Written Answers Nos. 389-405
389. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the level of funding awarded under the LIHAF scheme to each local authority nationwide; the progress to date in respect of the spending of such funds by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38697/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra390. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the expenditure to date of the funding awarded to Kildare County Council under LIHAF; the extent to which all the funding has been spent or are in hand thereof; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38698/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 389 and 390 together.
The Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) was designed to support housing supply by relieving critical infrastructure blockages. 30 projects were approved with an overall budget of €195.7m, €146.8m Exchequer funded and the remainder funded by local authorities. Full details of the approvals are available online at www.rebuildingireland.ie/LIHAF.
Of the 30 projects, 2 projects will not proceed. Kildare County Council has confirmed that the Naas Inner Relief Road will not progress and Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council has confirmed that the Clay Farm project will now not proceed.
Currently, 5 LIHAF projects have completed infrastructure construction. Up to the end of October 2020, 12 projects are at infrastructure construction stage or have been approved to move to same. Of the remaining 11 projects, one is expected to have a tender approved in Q4 2020 and go to construction in Q1 2021.
10 are not yet ready to go to infrastructure tender stage, a precursor to receive approval to proceed to construction. Of these ten, five are advancing through the detailed design and planning stage and the remaining five projects are currently under review. My Department while reviewing these projects will consider requests from local authorities for extensions to the funding agreements as and when they arise.
In terms of LIHAF funding drawdown, thus far, most infrastructure projects have been at the design, planning and procurement stages, and the bulk of expenditure will arise during the construction phase. This is reflected in the level of expenditure to end October 2020, with approximately €52.279 million in Exchequer funds drawn down (matched by a further 25% local authority funding bringing the total expenditure to €69.705m). The table below details the exchequer funding drawn down up to end of October 2020.
|
Local Authority |
Project Name |
Drawdown of LIHAF funding Exchequer Contribution to end of October 2020 (€) |
|
Clare |
Claureen, Ennis |
157,919 |
|
Cork City |
Old Whitechurch Road |
7,439,757 |
|
Cork City |
South Docks |
2,300,316 |
|
Cork City |
Glanmire |
606,240 |
|
Cork County |
Midleton (Water-rock) |
388,645 |
|
Cork County |
Carrigaline |
450,000 |
|
Dublin City |
Dodder Bridge |
637,480 |
|
Dublin City |
Belmayne and Clongriffin |
415,421 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown |
Cherrywood |
2,939,404 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown |
Woodbrook Shanganagh |
0 |
|
Dun Laoghaire Rathdown |
Clay Farm |
0 |
|
Fingal |
Donabate Distributor Road |
10,780,000 |
|
Fingal |
Oldtown Mooretown |
4,020,000 |
|
Fingal |
Baldoyle Stapolin |
2,199,322 |
|
Kildare |
Naas |
470,190 |
|
Kildare |
Maynooth |
430,620 |
|
Kildare |
Sallins |
654,584 |
|
Kilkenny |
Ferrybank |
350,000 |
|
Kilkenny |
Western Environs |
5,577,215 |
|
Limerick |
Mungret |
2,131,399 |
|
Louth |
Newtown Drogheda |
88,577 |
|
Louth |
Mount Avenue Dundalk |
172,945 |
|
Meath |
Ratoath |
1,297,186 |
|
Meath |
Farganstown, Navan |
3,743,972 |
|
South Dublin |
Kilcarbery/Corkagh Grange |
883,846 |
|
South Dublin |
Clonburris SDZ |
31,053 |
|
South Dublin |
Adamstown |
2,072,178 |
|
Waterford City and County Council |
Gracedieu |
112,234 |
|
Waterford City and County Council |
Kilbarry |
1,845,714 |
|
Westmeath |
Brawny Road, Athlone |
82,500 |
391. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the number of existing local authority houses that have been refurbished or upgraded in each of the past three years to date by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38699/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe relevant details are being compiled and will be provided to the Deputy in accordance with Standing Orders.
