Written Answers Nos. 554-572
554. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government further to Parliamentary Question No. 579 of 2 April 2019, the details of the applications for such exemptions to each local authority in each year since the introduction of the exemptions in tabular form. [17253/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe details of the notifications received by each local authority in 2018, from 8 February when the planning exemption for the conversion of vacant commercial properties into residential use came into operation, until 31 December, is set out in the following table:
|
County Council |
Number of Notifications |
Total No. of Residential Units |
|
Carlow |
2 |
3 |
|
Cavan |
0 |
0 |
|
Clare |
0 |
0 |
|
Cork Co |
6 |
6 |
|
Cork City |
2 |
5 |
|
DLR |
2 |
10 |
|
Donegal |
2 |
4 |
|
Dublin City |
13 |
26 |
|
Fingal |
1 |
2 |
|
Galway City |
4 |
6 |
|
Galway County |
4 |
12 |
|
Kerry |
4 |
5 |
|
Kildare |
1 |
2 |
|
Kilkenny |
2 |
2 |
|
Laois |
1 |
1 |
|
Leitrim |
1 |
1 |
|
Limerick |
6 |
17 |
|
Longford |
1 |
3 |
|
Louth |
0 |
0 |
|
Mayo |
2 |
2 |
|
Meath |
2 |
2 |
|
Monaghan |
1 |
6 |
|
Offaly |
0 |
0 |
|
Roscommon |
0 |
0 |
|
Sligo |
1 |
1 |
|
South Dublin |
4 |
4 |
|
Tipperary |
12 |
22 |
|
Waterford |
2 |
2 |
|
Westmeath |
0 |
0 |
|
Wexford |
1 |
6 |
|
Wicklow |
4 |
8 |
|
Total |
81 |
158 |
555. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of Part V units leased in 2019 by local authority. [17255/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraPart V of the Planning and Development Act 2000, requires that a developer must provide up to 10% of a site for development, that has the benefit of planning permission, to the local authority for the purposes of social housing at a price equivalent to the existing use value of the lands on the date on which planning permission was granted.
The Part V provisions were amended in 2015 to permit the obligation to be met by way of a grant of a lease of housing units to the Local Authority, either on the site subject to the planning application or on any other land within its functional area. Where the Part V agreement is for the leasing of units to the Local Authority from the developer, the net monetary value must be realised in the form of a discount from the payable rent over the period of the lease. Such a discount is in addition to the normal discount on the open market rent obtained by the Local Authority through a lease agreement with a property owner.
Currently, my Department operates two leasing schemes that can be utilised for the purposes of Part V agreements – the Long Term Social Housing Leasing Scheme and the Enhanced Long Term Social Housing Leasing Scheme. Both of these schemes are funded under the Social Housing Current Expenditure Programme (SHCEP).
The details of Part V leased units delivered, by local authority are set out in the following table. My Department is currently collecting data for Q1 2019.
|
Local Authority |
No. of Units |
Year of Delivery |
|
Dun Laoghaire – Rathdown |
124 |
2017 |
|
South Dublin |
18 |
2017 |
|
Dublin City |
6 |
2018 |
|
Kilkenny |
2 |
2018 |
|
Tipperary |
1 |
2018 |
556. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans for the relocation and redevelopment of Muine Bheag fire station. [17315/19]
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 allocation of €8 million, 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. Muinebeag Fire Station is included in the programme of ten fire stations for upgrading within the Programme. My Department continues to work with the Council in progressing this project and is awaiting design documents from the Council for the upgrading work to be undertaken.
The projects in the capital programme are reassessed on an annual basis and priority may be adjusted to take account of the state of readiness of projects generally and to bring forward projects offering best value-for-money.
557. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the status of the provision of financial supports for persons affected by mica in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17328/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
In 2017, the report of the Expert Panel was published and included eight recommendations, which my Department is actively progressing with the relevant stakeholders, prioritising the implementation of Recommendations 1 and 2.
With regard to Recommendation 1, the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) established a Technical Committee to scope and fast track the development of a standardised protocol. The standardised protocol will inform the course of action in relation to remedial works for all affected householders. The standardised protocol was published by the NSAI on 13 November 2018 and ‘I.S. 465:2018 - Assessment, testing and categorisation of damaged buildings incorporating concrete blocks containing certain deleterious materials’, is available at www.nsai.ie.
