project with an indicative date of 2019. In April 2009 design and cost plans were received by my Department and a site was purchased in 2011. My Department has issued approval for this project to go to tender. Ballybay is also included under the Capital Programme as a new build station project at a site in Corrybrennan. There is currently no specific target year for construction. However the project will be considered in annual programme reviews. My Department is working with Monaghan County Council to progress these projects.
Meath County Council has listed the refurbishment of a fire station at Dunshaughlin, followed by the refurbishment of a station Oldcastle, as their priorities under the 2016-2020 Fire Services Capital Programme. Initial documentation, consisting of design and cost plans in relation to Dunshaughlin, was received by my Department at the beginning of July 2018 and I understand that a Part 8 application is due for decision on the 27th of this month. My Department is working with Meath County Council to progress this project to the next stages. A proposal for the extension of the fire station at Nobber is also included under my Department's Capital Programme. The refurbishment of this station, to include the provision of a drill yard, drill tower, security fencing and an extension to the existing station has an indicative date of 2020. As for all of the projects included under the Fire Services Capital Programme 2016-2020, my Department will continue to liaise with Meath County Council to ensure the progression of this refurbishment project.
2745. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of mortgage to rent transactions that have taken place each year since its establishment and in each month of 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34650/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra2746. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of approved housing bodies here; the number of mortgage to rent transactions undertaken by each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34651/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2745 and 2746 together.
Since the introduction of the Mortgage to Rent (MTR) Scheme in 2012, a total of 4,121 cases have been submitted under the scheme to the end of June 2018. Of the 4,121 cases submitted, 2,984 were ineligible or terminated during the process. Of the remaining cases submitted, 357 have been completed, and the remaining 780 are actively being progressed.
Information in relation to the number of MTR transactions completed per month in 2018 is outlined in the following table:
|
2018 |
No. of MTR transactions completed |
|
January 2018 |
5 |
|
February 2018 |
0 |
|
March 2018 |
5 |
|
April 2018 |
10 |
|
May 2018 |
15 |
|
June 2018 |
14 |
|
Total |
49 |
Information in relation to the number of completed MTR transactions during the period 2012 to 2018 (to end Q2) is outlined in the following table:
|
Year |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 (End Q2) |
TOTAL |
|
Number of MTR applications competed |
1 |
21 |
29 |
96 |
70 |
91 |
49 |
357 |
The Housing Agency publishes, on a quarterly basis, detailed statistical information on the operation of the MTR scheme, including the number of completed transactions by Approved Housing Body (AHB). There are currently 11 AHBs actively participating in the MTR scheme. This information is available on the Agency's website at the following link:
www.housingagency.ie/our-services/housing-supply-services/mortgage-to-rent.aspx.
2747. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of extra employees to be hired in his Department between now and March 2019 to prepare for a hard Brexit; the specific roles these new employees will take up; the estimated cost of hiring these new employees; the impacts on his Department's expenditure ceilings for 2018 and 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34667/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government’s contingency planning for Brexit was initiated well in advance of the UK referendum in June 2016 and since May 2017, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade has overseen a sustained intensification of these efforts. To this end, co-ordination of the whole-of-Government response to Brexit is being taken forward through the cross-Departmental coordination structures chaired by his Department and on 18 July he presented a detailed Memorandum to the Government on Brexit Preparedness and Contingency Planning.
Contingency planning for a no-deal or worst-case outcome, bringing together the detailed work being undertaken by individual Ministers and their Departments on issues within their policy remit, was identified as an early priority and is now well advanced. Its focus is on the immediate economic, regulatory and operational challenges which would result from such an outcome. It assumes a trading relationship based on the default WTO rules, but also examines the possible effects on many other areas of concern.
This work has provided baseline scenarios for the impact of Brexit across all sectors, which can then be adapted as appropriate in light of developments in the EU-UK negotiations. This is enabling the modelling of potential responses under different scenarios, such as one where a withdrawal agreement, including a transitional arrangement, is concluded and where a Free Trade Agreement is the basis for the future relationship between the EU and the UK.
On the basis of this work, relevant Departments have now been tasked by the Government to roll out detailed Action Plans with a view to advancing, as appropriate, the mitigating measures which have been identified in the areas of their responsibility from the planning to the implementation phase.