|
Units Returned to use in 2017 |
Units Returned to use in 2018 |
Units Returned to use in 2019 |
|
|
Carlow |
8 |
38 |
14 |
|
Cavan |
31 |
14 |
9 |
|
Clare |
47 |
43 |
62 |
|
Cork City |
81 |
74 |
69 |
|
Cork County |
48 |
205 |
70 |
|
Donegal |
168 |
86 |
43 |
|
Dublin City |
543 |
495 |
495 |
|
Fingal |
121 |
48 |
22 |
|
South Dublin |
87 |
61 |
89 |
|
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown |
31 |
50 |
83 |
|
Galway City |
11 |
3 |
3 |
|
Galway County |
37 |
45 |
39 |
|
Kerry |
90 |
98 |
61 |
|
Kildare |
8 |
27 |
11 |
|
Kilkenny |
16 |
15 |
13 |
|
Laois |
4 |
12 |
23 |
|
Leitrim |
0 |
30 |
22 |
|
Limerick |
13 |
24 |
75 |
|
Longford |
0 |
3 |
19 |
|
Louth |
7 |
13 |
5 |
|
Mayo |
22 |
20 |
5 |
|
Meath |
52 |
59 |
22 |
|
Monaghan |
38 |
52 |
13 |
|
Offaly |
7 |
10 |
18 |
|
Roscommon |
3 |
2 |
2 |
|
Sligo |
40 |
100 |
40 |
|
Tipperary |
107 |
63 |
72 |
|
Waterford |
52 |
20 |
55 |
|
Westmeath |
40 |
23 |
7 |
|
Wexford |
34 |
8 |
29 |
|
Wicklow |
11 |
24 |
13 |
|
- |
2017 No. of units refurbished |
2018 No. of units refurbished |
2019 No. of units refurbished |
|
Cork City |
0 |
0 |
26 |
|
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown |
3 |
0 |
0 |
|
Galway County |
14 |
0 |
0 |
|
Kerry |
2 |
3 |
4 |
|
Kildare |
0 |
0 |
34 |
|
Limerick City & County |
112 |
159 |
228 |
|
Monaghan |
0 |
0 |
2 |
|
Sligo |
6 |
0 |
16 |
|
Wicklow |
27 |
33 |
8 |
392. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the extent to which funding made available to each local authority in respect of Traveller accommodation over the past five years has been spent to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38700/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraPlease find below allocation and expenditure in respect of Traveller accommodation for each of the local authorities for the past five years, inclusive of the spend to 19 November, 2020. In 2020, to facilitate ease of access to funding my Department is not allocating specific budgets to individual local authorities. Instead, it is open to all local authorities to apply for and drawdown funds at any time through the year and this is actively encouraged by my Department. The Traveller-specific budget for 2020 is €14.5m.
|
Allocation |
Drawdown |
Allocation |
Drawdown |
Allocation |
Drawdown |
Allocation |
Drawdown |
Drawdown |
|
|
Local Authority |
2016 |
2016 |
2017 |
2017 |
2018 |
2018 |
2019 |
2019 |
2020* |
|
Carlow |
130,000 |
0 |
207,905 |
71,450 |
167,740 |
0 |
70,000 |
381,898 |
206,986 |
|
Cavan |
8,600 |
9,398 |
13,729 |
13,729 |
30,000 |
0 |
95,458 |
94,500 |
13,114 |
|
Clare |
200,000 |
0 |
169,194 |
42,444 |
853,250 |
13,250 |
635,000 |
669,389 |
152,505 |
|
Cork City |
400,000 |
301,796 |
1,108,344 |
97,000 |
310,000 |
180,250 |
275,799 |
42,319 |
1,469,797 |
|
Cork County |
30,000 |
0 |
110,000 |
93,156 |
251,197 |
0 |
258,390 |
184,745 |
|
|
Donegal |
82,000 |
74,532 |
147,613 |
15,100 |
121,800 |
52,775 |
161,816 |
0 |
225,413 |
|
Dublin City |
1,405,198 |
762,342 |
414,829 |
734,209 |
1,321,558 |
744,400 |
1,628,695 |
895,197 |
1,216,292 |
|
Dun Laoghaire / Rathdown |
419,095 |
129,552 |
1,500,000 |
1,857,313 |
673,686 |
1,099,940 |
0 |
32,834 |
637,165 |
|
Fingal |
26,842 |
0 |
26,847 |
17,420 |
851,189 |
886,957 |
0 |
848,957 |
63,688 |
|
Galway City |
40,000 |
0 |
209,000 |
95,102 |
176,996 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
580,699 |
|
Galway County |
117,000 |
123,816 |
625,000 |
0 |
1,080,100 |
267,032 |
1,412,596 |