The standard can 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, in order to decide what, if any, remedial work could be carried out. The standard:
1. 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);
2. describes methods for establishing the extent of the problem;
3. describes the scope of any testing required; and
4. categorises buildings, in accordance with the standard, providing competent persons with guidance on the appropriate measures to be taken.
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 has provided assurance that they are in the process of finalising measures to establish such a register now that the standardised protocol is in place. Engineers Ireland have issued a call for suitably qualified engineers to participate on the register. They have recently announced that training will be provided in May for those engineers with the aim of ensuring consistency throughout the industry in assessing and categorising the damage.
In 2017, 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. I made similar visits to both counties last year and I will continue to monitor the situation and to update affected parties on progress.
Under Budget 2019, the Government approved in principle the development of a grant scheme of financial assistance to support affected homeowners in the two counties to carry out the necessary remediation works to dwellings that have been damaged due to defective concrete blocks. Work on the development of such a scheme is well underway, including discussions with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the operation and funding of the scheme. It is intended to revert to Government with proposals for the scheme shortly, with a view to publishing details of the scheme thereafter.
558. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if and when the Galway housing delivery task force has met; the name of all members of the task force; the steps identified to deal with the crisis; if the minutes of the meetings will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17339/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, I recently established the Galway Social Housing Taskforce to support and accelerate the delivery of social housing in Galway. The Taskforce is also charged with identifying barriers and local issues that are impeding housing delivery in general in Galway. A key priority for the Taskforce will be to encourage local authorities to work together, including sharing resources and services to the greatest extent possible, in terms of housing delivery. A critical role of the Taskforce will be to increase the delivery of social housing homes, particularly new build homes, by Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) and local authorities in Galway City and Galway County over the coming years.
The Taskforce is being chaired by Ms. Geraldine Tallon, former Secretary General, who also currently chairs the Cork Social Housing Taskforce. The membership of the Taskforce includes Mr. Brendan McGrath, Chief Executive of Galway City Council and Mr. Kevin Kelly, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, along with the Housing Directors of both local authorities. Mary Hurley, Assistant Secretary with responsibility for Housing Delivery at my Department is also a member of the Taskforce, as well as other relevant Housing and Planning officials from my Department. The Taskforce membership also includes Mr. John O’Connor, Chief Executive of the Housing Agency, Ms. Eadaoin Ni Chleirigh, Irish Council of Social Housing and Mr. Alan Cunniffe, Co-operative Housing Ireland.
It should be noted that a meeting took place recently between the Chair, the two local authorities and my Department in relation to the work programme for the Taskforce, which will hold its first meeting on 25 April 2019.
559. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the status of progress to achieve the objectives set out in the motion on building standards, regulation and homeowner protection passed on 22 June 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17396/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to building standards, regulation and homeowner protection, significant progress has been and continues to be made in the context of the many building defects that have emerged over the last decade in houses and apartments built during the 2000s.
However, it must be noted that under the Building Control Acts 1990 to 2014, primary responsibility for compliance of works with the requirements of the building regulations rests with the owners, designers and builders of buildings. Enforcement of the building regulations is a matter for the 31 local building control authorities, who have extensive powers of inspection and enforcement under the Acts and who are independent in the use of their statutory powers.
In addition, local authorities also have extensive powers of inspection and enforcement under the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003, the Housing Acts and the Planning and Development Acts, which may be relevant where fire safety concerns arise in residential developments.
In general, building defects are matters for resolution between the contracting parties involved, the homeowner, the builder, the developer and/or their respective insurers, structural guarantee or warranty scheme.
While my Department has overall responsibility for establishing and maintaining an effective regulatory framework for building standards and building control, it has no general statutory role in resolving defects in privately owned buildings, including dwellings, nor does it have a budget for such matters.
Indeed, it is not possible for the State to take on responsibility/liability for all legacy issues of defective building materials or workmanship. Nor would it send the right message to the industry regarding their responsibility for compliance.
In response to building failures, the Government has embarked on a three pronged Building Control Reform Agenda to reduce the risk of similar problems occurring again. These are:
- Reform of the Building Control process;
- Establishment of a National Building Control Management Project; and
- Putting the Construction Industry Register Ireland on a statutory footing.
This focus on strong and effective regulation in the building control system and the construction industry and on improving compliance in the building regulations, reduces the risk and the incidences of defective buildings and has provided insurance underwriters with sufficient confidence to introduce new latent defect type products in Ireland, despite a general retrenchment and conservatism in the wider insurance industry.
