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Gnáthamharc

Tuesday, 14 Jul 2020

Written Answers Nos. 382-406

Social Welfare Offices

Ceisteanna (382)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

Ceist:

382. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if local social welfare offices and staff are exempt from the payment of rates; the local authorities that operate under this premise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15299/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The question of liability of particular properties for rates is a matter for the Commissioner of Valuation, who is independent in the exercise of his functions under the Valuation Act 2001, as amended. The making of valuations for rating purposes is the sole responsibility of the Commissioner and I, as Minister, have no function in decisions in this regard.

The Valuation Acts 2001 to 2019 provide that all buildings used or developed for any purpose are rateable unless expressly exempted under Schedule 4 of the Acts.

There are a number of options available to an occupier of a rateable property who is dissatisfied with a determination of valuation made under the provisions of the Valuation Acts 2001-2019. Firstly, before a determination is made, they may make representations to the Valuation Office in relation to a proposed valuation. Later in the process, if the occupier is still dissatisfied with the determination, there is a right of appeal to the Valuation Tribunal, which is an independent body set up for the purpose of hearing appeals against determinations of the Valuation Office. There is also a right of appeal to the Higher Courts on a point of law.

Water Supply

Ceisteanna (383)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

383. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of lead connections as determined by the Environmental Protection Agency that require replacing by county and available smaller geographical unit in tabular form. [15709/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

With effect from 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels including the delivery of water services capital infrastructure, while the local authorities remain responsible for private water supplies.

Lead in drinking water is both the responsibility of water suppliers and property owners. Irish Water is responsible for lead pipework in the public water distribution network. This is known as public-side lead. Lead plumbing in buildings and within property boundaries is a matter for the property owner. This is known as private-side lead.

In May 2017 Irish Water estimated that lead pipework existed in approximately 180,000 residential properties in Ireland as well as in many commercial and public buildings. While there are no lead water mains in Ireland, service connections within properties can contain traces of lead. The vast majority of lead pipes are contained within properties built up to and including the 1970s.

A National Strategy to Reduce Exposure to Lead in Drinking Water was published in June 2015. In response to the recommendations of this strategy, Irish Water prepared a detailed Lead in Drinking Water Mitigation Plan to identify measures to mitigate the risks to human health posed by the presence of lead in drinking water. The Plan proposes to remove all public lead service connection pipes over a ten year programme (i.e. by the end of 2026).

Irish Water have also put in place an interim water treatment programme to protect consumers from lead exposure while this replacement programme is implemented. According to the recent EPA report, Drinking Water Quality in Public Supplies 2019, by the end of 2019 17% of all public side lead connections had been replaced.

My Department has introduced a grant scheme to assist owners of premises connected to a domestic water supply with the costs of replacing lead piping or related fittings located within the internal distribution system of the premises, as defined in the Water Services Act 2007. The grant is administered by local authorities and information on how to apply for this grant is available from the relevant authority and on my Department’s website at the following link: https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/leaflet_-_grant_to_replace_lead_pipes_and_fittings.pdf.

Since 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels. Further detail in relation to the extent of lead within the public network should be sought from Irish Water. Irish Water has established a dedicated team to deal with representations and queries from public representatives. The team can be contacted via email to oireachtasmembers@water.ie or by telephone on a dedicated number, 1890 578 578.

Commercial Property

Ceisteanna (384)

Pa Daly

Ceist:

384. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the action and steps he will take regarding commercial premises in town centres in circumstances in which the owners are refusing to lease or sell the premises, yet continue to avail of rate reductions, negatively impacting surrounding businesses. [15999/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Local authorities are under a statutory obligation to levy rates on the occupiers of rateable property in accordance with the details entered in the valuation lists prepared by the independent Commissioner of Valuation under the Valuation Acts 2001 to 2015.

Legislative provision is made for the refund of rates paid on vacant commercial properties in certain circumstances. The Local Government Act 1946 provides that where a property is unoccupied on the date of the making of the rate, the owner becomes liable for rates. However, the owner is entitled to a refund if the property is vacant for specified purposes, these being if the premises are unoccupied for the purpose of additions, alterations or repairs; where the owner is bona fide unable to obtain a suitable tenant at a reasonable rent; and where the premises are vacant pending redevelopment. The collection of rates and the determination of eligibility for a refund in this context are matters for each individual local authority.