670,440 |
402,727 |
|
Kerry |
57,000 |
255,730 |
28,566 |
28,566 |
15,350 |
62,538 |
77,200 |
75,131 |
5,929 |
|
Kildare |
200,000 |
0 |
80,000 |
0 |
80,000 |
29,510 |
1,000,000 |
360,231 |
236,868 |
|
Kilkenny |
377,500 |
431,714 |
582,162 |
563,040 |
201,682 |
60,067 |
21,682 |
408,856 |
59,588 |
|
Laois |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
30,000 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
192,520 |
|
Leitrim |
18,800 |
12,794 |
98,875 |
59,933 |
159,614 |
54,306 |
178,390 |
0 |
138,951 |
|
Limerick City & Co. |
81,000 |
21,209 |
69,576 |
219,918 |
858,739 |
470,997 |
1,015,179 |
1,424,782 |
1,759,833 |
|
Longford |
2,900 |
0 |
2,922 |
0 |
2,922 |
0 |
2,922 |
0 |
|
|
Louth |
0 |
444,484 |
237,087 |
220,048 |
17,039 |
3,810 |
132,531 |
341,863 |
259,334 |
|
Mayo |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
30,000 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
35,688 |
|
Meath |
120,000 |
76,877 |
129,000 |
5,750 |
65,000 |
0 |
75,000 |
91,790 |
29,165 |
|
Monaghan |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
400,000 |
54,745 |
100,000 |
0 |
216,074 |
|
Offaly |
73,000 |
37,775 |
847,917 |
101,616 |
49,379 |
10,999 |
815,117 |
692,329 |
317,552 |
|
Roscommon |
50,000 |
10,808 |
52,617 |
123,191 |
230,000 |
102,274 |
253,084 |
73,843 |
67,765 |
|
Sligo |
0 |
0 |
161,249 |
9,931 |
1,046,095 |
282,883 |
1,435,913 |
1,131,397 |
1,051,287 |
|
South Dublin |
63,000 |
26,397 |
1,024,289 |
0 |
869,643 |
1,284,101 |
130,557 |
106,719 |
|
|
Tipperary |
900,000 |
1,399,370 |
327,492 |
399,337 |
25,655 |
42,003 |
25,655 |
0 |
99,401 |
|
Waterford City & Co. |
263,000 |
13,545 |
545,000 |
22,610 |
317,280 |
472,726 |
170,000 |
77,562 |
14,549 |
|
Westmeath |
208,000 |
48,000 |
0 |
0 |
150,000 |
0 |
100,000 |
0 |
114,326 |
|
Wexford |
96,000 |
87,695 |
6,880 |
0 |
498,801 |
0 |
335,000 |
52,870 |
|
|
Wicklow |
46,000 |
0 |
52,648 |
43,773 |
209,620 |
88,783 |
104,533 |
0 |
|
|
Reserve |
85,065 |
221,258 |
905,665 |
2,489,484 |
|||||
|
Total allocation |
5,414,935 |
8,778,742 |
11,094,335 |
10,510,516 |
|||||
|
TOTAL |
5,500,000 |
4,267,834 |
9,000,000 |
4,834,636 |
12,000,000 |
6,264,345 |
13,000,000 |
8,657,652 |
9,567,214 |
* (year-to-date to 19th November, 2020)
393. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the remainder of the €900 million grant for rates waivers promised to assist local authorities with any shortfall in budgets in 2020 can be used to meet additional expenditure that will be occurred in 2021 such as increased pension contributions and increased costs due to public service pay agreements. [38724/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has engaged extensively with representatives of the local government sector and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform over recent months concerning the financial challenges facing local authorities as a consequence of the pandemic.
€600m was allocated by Government to fund the cost of a six-month waiver of rates from 27 March to 27 September 2020. To strengthen this support, and in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government 'Our Shared Future' to set out how rates would be treated for the remainder of 2020, Government subsequently extended the waiver for three months, at an additional cost of €300m. This brings to €900m the financial support to fund the cost of a waiver of commercial rates, which is an unprecedented measure that offers support to both businesses and to local authorities.