These new products are first party insurance policies, which cover damage and non-damage (breaches of buildings) claims, to varying degrees. This means that the purchaser does not have to make a claim through the builder but can submit a claim directly to the insurer. This would be of particular benefit to a homeowner in circumstances where the builder or developer has ceased trading.
In the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower tragedy in June 2017, and in recognition of fears expressed for fire safety, my Department's National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management was asked to convene a Task Force to lead a re-appraisal of our approach to fire safety in Ireland. In its report, the Task Force acknowledges the importance of fire safety in apartment buildings and makes a number of recommendations in this regard. However, a widespread assessment or inspection process was not recommended rather a focus on a review of fire detection and alarms systems and evacuation arrangements, prioritising life safety. I have tasked the Directorate's Management Board with implementation of the recommendations within its remit, and oversight of the implementation of other recommendations. The Task Force Report is available on my Department's website at the following link:
Table
Finally, the building regulations are reviewed on an ongoing basis on foot of relevant EU legislation, in light of technical innovation and in recognition of international best practice in the construction sector and updated accordingly. Work is ongoing on the review of Part B/TDG B Fire Safety. It has been decided in the interest of clarity to separate the guidance into two volumes. A new Part B/ TGD B Volume 2 was published in 2017 and came into force on 1 July 2017. This Volume 2 applies to dwelling houses only. Volume 1, dealing with buildings other than dwelling houses, is currently being prepared for public consultation. This guidance document will provide greater clarity on the conditions required to demonstrate compliance with building regulations taking into account the changes in standards since the last review.
560. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he has undertaken a review of the number of apartment blocks nationally that may be affected by inadequate fire safety works within the buildings; if not, his plans to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17397/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra561. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the tragic deaths of persons (details supplied); if he will undertake a review of fire safety at the location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17402/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra562. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to assist homeowners dealing with the costs of repairing defective homes built during the boom, such as at a location (details supplied); his plans to establish a redress scheme for persons in this situation, such as providing low cost loans to help pay for the remedial works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17403/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 560 to 562, inclusive, together.
I am aware of the tragic deaths referred to and I sympathise with the family and friends of those involved.
In relation to buildings, local authorities have extensive powers of inspection and enforcement under the Fire Services Acts 1981 and 2003, the Housing Acts and the Planning and Development Acts, all of which may be relevant where fire safety concerns arise in residential developments. Fire services may inspect buildings in cases of defects or complaints in respect of fire safety. They work with building owners to ensure immediate risks are addressed, and put a plan in place for works to bring buildings into compliance. They have enforcement powers for cases where co-operation is not forthcoming, or progress cannot be made on an agreed basis.
However, in general, any such building defects are matters for resolution between the contracting parties involved: the homeowner, the builder, the developer and/or their respective insurers, structural guarantee or warranty scheme. It is important to note that while my Department has overall responsibility for establishing and maintaining an effective regulatory framework for building standards and building control, it has no general statutory role in resolving defects in privately owned buildings, including dwellings, nor does it have a budget for such matters.
In the interest of supporting owners and residents living in developments where concerns regarding non-compliance with fire safety requirements arise, it was agreed that a review be undertaken by an independent fire expert to develop a framework for general application. In August 2017, the Framework for Enhancing Fire Safety in Dwellings was published, which is intended to be used as a guide by the owners and occupants of dwellings where fire safety deficiencies have been identified, or are a cause for concern. The Framework will also be of assistance to professional advisors, both in developing strategies to improve fire safety and in developing strategies to enable continued occupation in advance of undertaking the necessary works to ensure compliance with the relevant Building Regulations. The Framework is available on my Department's website at the following link:
https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/framework_for_enhancing_fire_safety_in_dwellings.pdf .
In the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower tragedy in June 2017, and in recognition of fears expressed for fire safety, my Department's National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management was asked to convene a Task Force to lead a re-appraisal of our approach to fire safety in Ireland. In its report, the Task Force acknowledges the importance of fire safety in apartment buildings and makes a number of recommendations in this regard. However, a widespread assessment or inspection process was not recommended; instead the focus was placed on a review of fire detection and alarms systems and evacuation arrangements, prioritising life safety. I have tasked the Directorate's Management Board with implementation of the recommendations within its remit, and oversight of the implementation of other recommendations. The Task Force Report is available on my Department's website at the following link: https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/fire_safety_in_ireland_-_report_of_the_fire_safety_task_force.pdf .
563. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of fire and safety inspections carried out on new builds in each local authority area by date in tabular form; and if these inspections have passed approved regulations. [17404/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra564. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the steps his Department takes to ensure that fire safety certificates issued by the building control authority prior to construction work beginning comply with the requirements of Part B of the second schedule to the building regulations 1997 once construction is complete; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17405/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 563 and 564 together.
The Building Regulations apply to the design and construction of a new building and to certain works to existing buildings. The minimum performance requirements that a building must achieve are set out in the Second Schedule to the Building Regulations in 12 parts, Parts A to M. Part B (Fire safety) sets down the statutory minimum standards of fire safety provision.
Part III of the Building Control Regulations requires a Fire Safety Certificate (FSC) to be obtained for new buildings (with some exceptions) and certain works to existing buildings. The FSC ensures the building/works if constructed in accordance with the plans and specifications submitted, comply with the requirements of Part B of the Building Regulations. As such, an application is examined technically, by the Chief Fire Officer /Building Control Authority, for compliance with Part B, either on the basis of TGD B or through alternative approaches to providing fire safety.
A right of appeal is also provided for in this Part of the Building Control Regulations, in instances where a building control authority grant a fire safety certificate with conditions, or refuse to grant a fire safety certificate. The applicant may appeal to An Bord Pleanála against the decision of the building control authority. The Board is fully independent in the performance of these statutory functions.
Under the Building Control Acts 1990 to 2014, primary responsibility for compliance of works with the requirements of the Building Regulations rests with the owners, designers and builders of buildings.
Since the introduction of Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2014, (BCAR), greater accountability is required in relation to compliance with Building Regulations in the form of statutory certification of design and construction by registered construction professionals and builders, lodgement of compliance documentation, mandatory inspections during construction and validation and registration of certificates. This legislation empowers competence and professionalism in construction projects and establishes a chain of responsibility that begins with the owner.
In addition, under the Building Control Acts 1990 to 2014, Building Control Authorities have strong powers of inspection, enforcement and prosecution. As such, the number of inspections is a matter for local authorities, who are independent in the use of their statutory powers the Acts.
In line with the agreed Performance Indicators for Local Government, Building Control Authorities are required to carry out a level of inspection equivalent to 12% to 15% of new buildings for which valid commencement notices have been received. The National Oversight & Audit Commission (NOAC) now collects and publishes this data. The Performance Indicators in Local Authorities reports are available at http://noac.ie/noac-reports/.
565. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to ensure compliance with obligations under the Building Control Acts 1990 to 2014; the sanctions available to address non-compliant bodies; the number of complaints made to his Department about failure to comply with the Acts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17406/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra566. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of legal proceedings instigated by local authorities as a result of breaches in building regulations by date and local authority in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17407/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 565 and 566 together.
In response to the many building failures that have come to attention over the last decade, the Government has embarked on a multi-pronged Building Control Reform Agenda, to reduce the risk of similar problems occurring again. The reform is centred on three main initiatives:
- Reform of the Building Control process;
- Establishment of a National Building Control Management Project; and
- Putting the Construction Industry Register Ireland (CIRI) on a statutory footing.
Since the introduction of Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2014, (BCAR), greater accountability is required in relation to compliance with Building Regulations in the form of statutory certification of design and construction by registered construction professionals and builders, lodgement of compliance documentation, mandatory inspections during construction and validation and registration of certificates. This legislation empowers competence and professionalism in construction projects and establishes a chain of responsibility that begins with the owner.
The National Building Control Management Project (NBCMP) was set up to provide oversight, direction and support for the development, standardisation and implementation of Building Control as an effective shared service in the 31 Building Control Authorities. Dublin City Council has been approved as the lead building control authority, creating the central and stable executive structure needed to support the local building control function in operating to optimum effect.
Under the Building Control Acts 1990 to 2014, Building Control Authorities have strong powers of inspection, enforcement and prosecution. Powers in relation to enforcement include the serving of enforcement notices, orders of the courts, and the powers of prosecution. A person found guilty of an offence under the Act may be liable for fines (up to €50,000) and/or imprisonment (up to 2 years) and be disqualified from signing and submitting certificates of compliance.
While Building Control Authorities use enforcement mechanisms, including through the courts, to effect compliance where reasonable and appropriate to do so, desired results can also be achieved, and often are, through correspondence, discussion and persuasion, backed up by the potential for legal action in the event that compliance is not forthcoming.
The Building Control Regulations 1997 require Building Control Authorities to keep a register of, inter alia, any enforcement notices served by them and the date and outcome of any decision of the District Court in respect of an enforcement notice. The Regulations require that this register shall be available for inspection at the offices of the Building Control Authority during office hours.
