Tuesday, 13 Nov 2018

Written Answers Nos. 635-650

Departmental Staff Data

Ceisteanna (635)

Michael Moynihan

Ceist:

635. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of senior positions held by both men and women, respectively, in his Department. [47003/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

At 31 October 2018 there were 158.7 full time equivalent (FTE) males and 98.9 FTE females employed in my Department in senior management positions (these being positions at Assistant Principal (and equivalent grades) and above).

Question No. 636 answered with Question No. 599.

Housing Adaptation Grant Data

Ceisteanna (637)

Pat Buckley

Ceist:

637. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the amount drawn down and spent in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018, respectively, by Cork County Council for disability adaptation grants; the amount of separate projects this funded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47025/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy Damien English)

My Department provides funding to local authorities under the suite of Housing Adaptation Grant Schemes for Older People and People with a Disability, in respect of private housing. The schemes are 80% funded by my Department, with a 20% contribution from the local authorities.

In 2016, funding in the amount of €3,902,496 was provided to Cork County Council and 723 households benefitted under these schemes. For 2017, an amount of €3,603,532 was provided in respect of 703 households. To date in 2018, an amount of €2,477,840 has been provided in respect of 466 households. Further details on the breakdown between the schemes can be found on my Department's website at the following link: https://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/statistics/social-and-affordble/other-local-authority-housing-scheme-statistics.

My Department also provides funding under the Disabled Persons Grant (DPG) Scheme to local authorities for adaptations and extensions to their stock of social housing. In 2016, works on 90 individual properties in Cork County Council’s Social Housing stock were carried out under the scheme, at a cost of €943,078. For 2017, 50 individual properties received funding totalling €845,634. To date in 2018, a total of €794,176 has been spent on works to 69 properties under the Disabled Persons Grant scheme.

Local Authority Finances

Ceisteanna (638)

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

638. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the amount owed by each local authority in relation to various forms of borrowings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47075/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government (Deputy John Paul Phelan)

Section 106 of the Local Government Act 2001 sets the framework for borrowing by local authorities. Borrowing by a local authority is a reserved function of the elected members who have direct responsibility in law for all reserved functions of the authority.

The value of total loans outstanding by local authorities at the end of 2016 (the most recent year for which aggregated audited information is available) was €3. 858bn.

The total amount owed by each local authority, under each category of loan, is set out in the table.