The Local Government Act 1946 provided that the owner was entitled to a 100% refund in most local authority areas. Separate legislation governed refunds in the cities of Dublin, Limerick and Cork, where the same criteria for refunds applied but only 50% of the rates paid were refundable. With effect from 1 June 2014, when the relevant provision commenced, the Local Government Reform Act 2014 gives discretion to the elected members of individual local authorities to vary the level of rates refunds that apply in individual local electoral areas within the authority’s administrative area. The Local Government (Financial and Audit Procedures) Regulations 2014 provide that the decision to alter the rate of refund should be taken at the annual budget meeting and that the rate of refund decided in respect of the relevant local electoral area, shall apply to eligible persons for the year to which the budget relates. The absence of a decision to vary the refund means that the existing legislative provisions regarding the rate of refunds apply (either 100% or 50% as set out above). Guidance has been provided to local authorities and elected members in that regard. A decision to vary the level of rate refund applying is a reserved function of elected members of a local authority.

The Local Government Rates and Other Matters Act 2019 modernised the legislation governing commercial rates and contains provision for schemes for the abatement of rates on vacant properties. The Act provides that a local authority may provide a temporary abatement for vacant properties, subject to any maximum relief which may be specified by the Minister, to ensure that all property owners (other than those whose rates liability would be below a de minimis threshold) make some level of payment to the local authority. The Act allows the Minister to prescribe that the maximum level of relief can be further reduced by individual local authorities. Currently, only the sections of the Act relating to the amendment of the Rate Limitation Order have been commenced. Commencement of the remaining elements of the Act is under consideration, and it had been intended that the bulk of the provisions would be operational for the 2021 local authority budget cycle, in November 2020. However, commencement is likely to be delayed by several months due to the impact of the COVID crisis.

Social and Affordable Housing

Ceisteanna (385, 412)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

385. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if the income eligibility limits for social housing in areas such as counties Cavan and Monaghan will be reviewed as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14643/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

Ceist:

412. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when the review of income thresholds to qualify for a place on a local authority housing list will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15321/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 385 and 412 together.

Applications for social housing support are assessed by the relevant local authority, in accordance with the eligibility and need criteria set down in section 20 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the associated Social Housing Assessment Regulations 2011, as amended.

The 2011 Regulations prescribe maximum net income limits for each local authority, in different bands according to the area concerned, with income being defined and assessed according to a standard Household Means Policy. The 2011 Regulations do not provide local authorities with any discretion to exceed the limits that apply to their administrative areas.

Under the Household Means Policy, which applies in all local authorities, net income for social housing assessment is defined as gross household income less income tax, PRSI, Universal Social Charge and Pension-Related Deductions within the meaning of Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009. The Policy provides for a range of income disregards, and local authorities also have discretion to decide to disregard income that is temporary, short-term or once-off in nature. 

The income bands are expressed in terms of a maximum net income threshold for a single-person household, with an allowance of 5% for each additional adult household member, subject to a maximum allowance under this category of 10%; and 2.5% for each child, subject to a maximum allowance under this category of 10%.

The income bands and the authority area assigned to each band were based on an assessment of the income needed to provide for a household's basic needs, plus a comparative analysis of the local rental cost of housing accommodation across the country. It is important to note that the limits introduced at that time also reflected a blanket increase of €5,000 introduced prior to the new system coming into operation, in order to broaden the base from which social housing tenants are drawn, both promoting sustainable communities and also providing a degree of future-proofing.

Given the cost to the State of providing social housing, it is considered prudent and fair to direct resources to those most in need of social housing support. The current income eligibility requirements generally achieve this, providing for a fair and equitable system of identifying those households facing the greatest challenge in meeting their accommodation needs from their own resources.

However, as part of the broader social housing reform agenda, a review of income eligibility for social housing supports in each local authority area is underway. The review will also have regard to current initiatives being brought forward in terms of affordability and cost rental and will be completed when the impacts of these parallel initiatives have been considered.