My Department's priorities are primarily domestically focused and, therefore, the potential impacts of the outcomes under different Brexit scenarios are not considered likely to significantly affect my Department's main areas of activity, although it is clear that there will be impacts in some areas where trans-boundary issues may arise such as in respect of water, the marine environment and planning, for example. These trans-boundary issues will be considered further in the context of the Actions Plans referred to above. At this stage, no specific additional roles have been identified for Brexit-related activity in my Department; however, the issue will be kept under review as matters progress and staff across the Department in a range of areas are, and will remain, involved as necessary. My Department will also continue to work closely with other Departments through the established structures, monitoring the progress of the negotiations and responding as appropriate.
2748. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of unfilled vacancies in his Department; the time these vacancies have been open from when the roles were first advertised to date for each vacancy or group of vacancies now; the number of unfilled vacancies in each agency under his remit; the time these vacancies have been open from when the roles were first advertised to date for each vacancy or group of vacancies now; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34685/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of its ongoing workforce planning my Department keeps staffing matters under constant review in order to ensure all priority vacancies are filled in a timely manner and that resource allocations are balanced across the Department to meet key priorities as necessary.
The Department is currently engaged in the latest round of formal workforce planning in conjunction with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The outcome of this process will determine the estimated number of vacancies in my Department across all grades, both administrative and professional/technical, due to arise in the period up to 2021.
The Department has been generally successful in filling roles advertised or falling vacant. From time to time, some technical and professional roles can take more time to recruit, e.g. in the ICT area.
The information requested in relation to bodies under the aegis of my Department is a matter for the individual bodies concerned. Arrangements have been put in place by each Agency to facilitate the provision of information by State Bodies directly to members of the Oireachtas. The contact email address for each agency is set out in the following table:
|
Agency |
Email address |
|
An Bord Pleanála |
oireachtasqueries@pleanala.ie |
|
Ervia, Gas Networks Ireland |
oireachtas@ervia.ie |
|
Housing Sustainable Communities Agency |
publicreps@housingagency.ie |
|
Housing Finance Agency |
oireachtas.enquiries@hfa.ie |
|
Irish Water |
oireachtasmembers@water.ie |
|
Irish Water Safety |
oireachtas@iws.ie |
|
Local Government Management Agency |
corporate@lgma.ie |
|
Ordnance Survey Ireland |
oireachtas@osi.ie |
|
Property Registration Authority |
reps@prai.ie |
|
Pyrite Resolution Board |
oireachtasinfo@pyriteboard.ie |
|
Residential Tenancies Board |
oireachtasMembersQueries@rtb.ie |
|
Valuation Office |
oireachtas.enquiries@VALOFF.ie |
2749. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the details of the EU directives that fall under his remit not yet transposed into law; the deadline imposed by the EU for the transposition of same; and the estimated date for the transposition of those directives into law. [34713/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested is set out in the following table.
|
EU Directive not yet transposed |
Deadline for transposition |
Estimated date for transposition into law |
|
Directive 2018/244 amending Directive 2010/31 - Energy Performance of Buildings |
March 2020 |
March 2020 |
|
Directive 2010/31 - Energy Performance of Buildings - Major renovations |
March 2018 |
September 2018 |
|
Directive 2010/31 - Energy Performance of Buildings - NZEB for Dwellings |
December 2020 |
December 2020 |
|
Directive 2017/845 EU - amending Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the indicative lists of elements to be taken into account for the preparation of marine strategies |
December 2018 |
October 2018 |
|
Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy (Water Framework Directive) |
December 2003 |
Although transposed, one aspect of this Directive requires stronger transposition, which is anticipated by end 2018. |
|
Directive 2014/52/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 amending Directive 2011/92/EU on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment |
May 2017 |
There are a number of legislative codes being amended on foot of this Directive: - Planning Legislation - September 2018 - Foreshore legislation - September 2018 (anticipated) - Dumping at Sea legislation - Q2 2019 - Water Framework Directive - December 2018 - Wastewater Discharge - date to be determined. |
Directive 2014/52/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 amending Directive 2011/92/EU on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment must also be transposed into legislative codes falling under the remit of other Departments - the transposition of the Directive in respect of those legislative codes is a matter for the relevant Departments.
2750. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if a new panel has been established to assess methods by which to repair houses in County Donegal affected by muscovite mica; the membership of the panel; the terms of reference; the chairperson of the panel; the deadline for completion of its assessments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34720/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra2751. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if a redress scheme will be provided to repair houses in County Donegal affected by muscovite mica; the date by which a redress scheme will be commenced; the way in which it will be funded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34721/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2750 and 2751 together.
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 was published on 6 June 2018 for public consultation and ran for a period of six weeks to 18 July 2018. The Technical Committee are currently in the process of considering the submissions received with a view to publishing the standardised protocol shortly.