Table detailing Loans payable by Local Authorities 31/12/2016

	Mortgage loans	Non-Mortgage Loans
Local Authority		Asset/Grants	Revenue Funding	Bridging Finance	Recoupable	Shared Ownership – Rented Equity	Balance @ 31/12/2016
Carlow Co Co	11,286,450.58	7,029,765.28	0.00	5,300,300.00	15,711,911.22	722,634.07	40,051,061.15
Cavan Co Co	3,486,363.49	11,351,471.26	0.00	0.00	5,853,853.25	1,607,514.57	22,299,202.57
Clare Co Co	7,253,080.78	65,331,829.77	3,218,573.60	-0.48	11,369,462.21	4,292,477.15	91,465,423.03
Cork Co Co	22,388,372.00	43,020,923.00	0.00	28,380,682.00	47,212,691.00	4,238,853.00	145,241,521.00
Cork City Council	53,093,689.48	117,447,691.75	0.00	151,108,242.50	66,578,243.78	19,862,870.14	408,090,737.65
Donegal Co Co	18,344,833.25	58,712,362.90	0.00	1,903,830.51	40,328,169.67	7,813,041.02	127,102,237.35
Dublin City Council	164,804,349.00	8,486,488.00	0.00	73,872,753.00	240,211,083.00	68,615,229.00	555,989,902.00
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Co Co	9,745,399.39	55,293,763.31	0.00	0.00	67,377,029.06	4,921,706.98	137,337,898.74
Fingal Co Co	121,255,583.70	76,984,387.71	0.00	58,692,968.91	111,194,981.35	6,371,037.99	374,498,959.66
Galway Co Co	12,781,083.40	37,302,261.59	0.00	5,004,809.88	14,757,342.04	661,980.50	70,507,477.41
Galway City Council	19,965,878.22	8,152,466.74	0.00	0.00	18,898,213.40	1,472,820.78	48,489,379.14
Kerry Co Co	8,541,418.00	49,226,814.95	0.00	857,663.98	19,802,973.98	2,753,222.81	81,182,093.72
Kildare Co Co	16,432,505.95	30,195,625.20	0.00	12,041,688.62	37,026,901.40	19,875,221.21	115,571,942.38
Kilkenny Co Co	32,424,055.68	13,735,552.94	182,376.08	0.00	5,362,027.94	3,930,368.40	55,634,381.04
Laois Co Co	46,864,123.99	8,274,370.35	0.00	11,674,867.50	32,419,472.06	11,078,676.54	110,311,510.44
Leitrim Co Co	467,677.83	1,548,563.68	0.00	0.00	5,338,257.55	168,700.02	7,523,199.08
Limerick Co Co	10,667,784.35	49,241,729.31	0.00	0.00	23,804,681.67	4,937,295.41	88,651,490.74
Longford Co Co	6,314,827.13	8,592,977.47	250,357.77	0.00	21,445,633.72	1,889,533.10	38,493,329.19
Louth Co Co	13,794,579.96	77,119,951.13	0.00	5,743,557.90	59,505,484.88	28,684.75	156,192,258.62
Mayo Co Co	36,553,996.83	59,167,902.08	0.00	6,504,480.44	29,445,937.18	993,442.35	132,665,758.88
Meath Co Co	15,350,899.12	53,357,229.90	0.00	0.00	12,014,285.15	3,285,439.19	84,007,853.36
Monaghan Co Co	12,067,289.93	2,686,134.43	0.00	0.00	6,710,116.67	711,086.92	22,174,627.95
Offaly Co Co	5,078,585.90	31,944,245.56	0.00	0.00	18,823,531.87	1,058,113.53	56,904,476.86
Roscommon Co Co	1,260,594.98	23,755,738.23	0.00	695,939.00	4,312,678.62	0.00	30,024,950.83
Sligo Co Co	11,561,905.42	59,383,441.00	11,999,999.98	0.00	17,226,456.36	3,733,401.99	103,905,204.75
South Dublin County Council	44,933,512.85	21,578,792.20	0.00	33,997,426.82	103,383,684.49	6,337,321.64	210,230,738.00
Tipperary Co Co	12,201,217.14	28,396,014.09	0.00	3,250,000.00	57,001,787.73	4,755,777.25	105,604,796.21
Waterford Co Co	32,974,286.45	51,533,509.70	8,293,995.86	6,103,513.00	28,798,715.05	10,745,465.86	138,449,485.92
Westmeath Co Co	24,130,014.75	42,595,817.00	0.00	11,558,763.00	892,000.00	1,417,121.99	80,593,716.74
Wexford Co Co	42,883,952.00	70,910,607.00	0.00	0.00	20,902,800.00	0.00	134,697,359.00
Wicklow Co Co	13,272,060.48	51,905,414.96	0.00	9,000,000.00	4,921,932.33	4,731,825.08	83,831,232.85
Total	832,180,372.03	1,224,263,842.49	23,945,303.29	425,691,486.58	1,148,632,338.63	203,010,863.24	3,857,724,206.26

Questions Nos. 639 and 640 answered with Question No. 600.

Local Authority Functions

Ceisteanna (641)

John Curran

Ceist:

641. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to encourage or incentivise local authorities to use their compulsory purchase order, CPO, powers to buy up derelict or vacant houses in order to increase their social housing stock; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47132/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

My Department provides funding to local authorities to acquire a range of properties for social housing use, including properties that are vacant and in need of remediation. To ensure a local-led response to such work, responsibility for property acquisitions is delegated to local authorities.

Local authorities are encouraged to adopt a proactive approach in utilising their available legislative powers for compulsory purchase, where necessary, with the aim of bringing the greatest number of recoverable long term vacant dwellings back into the liveable housing stock. In many cases, however, the use of CPO powers is not necessary as agreement to purchase can be reached between the local authority and the property owner. To assist local authorities in pursuing vacant properties, my Department introduced the Buy & Renew Scheme to facilitate them in acquiring and remediating vacant properties that may be suitable for social housing. Through this support mechanism, local authorities have delivered almost 200 social housing units to date and I am keen to see further delivery in this way.