Local Authority Funding

Ceisteanna (386)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

386. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the financial challenges of Cork City and County councils; and if he is considering direct financial support in view of the loss of key income streams. [14658/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I intend to continue to support measures taken by my Department to assist local authorities, including Cork City and Cork County Councils, with the financial challenges they are experiencing since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

At the outset and to minimise cash flow challenges, my Department arranged for the early payment of Local Property Tax (LPT) to all local authorities. As a short term measure, €136m was made available to local authorities as cash flow support in early April, in order to ensure that vital services that local authorities deliver can be maintained. This support was comprised of the early payment of the LPT allocation ordinarily paid from the Local Government Fund in May and July. Further to these measures, my Department arranged for the payment of 50% of each local authority’s individual Payroll and PSPR allocation, amounting to €54.8m, in mid June. This interim payment would ordinarily be paid later in July.

On 2 May 2020, a waiver of commercial rates was announced for businesses that were forced to close due to public health requirements, from 27 March 2020, for a three-month period. The administration by local authorities of this measure will be by way of a credit in lieu of commercial rates. The approved Programme for Government – Our Shared Future, commits to setting out how commercial rates will be treated for the remainder of 2020, as a priority action for the new Government. This is under active consideration in the context of the July stimulus.

In addition to the challenges faced from Covid-19 there are financial implications to the two authorities arising from the boundary alteration between Cork City Council and Cork County Council. The Local Government Act 2019, which provided for the boundary alteration, also provided for a financial settlement to be agreed jointly by the local authorities in accordance with a statutory Implementation Plan. The financial settlement is made up of two parts; an annual contribution, and a financial adjustment that caters for future adjustments. The annual contribution methodology has been agreed between the two authorities, and is currently the subject of independent audit and verification. The financial adjustment is also close to agreement and I expect to have final confirmation of agreement in the coming weeks.

A separate provision in the Local Government Act 2019 provided for a recoupment to Cork City Council in respect of income incurred from May 2019 to December 2019. The transfer of administrative responsibility caused by the boundary alteration took place on May 2019. Financial responsibility did not transfer until 1 January 2020. The city took over full responsibility for the delivery of services on 31 May 2019, but the county continued to be the rating authority until the end of 2019. Agreement on the amount to be recouped is also expected in the coming weeks.

Energy Efficiency

Ceisteanna (387)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

387. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the details of a planned retrofit scheme to be rolled out by his Department to assist homeowners in improving the energy efficiency of older homes. [14674/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department has been providing funding support under the Social Housing Insulation Retrofitting Programme to local authorities since 2013, for insulation and energy efficiency works to their social housing stock.

The programme is implemented in two phases: Phase 1 is a shallow retrofit and ensures that the entire social housing stock has, as a minimum, cavity wall and attic insulation. Phase 2 is a deep retrofit and focuses on the fabric upgrade works to those dwellings with solid/hollow block wall construction and also provides for replacement windows/doors as well as heating upgrades (including upgrades to boilers, or a heat pump to replace the existing boiler).

To date €151m in Exchequer funding has been provided with over 72,000 social housing homes benefiting from upgrades. A more detailed breakdown of this expenditure is set out on my Department’s website at the following link: https://www.housing.gov.ie/housing/social-housing/energy-efficiencyretrofitting/energy-efficiency-retrofitting-programme.

Funding support will continue in 2020 for this programme from a budget of €25million, with local authorities selecting their properties for inclusion in the programme and determining the works that are necessary.

As part of the Just Transition proposals for the midlands region, Budget 2020 made provision for €20 million to fund energy efficiency upgrades to local authority houses in the affected counties as a pilot programme. The programme is designed to explore an alternative approach to the upgrade of the social housing stock and also aims to group housing upgrades together so that opportunities for retrofitting will arise for private housing with support from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).

This Programme is being developed under a Retrofit Taskforce and as well as my Department, the preparatory work also involves the Department of Communications, Climate Action & Environment and the SEAI. All involved are working with the relevant local authorities to advance retrofitting in areas of sufficient concentration of local authority housing requiring energy upgrades.