Local authorities are not required to publish material regarding High Court injunctions sought in relation to buildings and works under the Building Control Acts; however, this information is a matter of public record and details of any such cases should be available from the Courts Service of Ireland at http://www.courts.ie/.
The Building Control Management System will be developed to facilitate the centralised collection of such data in the future.
Finally, in relation to CIRI-related legislation, drafting and referral for pre-legislative scrutiny of the General Scheme of a Bill were approved by Government on 30 May 2017. The Bill was referred to the Joint Oireachtas Committee for pre-legislative scrutiny and my Department is currently working through the Committee’s recommendations, as the Bill is drafted. The Department is working with the Attorney General's Office, with a view to achieving publication of the Bill later this year.
567. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of staff appointed to the Office of the Planning Regulator; the location of the offices of same; the budget allocated to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17408/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) was formally established on 3 April 2019. Mr. Niall Cussen took up office as Planning Regulator on the same day.
There are currently 8 staff assigned to the Office, including the Regulator. It is intended that this will grow to a complement of 20 staff over the course of 2019. Interim premises have been sourced in Sir John Rogerson's Quay in Dublin, pending a decision on a permanent location for the Office.
The OPR has been allocated a budget of €2,367,000 for 2019. This is to cover operating expenditure and payroll related costs for the year.
568. 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 recruit additional staff in 2018 and to date in 2019; the number of those requests that have been approved, are pending or refused, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17473/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 1 January 2018, my Department has received 28 staffing sanction requests from the Residential Tenancies Board for permission to recruit additional staff, all of which have been approved.
569. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number or percentage of employees in his Department and in the agencies under his aegis with intellectual disabilities; his plans to increase this number to promote and support the employment of persons with intellectual disabilities as outlined in the Disability Act 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17490/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra570. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if his Department and the agencies under his aegis track the numbers of employees they have with an intellectual disability; his plans to do so in order to help set targets and increase workplace opportunities for those with intellectual disabilities such as those outlined in the national disability inclusion strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17507/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 569 and 570 together.
The 2005 Disability Act sets out the legal obligations of Public Body employers in relation to the employment of people with disabilities. Along with promoting and supporting people with disabilities, public bodies are also obliged to meet a 3% target of employees with disabilities. At the end of 2018, my Department’s rate was 5.6%. The target will increase to 4% in 2020; however, it is anticipated that the rate in my Department will remain above target over the coming years. There is no obligation to, nor does my Department, collate information specifically on staff with intellectual disabilities.
My Department has appointed a disability liaison officer, whose role is to provide advice and support to any staff who wish to disclose their disability. The disability liaison officer is also the first point of contact should staff require additional supports or workplace accommodations.
In addition, my Department participates in the Willing Able Mentoring Programme (WAM), a project-based work placement which aims to promote access to the labour market for graduates with disabilities. This programme is a collaboration between the Irish Civil Service and AHEAD (Association for Higher Education Access and Disability).
The details requested in relation to bodies under the aegis of my Department are 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 addresses for each agency are 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 |
|
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 |
|
Land Development Agency |
oireachtas@lda.ie |
|
Office of the Planning Regulator |
oireachtas@opr.ie |
571. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the status of the construction of the new fire station in Kanturk, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17687/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraKanturk Fire Station is included in the programme of sixteen fire stations for construction within the five-year, €40 million, allocation of the Fire Services Capital Programme announced in February 2016. Draft designs for the new station have been received and reviewed by my Department, and approval issued to the Council on 16 July, 2018 to proceed to seek tenders for the project.
On 10 April 2019, the Council submitted a tender proposal to the Department for approval prior to contract. This proposal will now be reviewed and a response will issue to the Council as soon as possible.
572. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if the new parts of a district will be included in the rent pressure zone in circumstances in which an electoral area or municipal district has been designated a rent pressure zone but has been subsequently redrawn; and if it will continue to apply for the district as a whole or parts of same, for example, in the case of a district (details supplied). [17717/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe expiry date of all deemed and designated RPZs will be extended by the Residential Tenancies (Amendment)(No. 2) Bill to 31 December 2021. The Bill further provides that any area falling within the new Cork City Council boundary, which is not already a RPZ, will become one from 31 May 2019.
Areas already designated as RPZs will remain designated and areas that are not designated nor due to become part of Cork City Council will retain their current undesignated status.