The administration of the six-month waiver and three-month extension will be completed in December, at which point the final cost of the waiver is will be clearer. If there is an underspend, as there is expected to be based on returns received to date, the surplus funding will be available for distribution to local authorities to help reduce the burden of income losses in other areas and to assist with Covid-19 specific costs incurred in 2020.
Cork City Council has also been notified of an allocation of €6.8m from my Department for 2021, to help meet the additional costs that will arise as a consequence of the national pay agreements next year. This allocation relates specifically to increases in pay and pensions costs resulting from the unwinding of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest legislation and relating to the Public Sector Stability Agreement.
394. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the sum to be given to Cork City Council for the rates waiver; and the additional sum to be granted to the local authority to assist in meeting its budget deficit. [38725/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraRecognising the difficulties faced by businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Programme for Government – “Our Shared Future” committed to set out how commercial rates would be treated for the remainder of 2020. One of the earliest priorities of Minister O'Brien and I was to secure funding to provide a waiver of commercial rates for businesses impacted by the pandemic, while simultaneously supporting local authorities.
€600m was allocated by Government to fund the cost of a six-month waiver of rates from 27 March to 27 September 2020. The Government subsequently announced a three month extension of the waiver until 27 December 2020, at an additional cost of €300m. This brings to €900m the financial support to fund the cost of a waiver of commercial rates, which is an unprecedented measure that offers support to businesses and certainty to local authorities.
Full details of payments to date are available at the following link:
https://www.housing.gov.ie/local-government/covid-19-coronavirus/support-businesses-impacted-covid-19-through-commercial-0
The local authority budget process for 2021 is now underway. In that context, Minister O'Brien and I recently wrote to each local authority to advise that, in light of the fact that the future trajectory of Covid-19 is unclear, it is not currently possible for Government to make open-ended commitments in respect of commercial rates or other income pressures that may arise in 2021. However, as has been the case since the outset of the Covid-19 pandemic, my Department will continue to engage regularly and constructively with the local government sector and with individual local authorities on the financial impacts of the pandemic and other matters arising.
395. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the total number of employees in the Property Registration Authority is in the region of 550 employees; the precise number employed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38734/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra396. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if approximately 230 employees are currently remote working enabled and who are therefore working from home; the precise number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38735/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra397. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the remainder of staff at the Property Registration Authority numbering approximately 320 employees are split into two teams, namely team A and team B; if these teams work part-time across the six locations operated by the PRA, with team A and B working a two-day week and three-day week alternating from team to team and week to week; if the employees while working a short week continue to be paid their full salaries based on a full working week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38736/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra398. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if the attention of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has been drawn to and has approved a situation in which employees are working a two to three-day week in certain instances but yet being remunerated for a full working week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38737/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 395 to 398, inclusive, together.
The services provided by the Property Registration Authority (PRA) support the work of legal practitioners and underpin the effective operation of the property market. On foot of the restrictions introduced by the Government on 21 October last, I understand that the PRA implemented its Business Continuity Plan Level 5 response for the continued provision of essential services, which continues to facilitate physical/social distancing and meets public health requirements.
I understand that the current number of staff employed by the Property Registration Authority (PRA) is 571, representing 528 full-time equivalents (FTE). There are currently 245 (258 FTE) staff working from home in addition to the continuation of temporary alternative arrangements for 307 (279 FTE) staff attending the work premises, though this can vary week-to-week depending on business needs. Home working is a balanced with the requirement to continue to provide the most effective and efficient services to the public.
It should be noted that the current arrangements are temporary and are in line with the Government’s Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19 and with the Guidance and FAQs for Public Service Employers during COVID-19.
399. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when the review will be published for the 2016 tenant (incremental) purchase scheme. [38748/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Tenant (Incremental) Purchase Scheme came into operation on 1 January 2016. The Scheme is open to eligible tenants, including joint tenants, of local authority houses that are available for sale under the Scheme. To be eligible, tenants must meet certain criteria, including having a minimum reckonable income of €15,000 per annum and having been in receipt of social housing support for at least one year.