Significant preparatory work has been completed to date, including a framework for the retrofit works and the identification by the local authorities of their selected areas of housing to be retrofitted. However, the cessation of many construction-related activities due to Covid has had a significant impact on the work of the local authorities on this programme as essential preparatory work to survey local authority homes for the retrofit works was affected.

The adoption by the County and City Management Association (CCMA) of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for internal work to housing, has allowed the surveying work to proceed and as this is completed, it is expected that the retrofit works will commence on some local authority homes in August.

As set out in the Programme for Government, a national retrofitting scheme is due to be rolled out in 2021. The midlands pilot along with other pilot schemes which are due to commence rollout in early 2021, will be used to test key elements of the national plan.

The national retrofitting scheme will be managed by a newly designated National Retrofitting Delivery Body which is to be in place by the end of 2020.

Local Authority Functions

Ceisteanna (388)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

388. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if grant funding will be provided to enable the live streaming of local authority meetings (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14714/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Section 45(5) of the Local Government Act 2001 states that a local authority may, by standing orders, regulate the right of members of the public and members of the media to be present at meetings. This includes the making of rules in relation to recording or relaying the proceedings as they take place or at a later stage.

It is therefore a matter for the elected members of each local authority to decide in the first instance to webcast local authority meetings and then to allocate sufficient funding from their annual budget for the provision of such facilities.

However, I recognise the potential in the use of technology to strengthen local democracy, leadership and governance.

The Programme for Government Our Shared Future states that "the new Government is committed to making local government stronger, more accountable and more responsive to the communities it serves". The Programme for Government also has a commitment to "implement the Moorhead Report on the Role and Remuneration of Local Authority Elected Members within 12 months". One of the Report's recommendations is that live streaming should be implemented in all local authorities to ensure full transparency of proceedings at council meetings. My Department is now considering this matter in the context of the Report's implementation.

Planning Investigations

Ceisteanna (389)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

389. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will publish the report into alleged planning irregularities in County Donegal; and the action he plans to take on foot of the findings of the report. [14786/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I will be examining this report and will bring this matter to Government for consideration in due course.

In this regard, the decisions of the Commissioner for Environmental Information (CEI/18/0019) of 13 February 2019 and the Information Commissioner (OIC-59426-Q8D7T8) of 27 February 2020 in relation to requests to publish this report will also be taken into account. Both decisions are publicly available on those bodies' websites.

Ministerial Responsibilities

Ceisteanna (390)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

390. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will provide a copy of the Departmental briefings received by him and each Minister of State in his Department upon taking up each individual role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14806/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The brief that was prepared for me upon taking up my role was also provided to the Ministers of State when they were appointed to the Department.

It is my intention to publish the briefing paper, subject to any redactions made in line with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2014. The brief will be available on the Department's website shortly and we will advise the Deputy when it is available.

Planning Issues

Ceisteanna (391)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

391. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if a decision has been made on a developer-provided infrastructure application for an estate (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14818/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In July 2019, my Department launched the multi-annual Developer-Provided Water Services Infrastructure Resolution Programme 2019-2021. Bids were sought from local authorities for funding under the programme and nineteen local authorities with Developer-Provided Water Services Infrastructure in estates in their areas made applications for funding. Kerry County Council included the estate referred to in its application.

My Department has completed a preliminary evaluation and clarification process on the bids received from the local authorities. An Expert Panel, which includes Departmental, stakeholder and independent representation, has been appointed to examine the bids. The Panel has held a number of meetings to date.

I expect that the Expert Panel will make recommendations to me shortly on the suitability of projects for funding under the programme. This will be based on criteria set out in the Framework document issued to local authorities when requesting proposals. It is expected that an announcement on approvals and allocations will be made once that process is concluded in the coming weeks.