As with standard acquisitions, local authorities have delegated responsibility to utilise the Buy & Renew Scheme, as part of the blend of property acquisitions, as appropriate to their area, given housing need and the availability of properties of different types.

Homeless Persons Data

Ceisteanna (642)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

642. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of adults and children recorded on the pathway accommodation and support system, PASS, as in own door accommodation. [47189/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

My Department currently publishes data on a monthly basis on the number of homeless persons accommodated in emergency accommodation funded and overseen by housing authorities. These reports are based on data provided by housing authorities, produced through the Pathway Accommodation & Support System (PASS). The reports are collated on a regional basis and are published on my Department's website.

The monthly homelessness report includes details of individuals, families and the dependants of these families who accessed emergency accommodation during the relevant count week of the month in question. This information is further broken down into a number of categories of Adult Accommodation Type, namely Private Emergency Accommodation, Supported Temporary Accommodation, Temporary Emergency Accommodation and Other. My Department does not maintain records on categories of accommodation outside of this list.

Protected Disclosures

Ceisteanna (643)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

643. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when a detailed and full response will issue to a person (details supplied) who made a protected disclosure to his Department a number of years ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47191/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government

My Department, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, is currently finalising its analysis of the submission made with reference to the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 by the person named with a view to communicating the outcome of the process to that person as soon as possible.

In its analysis, my Department will have regard to the request by the person named for a full and detailed response, as well as the need to comply with the general principles of natural justice and fair procedures, including for third parties named in the submission.

Built Heritage Investment Scheme

Ceisteanna (644)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

644. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the funding avenues which are available to the owners of protected buildings in order to carry out essential works; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46463/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

My Department provides financial support for the protection of heritage buildings and historic structures through a number of schemes which are generally administered by local authorities.

The Built Heritage Investment Scheme is a scheme for the repair and conservation of buildings on the local authority Record of Protected Structures. It is designed to leverage private capital for investment in small scale conservation projects across the country and to support the employment of skilled conservation professionals and tradespeople. I have allocated funding of €2m in total for this Scheme in 2018.

The Structures at Risk Fund enables conservation works to heritage structures, in both private and public ownership, which are deemed to be at significant risk of deterioration. I have allocated €1.3m for the Structures at Risk Fund nationally in 2018. The Structures at Risk Fund will be revamped for 2019 and will become the Historic Structures Fund. The Fund will open for applications shortly, together with the Built Heritage Investment Scheme for 2019.

Details of these funding schemes are available on my Department’s website and on local authority websites. A list of projects approved for funding is also published on the Department's website.

I have also provided funding of €1m in 2018 for the Historic Towns Initiative, which is a joint initiative of my Department and the Heritage Council. This initiative is supporting six historic towns in 2018 who are carrying out significant heritage regeneration projects.

The best advice for owners in relation to individual historic structures is generally to contact the Architectural Conservation Officer in their local authority who is well placed to provide expert advice and assistance.

In terms of future funding, Investing in our Culture, Language and Heritage 2018 – 2027 represents a major capital investment scheme of €1.2 billion in funding over the next 10 years, as part of Project Ireland 2040. This plan will see increased investment in protecting and celebrating our built heritage across the country. More details on the commencement and completion dates for projects and programmes, as well as the timing of the expenditure in relation to them, will emerge as we go through the process of appraisal and planning as required under the Public Spending Code.

The Heritage Council, which my Department funds, also provides grants for the protection and preservation of the built heritage. It is primarily a matter for the Heritage Council to decide how its funding should be allocated across the range of research, education and conservation programmes it supports. Grant schemes are advertised by the Heritage Council on its website www.heritagecouncil.ie.