The draft standard, I.S. 465 - Assessment, testing and categorisation of damaged buildings incorporating concrete blocks containing certain deleterious materials, outlines a protocol which will be used to assess and categorise the damage in properties where the concrete blocks are suspected to contain the minerals mica or pyrite. Previously, there was no common way for engineers or homeowners to assess the damage caused by defective concrete blocks to help decide what, if any, remedial work could be carried out.
This standard:
establishes a protocol for assessing and determining whether a building has been damaged by concrete blocks containing certain excessive amounts of deleterious materials (free or unbound muscovite mica, or aggregate with potentially deleterious quantities of pyrite);
describes methods for establishing the extent of the problem;
describes the scope of any testing required; and
categorises buildings, in accordance with this Standard, providing competent persons with guidance on the appropriate measures to be taken.
In regard to the membership, terms of reference and Chairperson of the Technical Committee, the NSAI was established under the National Standards Authority of Ireland Act 1996, which falls under the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation. The NSAI may be contacted by phone at 353 1 807 3800 or alternatively at www.nsai.ie.
With regard to Recommendation 2, my Department has been in contact with Engineers Ireland in relation to the establishment of a register of competent engineers for homeowners/affected parties’ reference. Engineers Ireland have provided assurance that they will collaborate with the Department, the NSAI and others on measures to establish such a register once the standardised protocol is in place.
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 and again to Donegal on 13 July 2018.
Once 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.
2752. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the engagement he has had following a meeting (details supplied) to provide funding for the repair of Swan Park in Buncrana, County Donegal; if funding will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34734/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraA meeting was organised by the Government Chief Whip and Minister of State, Deputy Joe McHugh, to discuss funding for the restoration of Swan Park in Buncrana which was damaged following an extreme pluvial rainfall event which occurred in the Inishowen Peninsula area of Donegal on 22 August 2017. An official of my Department attended this meeting.
Funding for repair of public infrastructure is undertaken by the relevant Department(s) in line with sectoral responsibilities. Each Government Department liaises directly with relevant local authorities in relation to funding of repairs and restoration being carried out.
Since 2009, my Department has made financial support available to assist local authorities in meeting the costs of clean-up and necessary immediate works associated with significant severe weather emergency events. This is in recognition of the exceptional nature of activities carried out by local authorities in responding to these types of emergencies and the fact that the costs of these un-programmed activities cannot be met from within existing resources. My Department’s support scheme for local authorities does not include funding for capital repair works.
Under the arrangements for recouping response and clean-up costs, following a request from Donegal County Council for funding of €1.729m, my Department recouped that sum in full to the Council on 15 December 2017 in relation to the flooding in the Inishowen peninsula in August 2017.
The funding of repairs to public parks, including Swan Park, does not fall under the remit of my Department's scheme. However, following the meeting referred to above, I engaged directly with Minister of State McHugh in relation to this matter. It is my understanding that the Minister of State has been in ongoing engagement with Donegal County Council, and that Council officials are currently looking at a number of avenues for potential funding for the Swan Park project. I understand also that Donegal County Council is considering an application to the Rural Development Fund as one option. I will continue to engage with Minister of State McHugh and other stakeholders as necessary in the interests of finding a resolution to this matter.
2753. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of units covered by the enhanced leasing scheme by county; the anticipated cost in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34758/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraA range of housing options are necessary to ensure a supply of accommodation to meet different types of social housing need. Harnessing the off-balance sheet potential of private investment in social housing is an important objective of the Government and the social housing targets set out in Rebuilding Ireland over the period to 2021 reflect the ambition in that regard.
Of the 50,000 social housing homes to be delivered under Rebuilding Ireland, 10,000 are targeted to be leased by local authorities and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) under leasing arrangements from a range of different sources, including 3,500 homes targeted using the Repair and Lease Scheme, and 6,500 homes using a combination of the existing social housing leasing arrangements, and the new Enhanced Lease Scheme. All homes delivered under leasing arrangements, including a new Enhanced Leasing Scheme, will be funded under the Department’s Social Housing Current Expenditure Programme (SHCEP).
It is intended that up to 2,000 units will be leased by local authorities in 2018 through a combination of the existing Long Term Leasing arrangements, the Repair and Leasing Scheme and the new Enhanced Leasing Scheme.