Planning Issues

Ceisteanna (392)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

392. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to positively change planning legislation in the months ahead. [14912/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Programme for Government – Our Shared Future (2020), identifies the following specific legislative reforms in the wider planning area:

- drafting a General Scheme of a new Planning and Development Bill providing for the introduction of a ‘use it or lose it’ condition for all planning applications of ten housing units or more;

- review and reform the judicial review process so that such reforms come into effect upon the establishment of the Environmental and Planning Law Court, while also adhering to our EU law obligations under the Aarhus Convention;

- progression of the development of primary legislation in relation to the Land Development Agency; and

- drafting the Marine Planning and Development Management Bill, which will introduce a new marine planning regime to replace the existing State and development consent regimes in the marine area and streamline arrangements on the basis of a single consent principle.

The progression of these legislative proposals will be considered as part of the development of the Government's legislative programme.

An Bord Pleanála

Ceisteanna (393)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

393. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to ensure An Bord Pleanála meets its timelines for making planning decisions. [14913/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

An Bord Pleanála is the national independent statutory body with responsibility for the determination of planning appeals and direct applications for strategic infrastructure and other developments under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended) and certain other Acts.

Under section 126 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, An Bord Pleanála has a statutory objective to determine normal planning appeals within 18 weeks of receipt of the appeal. Furthermore, under Section 37J of the Act, the Board has an objective to make decisions on applications for strategic infrastructure development within a period of 18 weeks, beginning on the last day for making submissions or observations.

Where the Board does not consider it possible or appropriate to reach a decision within 18 weeks (e.g. because of the particular complexities of a case or the requirement to hold an oral hearing), it will inform the parties of the reasons for this, and will indicate when it intends to make its decision.

The Planning and Development (Housing) and Residential Tenancies Act 2016 provided for streamlined arrangements to enable planning applications for strategic housing developments, of 100 housing units or more or student accommodation developments of 200 bed spaces or more, to be made directly to the Board for determination within a period of 16 weeks or 24 weeks where an oral hearing is held.

The main volume of the Board’s workload continues to be normal planning appeal cases – these cases made up 71% of the case intake in 2019. 69% of such cases were disposed within the statutory objective period (SOP) of 18 weeks in 2019, compared to 39% in 2018. The compliance rate for these cases for 2020 was 76% (to end June 2020), which is slightly above the compliance target set out in the Performance Delivery Agreement between An Bord Pleanála and the Department.

In relation to strategic housing applications (SHD), despite a tripling of valid SHD applications from 39 in 2018 to 119 in 2019, all decisions made in 2019 and to date in 2020 have been made within the statutory objective period of 16 weeks (or 24 weeks in cases where oral hearings have been held).

Compliance with the relevant statutory objective period for making decisions on Strategic Infrastructure Development cases (SID) was at 31% in 2019 which reflects the level of complexity and the fact that additional time is often required to conduct hearings and to consider further information.

My Department has worked closely with the Board over the last year or so on a range of measures aimed at increasing its compliance rate with the statutory objective period, including the appointment of Board members and the provision of additional staff resources. I am satisfied with the impact these measures appear to be having and as such, I have no plans currently to introduce new legislation aimed specifically at increasing the Board’s compliance rate.

My Department will continue to liaise closely with the Board to ensure that it has appropriate resources to maintain and improve its compliance rate, in line with its Performance Delivery Agreement targets.

Electoral Process

Ceisteanna (394)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

394. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans for electoral reform. [14914/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Programme for Government - "Our Shared Future" - commits to several electoral reform initiatives. These include:

- Putting in place an Electoral Commission by the end of 2021. The Electoral Commission will provide independent oversight of electoral events. It will be empowered to regulate online political advertising and will be mandated to examine the use of postal voting with a view to expanding its provision. Within 12 months of being established the Commission will also be tasked with examining the use of posters at elections and referendums.

- Completing the modernisation process for voter registration,

- Reviewing our electoral laws and the conduct of politics in Ireland, to ensure that donations and resources from non-citizens outside the State are not being utilised to influence our elections and political process.

- Examination of the potential for replacing bye-elections with an alternate list system.

- Establishing a fund to support political and electoral research by academics and researchers.

- Examining the Scottish experience of reducing the voting age to 17 in order to draw conclusions.