A review of the first 12 months of the Scheme’s operation has been undertaken. In addition, the Programme for Government commits to maintaining the right of social housing tenants to purchase their own home with some changes to eligibility. The review and the commitments in the Programme for Government are being examined as part of the work on the broader social housing reform agenda. I expect to be in a position to finalise changes to the Scheme once the work on these reform measures is complete.
400. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the review of the Meath County Development is being conducted to a large degree online due to Covid-19 restrictions; if he is satisfied that this is a legitimate and appropriate approach, particularly as it relates to the casting of votes by elected members; if he has received or issued advice in relation to the matter; if so, the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38752/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is aware of the matter raised, having received correspondence from the Chief Executive of Meath County Council on behalf of the elected members of the Council, further to meetings of the County Council, that included consideration of meeting procedure in respect of the County Development plan preparation process.
The Department’s Planning Division has engaged with Meath County Council in this regard and a comprehensive response addressing the various issues raised was issued by a senior official to the Chief Executive of Meath County Council on 09 November 2020, a copy of which will be circulated with the official record.
I am satisfied that the current legislative framework makes provision for the intended approach by Meath County Council, taking account of the public health advice.
401. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the status of the provision of a fire station (details supplied) in County Mayo. [38775/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe existing five-year Fire Services Capital Programme managed by my Department comes to an end this year. That programme has seen more than €60 million invested in fire appliances and specialist equipment, building or upgrading of prioritised Fire Stations, upgrading Communications and Mobilisation systems and improvements to Training Centres.
A new capital programme for the period 2021-2025 is currently being finalised which I anticipate will allow us to continue to invest further in our Fire Services. Following extensive engagement with fire authorities, a number of proposals for station works etc. have been received. Projects previously included in the 2016-2020 Programme which were not completed but which remain priorities for local authorities will be considered for inclusion in this Programme.
The proposals are evaluated and prioritised on the basis of the:
- Area Risk Categorisation of the fire station (population, fire risks, etc.)
- Established Health and Safety needs, and
- State of development of the project (is site acquired, etc.?)
In recognition of the current economic situation faced by the State as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the speed and extent to which proposed expenditure can stimulate local economies will also be a key consideration in the first few years of the new programme.
I hope to be in a position to make an announcement regarding this new programme in the near future. Following that my Department will continue to work closely to ensure that important fire services projects are progressed as expeditiously as possible during the coming period.
402. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage further to Parliamentary Question No.17 of 22 July 2020 and his commitment on the day, if he will furnish guidance to homeowners for the cutting of trees and hedges in the NBP intervention area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38786/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn foot of a commitment given in reply to Parliamentary Question No 17 of 22 July 2020, my Department communicated with the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment in relation to hedge cutting in the context of the National Broadband Plan (NBP).
I understand from that Department that the NBP Project identifies where tree trimming may be required through site surveys and that such tree trimming will not be carried out until the deployment stage as premises are being passed with fibre, within the periods allowed, avoiding the bird nesting period, etc. Conducting the surveys in advance means that National Broadband Ireland ( NBI), who were awarded the contract for the NBP can identify roadways, lanes and so forth where trimming is required to lay the fibre and plan well ahead, scheduling these works to coincide with the period where tree trimming is allowed. At the same time, I understand from that Department that while tree trimming may arise in a very limited number of cases, it is not typically needed for a connection as the fibre can often be threaded through overhanging trees. Nor is this matter viewed as in any way impeding the rollout programme.
403. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his plans to address the challenges faced by the many persons who are over the income thresholds for social housing but do not earn enough secure a mortgage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38821/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn Budget 2021, the total funding made available for the delivery of housing programmes was €3.3 billion. This represents an increase of €641m or 24% on 2020 and the single biggest spend on housing by any Government, and will be the largest build programme in the history of the State.
From this sum, €110 million was ring-fenced for two new national schemes to deliver more affordable housing: the Affordable Purchase Shared Equity Scheme, and the Cost Rental Equity Loan facility to help deliver Cost Rental homes. Both of these programmes will begin in 2021.
€75 million will be allocated to the affordable purchase shared equity scheme. I intend to target the scheme at first time buyers, who are seeking to buy a new home but who cannot quite secure the full mortgage amount to do so at the present time. Subject to the final qualifying criteria, the scheme would see the State take a limited equity stake in a property, in order to help more people meet the cost of buying a new home with their available mortgage.