Projects funded in Longford and Westmeath

The Structures at Risk Fund - 2018

Local Authority	Site Name, Address	Grant
Longford County Council	Clondra Lockhouse, Old Strokestown Road, Clondra, Co. Longford	€15,000
Longford County Council	St. Catherine's Church, Ballymacormack, Co. Longford	€15,000
Longford County Council	Gandon Gates, Porters Lodge, Carrick Estate, Co. Longford	€20,000
Westmeath County Council	Tullynally Castle, Castlepollard, Co. Westmeath	€9,000
Westmeath County Council	Drumcree House, Drumcree, Co. Westmeath	€15,000
Westmeath County Council	Equine Barn, Rathcam House, Gaybrook, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath	€19,000

The Structures at Risk Fund - 2017

Local Authority	Site Name, Address	Grant
Longford County Council	Gandon Gate, Carriglass Demesne	€30,000
Longford County Council	Kilglass House, Glebe, Legan, Co Longford	€8,000
Westmeath County Council	Ardnurcher Church, Horseleap,	€23,000
Westmeath County Council	Tullynally Castle, Castlepollard,	€6,000
Westmeath County Council	Moate Gaol, Main Street, Moate,	€23,000

Built Heritage Investment Scheme – 2018

Local Authority	No. of Projects	Grant
Longford County Council	11	€50,000
Westmeath County Council	5	€50,000

Built Heritage Investment Scheme – 2017

Local Authority	No. of Projects	Grant
Longford County Council	12	€50,000
Westmeath County Council	7	€60,410

Ministerial Meetings

Ceisteanna (645)

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

645. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the policy regarding the need for note taking when Ministers and-or Ministers of State meet business and other leaders; the way in which this policy is outlined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46487/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

In response to the Deputy's question, it is standard procedure within my Department (and in line with good practice as set out in the Register of Lobbying’s published Guidance for Designated Public Officials) to maintain good record keeping habits and to note important communications regarding official business, and to take notes of meetings where appropriate.

Waterways Ireland

Ceisteanna (646, 647, 648)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Ceist:

646. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the timeframe for commencing the County Kildare part of the Barrow Blueway; and the timeframe for completion of the blueway in County Kildare and the full blueway, respectively. [46557/18]

Fiona O'Loughlin

Ceist:

647. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the estimated cost of completing the Barrow Blueway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46558/18]

Fiona O'Loughlin

Ceist:

648. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if there will be further public consultation on the Barrow Blueway in County Kildare. [46559/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

I propose to take Questions Nos. 646 to 648, inclusive, together.

Waterways Ireland submitted a planning application to Kildare County Council, Laois County Council and Carlow County Council for the development of the Barrow towpath to enable it to become a Blueway. The applications were refused planning permissions in February 2018 for the ‘river’ elements of the navigation.

Waterways Ireland has subsequently appealed those decisions to An Bord Pleanála and await their outcome. It is not possible to give a timeframe for the development of the Barrow Blueway until An Bord Pleanála determine the appeal.

The estimated capital cost of developing the Barrow Blueway is €11,000,000 but this estimation may vary depending on detailed design.

Waterways Ireland will continue to explore funding options with Fáilte Ireland, the National Transport Authority and local authorities as to how the project will be funded, through possible tourism initiatives, greenway strategy and as part of possible funding of the Outdoor Recreation Plan developed by Waterways Ireland in partnership with Inland Fisheries Ireland, Coillte, Bord na Móna and the National Parks and Wildlife Service of this Department.

Waterways Ireland is not required to undertake any further formal consultation with the public on the Blueway development in County Kildare.

Should An Bord Pleanála uphold the appeal, Waterways Ireland will consult with the Local Authority and those stakeholders who are regarded as being directly impacted by the development, prior to any works commencing.

Waterways Ireland

Ceisteanna (649)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Ceist:

649. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht when a final decision will issue from An Bord Pleanála on the Barrow Blueway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46560/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht

Waterways Ireland submitted a planning application to Kildare County Council, Laois County Council and Carlow County Council for the development of the Barrow towpath to enable it to become a Blueway. The applications were refused planning permissions in February 2018 for the ‘river’ elements of the navigation.

Waterways Ireland has subsequently appealed those decisions to An Bord Pleanála and await their outcome.

The timeline for a final decision to issue from An Bord Pleanála is a matter for the Bord itself.

National Parks and Wildlife Service

Ceisteanna (650)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

650. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht if officials from the National Parks and Wildlife Service will meet with fishermen to discuss the seal population at a location (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46666/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Deputy Josepha Madigan)

I have asked my officials to arrange a meeting with the fishermen as soon as possible.