- Examining the time limitation on people who are temporarily living outside of the State to remain on the voting register.

I am committed to advancing all of the commitments relating to electoral reform that are set out over the lifetime of the Programme for Government.

Urban Regeneration and Development Fund

Ceisteanna (395)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

395. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the status of calls under the Project Ireland urban regeneration and development fund; and the timelines for the announcement of future funding under the fund. [14916/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Under Call 1 in July 2018, bids were invited from all public bodies for funding support from the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF). A total of 189 applications were received. The application process was competitive. All proposals went through a rigorous assessment including consideration by a Project Advisory Board, which consisted of representatives from my Department, other relevant Government Departments, agency representation and independent national and international expert representatives. On 26 November 2018, URDF support was announced for a total of 88 projects throughout the country, one of which was later withdrawn by the applicant.

In mid-2019 approval in principle and provisional funding allocations issued in respect of 87 major projects across the country. This significant pipeline of projects is set to have a transformational impact in urban areas across the country. The 87 projects approved under Call 1 offer a good regional spread, and span a number of themes. The diversity of this first tranche of projects demonstrates the broad focus and responsive nature of the Fund. Through the URDF, successful applicants are receiving targeted integrated support for innovative holistic solutions to the issues that have hindered the regeneration and rejuvenation of our large towns and cities.

While the advancement of each project is, in the first instance, a matter for the successful applicant my Department is working closely with them to ensure timely progress.

Call 2 was announced earlier this year and the closing date for applications was 29 May. Seventy six proposals were received, with every local authority submitting at least one application for URDF support.

Because of the nature of the URDF programme the proposals are very complex, and each will require detailed assessment. The assessment process will take place over the coming months with the intention that a new tranche of approved proposals, which will augment the existing pipeline of projects from Call 1 and contribute to the achievement of Programme for Government commitments and the objectives of the National Planning Framework and Project Ireland 2040, will be announced later in the year.

Vacant Properties

Ceisteanna (396)

Violet-Anne Wynne

Ceist:

396. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the number of void council units for each municipal district within the Clare County Council area approved for refurbishment funding; the number of units completed for the end of April, May June and to date in July 2020; and the number of properties allocated by Clare County Council in quarter 2 for 2020 by month, in tabular form. [14967/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The management and maintenance of local authority housing stock, including pre-letting repairs to vacant properties, the implementation of a planned maintenance programme and carrying out of responsive repairs, are matters for each individual local authority under Section 58 of the Housing Act 1966.

Since 2014, Exchequer funding has also been provided through my Department's Voids Programme to support local authorities in preparing vacant units for re-letting. This funding was initially introduced to tackle long term vacant units and is now increasingly targeted at ensuring minimal turnaround and re-let times for local authority vacant stock.

Clare County Council has received €7.86 million in funding under the Voids Programme from 2014 to 2019, supporting 392 homes being returned to use. For 2020 there is a two stage process for allocations under the Voids Programme. Firstly, on 26 May, there was an initial call for proposals for COVID-19 related voids funding to support the return of homes which were required for the emergency accommodation of qualified households arising from the need to prevent, limit, minimise or slow the spread of COVID-19. A second call for proposals, under the general voids programme, will issue shortly.

Information regarding the breakdown by Municipal District area real-time progress on individual units under the programme should be available from Clare County Council.

There is a commitment under Rebuilding Ireland that local authorities will introduce a preventative maintenance approach to the management of their housing stock. My Department is working with local authorities to this end.

Planning Issues

Ceisteanna (397)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

397. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if issues in relation to planning will be addressed (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15000/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In making a decision on a planning application or appeal, a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála must consider the proper planning and sustainable development of the area concerned while having regard to the provisions of the relevant development plan, relevant Ministerial or Government policies and guidelines, as well as the views of members of the public on the proposed development.

Public participation is, therefore, a crucial element of all substantive decision-making processes under the Planning and Development Act 2000, as amended, and is also a requirement under the UN Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation on Decision Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters (the Aarhus Convention) and the European Union Environmental Impact Assessment Directive 2011/92/EU, as amended, in relation to specific types of developments.