The new Enhanced Leasing Scheme has been developed by my Department, together with the National Development Finance Agency (NDFA), the Housing Agency and local authorities, in order to harness the potential of private sector interest in social housing delivery in a new set of long-term leasing arrangements, in a manner designed to leverage off-balance sheet funding opportunities in accordance with Rebuilding Ireland objectives. The new Scheme is targeted at new build or new to the market properties to be delivered at scale and will complement the existing long-term leasing arrangements, which will continue to be available. There are, however, a number of key differences between the existing long term lease and the enhanced lease, the purpose of which is to facilitate larger levels of private investment in social housing while ensuring that the capital investment is off balance sheet in respect of Government expenditure.
The scheme will be governed by my Department and operated by local authorities. The Housing Agency will manage and administer the scheme on behalf of my Department and will act as a national co-ordinator.
A call for proposals was launched on 31 January 2018 and the Housing Agency accepted submissions from interested parties until 12 April 2018. All proposals are subject to a range of criteria as set out in the “Calls for Proposals for Enhanced Long Term Social Housing Leasing Scheme” and the proposals will be assessed and marked in accordance with the terms set out therein. The Call for Proposals is available on the Housing Agency website at the following link: www.housingagency.ie/News/Current-News/Enhanced-Long-Term-Social-Housing-Leasing-Scheme.aspx.
A total of 33 submissions were received from interested parties which represents strong interest from the market. The Housing Agency is currently reviewing the proposals. Of those assessed, 14 proposals were returned on the grounds that they did not meet certain minimum qualifying criteria, 4 proposals did not pass suitability or appropriateness tests and 1 proposal has been withdrawn. Following detailed correspondence 9 proposals were deemed incomplete and will not be proceeding. The remaining 5 proposals are in the assessment process.
Detailed information with respect to the numbers and locations of the units proposed for leasing under the scheme will only be available once the individual proposals have been assessed, marked and accepted in accordance with the terms and methodology set out in the Calls for Proposals document and the respective Local Authorities have signed any Agreements for Lease arising.
2754. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if the planning authorities have taken steps to comply with section 10(2)(o) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 as amended regarding the need for the planning authorities to mark public rights of way on development plan maps; the authorities which have not in tabular form; his plans to issue a ministerial direction to planning authorities to ensure compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34831/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the making and varying of a development plan is a reserved function of the elected members of the planning authority for the area.
My Department’s Circular Letter PL 9/2012 of 25 October 2012 to all planning authorities sets out their statutory obligations under Section 7 of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Act 2010, in relation to the mandatory objective in development plans for the preservation of public rights of way.
In this regard, it is a matter for local authorities to implement such policies in the context of their development plans and my Department does not have the data requested in the question. As a statutory consultee, my Department, on receipt of any draft development plan, provides the planning authority with advice and comments, as appropriate, on the draft plan and which may refer, inter alia, to matters relating to rights of way, in accordance with Section 10(2). Through this process, my Department has been able to see the progressive adoption by planning authorities of this objective since 2012.
2755. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if the caravan loan scheme will be reviewed to ensure that it is appropriate to needs and costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34904/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2016, my Department commissioned the Housing Agency to conduct a comprehensive review of the scheme of loans and grants for caravans that had been in operation since 2000. The Housing Agency surveyed all local authorities and engaged in broad consultation with all key stakeholders. A report on the review was submitted to my Department in 2017.
On foot of the review, I requested that officials from my Department consult with the National Traveller Accommodation Consultative Committee and other relevant stakeholders to develop a revised scheme of loans and grants having regard to the recommendations contained in the review. This consultation is ongoing and the outcome will support the development of a revised loan scheme.
2756. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the West Gate Vision document produced by Louth County Council; if an application has been made by Louth County Council to access funding for the development of the plan; the amount of funding available for urban renewal and regeneration in the national development plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34906/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is aware of the document referred to and its advancement is a matter for the relevant local authority, in this instance Louth County Council, to consider, including considering whether to put forward an application for funding under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF).
On 9 July 2018, I launched the above Fund as part of Project Ireland 2040 to support the compact growth and sustainable development of Ireland’s five cities, regional drivers and other large urban centres. The URDF is designed to leverage a greater proportion of residential and commercial development, supported by infrastructure, services and amenities, within the existing built-up areas of our larger urban settlements.
My Department has responsibility for implementing the URDF, which has an allocation of €2 billion over the 10-year period of the National Development Plan to 2027, with €100 million available for expenditure in 2019 and an overall Exchequer allocation of €550 million earmarked for the Fund up to the end of 2022.