It is open to any member of the public to make an observation or submission on a planning application and the planning authority is statutorily obliged to consider such submissions before making a decision on the application. Persons who make submissions are also entitled to be notified of any significant further information provided to the planning authority by the applicant and to be notified of the authority’s decision on the application. Furthermore, any person who made a submission on a planning application may appeal the planning authority’s decision on the application to An Bord Pleanála or may make a submission to the Board in relation to an appeal of that decision.

The fees payable by members of the public to participate in the planning decision-making process are set at a level that, as well as contributing towards the cost of processing applications and appeals, discourages frivolous or vexatious submissions without hindering genuine public participation. In addition, the Board has discretion to dismiss an appeal where it is satisfied that the appeal is vexatious, frivolous or without substance or foundation, or where the appeal is made with the sole intention of delaying development or of securing the payment of money, gifts, considerations or other inducement by any person. Furthermore, where a planning authority or An Bord Pleanála has suspicions that specific submissions on planning applications or appeals may not be genuine, it is a matter for them to refer the submissions to the Garda Síochána for investigation.

I am satisfied that the current arrangements in relation to public participation in decision-making contribute significantly to the openness and transparency of the planning process, and I have no proposals to amend the legislation in this regard.

Social and Affordable Housing

Ceisteanna (398)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

398. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans for the provision of an adequate supply of affordable and local authority housing in line with current and growing needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15004/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

This Government is absolutely committed to ensuring that affordable, quality housing solutions are available to everyone in Irish society and this is reflected in the Programme for Government "Our Shared Future". The Programme commits to increasing the social housing stock by over 50,000 over the next five years, with an emphasis on new builds. It also pledges to put affordability at the heart of the housing system through the progression of State-backed affordable housing.

Since taking up Office I have established a Top Level Group of delivery partners to ensure that delivery is prioritised this year, taking account of the impact of Covid 19. Over the weeks ahead I will expand this work to deal with the expedited delivery of social and affordable housing over the lifetime of the Government.

In terms of affordable housing, I will outline my detailed plans in the Autumn, taking account of the progress made under the Serviced Site Fund, the development of the Affordable Purchase Scheme and work on the Cost Rental model.

Fire Service

Ceisteanna (399)

Gerald Nash

Ceist:

399. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if a site has been identified for a new fire service facility in Dunleer, County Louth; when work will commence; the planned completion date for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15022/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The 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 Services Acts, 1981 and 2003. 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.

A new fire station at Dunleer is included in the Capital Programme, with an estimated commencement date this year. Identification of potential sites, determination of suitability of sites for a fire station and acquisition of an optimal site is being undertaken by Louth County Council. My Department will continue to work with the Council to progress this project in accordance with the schedule set out in the Capital Programme.

Pyrite Remediation Programme

Ceisteanna (400)

John McGuinness

Ceist:

400. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will provide a report on the status of houses affected by pyrite; if further funding or supports will be provided for house owners who wish to carry out ongoing monitoring of their property or remedial works; if a scheme can be agreed with mortgage providers to accommodate the sale of such properties in circumstances in which the levels of pyrite has been consistently low over a number of years and in which major defects have not materialised; if he and the Minister for Finance will consult with the Central Bank on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15030/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The pyrite remediation scheme is a scheme of “last resort” applicable to dwellings, which are subject to significant damage attributable to pyritic heave. The full conditions for eligibility under the Scheme are available on the Pyrite Board’s website at www.pyriteboard.ie.

The latest figures available indicate that 2,680 applications have been received under Scheme and, so far, 2,246 dwellings have been included. A further 126 applications have been validated and referred to the Housing Agency for the Assessment and Verification Process, 113 applications are at the initial Application and Validation Process and 195 applications were not successful. Of the 2,246 dwellings included, the works in respect of 1,976 are complete with the rest at various stages of progress.

The sale of private properties is a matter for individual homeowners. Financial services policy is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Finance.

Ministerial Responsibilities

Ceisteanna (401, 402)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

401. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the delegated functions assigned to the Minister of State with responsibility for local government and planning; and the date those delegated functions come into effect. [15050/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

402. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the delegated functions assigned to the Minister of State with responsibility for heritage and electoral reform; and the date those delegated functions come into effect. [15051/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 401 and 402 together.