The first call for proposals under the URDF is now open and will run until 28 September. My Department has not as yet received any applications for funding. Proposals, including transport and services infrastructure, are invited under this Fund, which will operate on a competitive, bid-based Exchequer grant basis, with proposals being required to demonstrate that they will be:
- Innovative and transformational urban regeneration projects;
- Public-sector led and with the option of community and/or private sector partners;
- Matched by at least 25% direct funding from other public and/or private sources;
- Based on a minimum bid of €2m;
- A catalyst for development that would not otherwise occur; and
- Likely to leverage significant further public and private sector investment.
Detailed information on the URDF and the application process can be viewed at the following links: www.gov.ie/urdf and www.npf.ie.
I would encourage relevant sectors to adopt a collaborative approach to ensure that the potential of this fund can be maximised and I look forward to seeing many innovative and ambitious proposals submitted for consideration under this initial call for proposals by the September deadline.
2757. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the progress on his discussions with the Department of Health and local authorities on plans to provide State-funded retirement villages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34920/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, in conjunction with the Department of Health, is currently exploring policy options including supporting housing/housing with care so that older people have a wider range of housing options and choices available to them. A cross Department/Agency steering group chaired by my Department and comprising the Department of Health, the Health Service Executive, the Housing Agency and other key stakeholders was established in 2017 to consider the issues and provide guidance on drafting a joint Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and Department of Health policy statement on housing options for older people. The draft statement is currently being finalised and my Department expects to be in a position to publish it shortly.
This will be a first step in the broader process of seeking to ensure that older people are provided with appropriate accommodation options that are suited to their needs. The policy statement will set out a framework by which the Government can facilitate housing, including housing with care, for older people having regard to current demographics and looking at best practice models. The aim is to ensure that people can grow old and live in a community of their choosing, with dignity and independence.
At this time, no discussions have taken place between my Department and the Department of Health and Local Authorities in relation to plans to provide State-funded retirement villages.
2758. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if consideration will be given to introducing a special designation for older persons' housing in all residential developments as happens in other European countries such as Germany; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34921/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlanning authorities are required, under section 94 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, to include a housing strategy in their development plans which must outline the authorities’ plans for the existing and future housing needs of the population of their areas. The housing strategy must include provisions to ensure that a mixture of house types and sizes is developed to reasonably match the requirements of the different categories of households including the special requirements of elderly persons and persons with disabilities. Housing strategies must also have regard to relevant policies or objectives of the Government.
My Department, in conjunction with the Department of Health, is currently exploring policy options including supporting housing/housing with care so that older people have a wider range of housing options and choices available to them. A cross Department/Agency steering group chaired by my Department and comprising the Department of Health, the Health Service Executive, the Housing Agency and other key stakeholders was established in 2017 to consider the issues and provide guidance on drafting a joint Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and Department of Health policy statement on housing options for older people. The draft statement is currently being finalised and my Department expects to be in a position to publish it shortly.
This will be a first step in the broader process of seeking to ensure that older people are provided with appropriate accommodation options that are suited to their needs. The policy statement will set out a framework by which the Government can facilitate housing, including housing with care, for older people having regard to current demographics and looking at best practice models. The aim is to ensure that people can grow old and live in a community of their choosing, with dignity and independence.
2759. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of housing applicants on local authority lists here after the assessment of needs earlier in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35060/18]
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). Provisional results from the 2018 assessment, which relates to the number of households on all local authority waiting lists as at 11 June 2018, indicate that 71,858 households were qualified for and in need of social housing support, a significant reduction of over 16% on the 2017 results. Detailed results of the 2018 assessment will be published in September.
2760. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of applicants on the RAS and HAP transfer lists. [35061/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe practical operation of transfer lists is a matter for each local authority to manage, on the basis of their own scheme of letting priorities. The setting of such schemes is a reserved function of the local authority and, as such, is a matter for the elected members. My Department does not gather or hold any information on households that are seeking a transfer to an alternative social housing support and are currently having their housing needs met through the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme, the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) or any other form of social housing support. It is ultimately up to the household to choose if they wish to be placed on a local authority’s transfer list.
The assessment of applications for social housing support, and management of the lists of qualified households, including the recording of data on the number of applications refused, is the responsibility of the relevant local authority in accordance with the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and associated regulations. The assessment of individual applicants for social housing support is a matter for the individual local authority, and each application is examined on a case by case basis. It is a matter for the local authority to determine the housing solution that best meets the needs of the applicant, while taking into account the resources and type of housing available to the authority. Once a household has been deemed eligible for social housing support, it is a matter for the local authority to examine the suite of social housing supports available, including the HAP and RAS schemes, to determine the most appropriate form of support for that household.