I am currently considering the matter of the delegation of particular functions to both Ministers of State who have recently been assigned to my Department.

Responsibility for Heritage matters has been assigned to my Department as part of the formation of the new Government. Once the transfer of functions in respect of Heritage matters is completed in conjunction with my colleague, the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, I will complete the delegation of appropriate functions within my Department.

Local Authority Members

Ceisteanna (403, 416, 418)

Neale Richmond

Ceist:

403. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the status of the implementation of the Moorhead Report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15116/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Carol Nolan

Ceist:

416. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government the status of the Moorhead Report; when it will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15409/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

418. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when the pay rise recommended for city and county councillors in the Moorhead Report will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15568/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 403, 416 and 418 together.

The report of the Independent Review of the Role and Remuneration of Elected Members, led by Ms Sara Moorhead SC, was brought to Government on Friday, 19 June 2020, and then published. The Report was circulated on that date to all local authority elected members and to members of both Houses of the Oireachtas. The Report is available on my Department's website at https://www.housing.gov.ie/sites/default/files/publications/files/independent_review_of_role_and_remuneration_of_local_authority_elected_members.pdf

The Programme for Government Our Shared Future has a commitment to "implement the Moorhead Report on the Role and Remuneration of Local Authority Elected Members within 12 months". Meeting this commitment is a priority within my Department.

Any changes to elected members' remuneration will require new regulations under section 142 of the Local Government Act 2001, as amended, which must be given effect with the consent of my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

Seaweed Harvesting

Ceisteanna (404)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Ceist:

404. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government when he plans to bring forward new foreshore legislation to update the law in relation to the issuing of seaweed harvesting licences along the coast in view of the potential of this industry, if carried out in a sustainable manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15128/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I acknowledge that the Foreshore Act needs reform and my Department published in January, 2020 the finalised General Scheme of the Marine Planning and Development Management Bill, which will provide the legislative basis for Ireland’s new marine planning regime. The commitment in the Programme for Government to enact this legislation in nine months reflects the priority it has been accorded.

Further policy work is continuing on the development of certain aspects of the proposed regime and intensive engagements in that regard are ongoing with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, which is leading the development of the provisions specific to Offshore Renewable Energy. In addition to the policy development work, engagement is also continuing with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel, other Departments and agencies on the drafting of the legal text.

This new regime will replace the existing State and development consent regimes and streamline arrangements on the basis of a single consent principle i.e. one state consent (Maritime Area Consent) to enable occupation of the Maritime Area and one development consent (planning permission), with a single environmental assessment. It provides reinforced provisions for forward planning under the National Marine Planning Framework and new powers and provisions in relation to enforcement and compliance.

Help-To-Buy Scheme

Ceisteanna (405)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

405. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government his plans to change the salary cap threshold for first-time buyers of houses that apply for State loans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15136/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Following a review of the two existing local authority home loan schemes, the House Purchase Loan and the Home Choice Loan, a new loan offering was introduced, from 1 February 2018, known as the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan. The loan enables credit worthy first time buyers to access sustainable mortgage lending to purchase new or second-hand properties in a suitable price range.

Single applicants for the loan must not be earning greater than €50,000 gross per annum. The combined income of joint applicants must not be greater than €75,000 per annum. There are no set minimum income limits; however, applicants do need to have sufficient borrowing and repayment capacity and must be capable of repaying the mortgage in accordance with the statutory credit policy underpinning the loan. These income limits are unchanged from the previous local authority loan offerings.

The new Programme for Government " Our Shared Future" contains a commitment to expand the Rebuilding Home Loan.

Homelessness Strategy

Ceisteanna (406)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

406. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government if he will set up a new homeless task force; if so, the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15138/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I have established a Top Level Homelessness Group, to provide a forum for engagement with key organisations working to address homelessness. The Group will input on the implementation of the commitments on homelessness in the Programme for Government. I chaired the first meeting of the Group which took place on 13 July 2020.

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