To this end, significant preparatory work has already been carried out by my Department working primarily with the Housing Agency and the Department of Finance. Intensive engagement continues with key stakeholders informing the final detailed parameters of the scheme, as well as with home builders to seek to increase the output of new homes in response to the new scheme.
In addition, €35m has been allocated to the new Cost Rental Equity Loan (CREL) facility to support Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) to deliver approximately 350 Cost Rental homes at scale from next year. Added to the 50 Cost Rental homes that will be delivered in Enniskerry Road, Stepaside in Q3 2021, it will accelerate delivery in this new sector in advance of the Land Development Agency's planned future output and the work of local authorities. This scheme will leverage the proven expertise and capacity of the AHBs, demonstrated in their development and management of social housing units.
The CREL scheme will see financing made available to AHBs on favourable terms to cover 30% of the costs for Cost Rental homes. CREL funding will be provided on similar terms to the existing Capital Advance Leasing Facility (CALF) model which is extensively used by AHBs for social housing. In terms of the remaining 70% of capital costs, subject to appropriate conditions, it is anticipated that long term competitive financing will be made available to the AHBs by the Housing Finance Agency. This will allow cost-covering rents to be set a lower level and so making them more affordable for tenants. Further details on the scheme will be announced in due course.
It is envisaged that the homes delivered under these schemes, supported by Government investment, will be made available to applicants who meet defined eligibility criteria. The precise eligibility conditions are currently being developed in light of the on-going policy analysis outlined. I intend to bring forward any necessary provisions to underpin these schemes in a forthcoming Affordable Housing Bill which will be brought to Government in the coming weeks.
In addition to these new schemes, I will also progress and accelerate the local authority led scheme to deliver more affordable homes for purchase and rent on public land. The statutory basis for the delivery of affordable new housing for purchase on local authority lands is Part 5 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009, which was commenced in June 2018. Following engagement with the local authority sector, it is my intention to bring forward a number of legislative amendments to underpin this scheme in a forthcoming Affordable Housing Bill.
The broad parameters of the local authority led Affordable Purchase Scheme will be as follows:
- aimed at first-time buyers who are low to middle households;
- homes purchased under the scheme will be subject to a maximum statutory discount of 40% (relative to the market price), with the final price of the affordable homes to be linked to the cost of provision, on a site by site basis, and
- the local authority maintains a fully repayable equity share in the properties equivalent to the percentage discount given
Furthermore, €310m is available to local authorities for Serviced Sites infrastructure funding that will support the delivery of up to 6,200 new homes that will be made available under this scheme. The first SSF project that will be deliver affordable homes will be Boherboy Road in Cork City in early next year.
It is envisaged that the homes delivered under all of the above schemes will be made available to applicants who meet defined eligibility criteria. The precise eligibility conditions are currently being developed in light of the on-going policy analysis outlined. I intend to bring forward any necessary provisions to underpin these schemes in a forthcoming Affordable Housing Bill which will be brought to Government in the coming weeks.
The Land Development Agency (LDA) will also play an increasingly significant role in the delivery of more affordable housing, as promised in the Programme for Government. The LDA is currently developing 9 sites that have near-term delivery potential for 3,600 new homes, the majority of which will be for Cost Rental and affordable purchase. It is also engaged in the progression of a number of other sites with potential for significant housing output. In the longer term, it will assemble strategic land-banks from a mix of public and private lands, making these available for housing in a controlled manner, which will bring essential long-term stability and sustainability to the Irish housing system.
Other measures, such as the Help to Buy Scheme and the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan, are also available to eligible purchasers nationally to make home ownership more affordable.
An enhanced Help to Buy scheme was announced as part of the €7 billion July stimulus package, which was extended to December 2021 as part of Budget 2021. This allows first-time buyers purchasing a newly-built home – or building one themselves – to claim back up to €30,000 paid in income tax and DIRT on bank deposit interest over the last four years. Full details of the Help to Buy initiative are available on the Revenue website.
The Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan is a Government-backed mortgage which is for first-time-buyers nationwide to purchase a new or second-hand home or to self-build. This scheme offers loans on competitive terms to those who are unable to secure a commercial bank loan. Full details of the scheme are available on the Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan website.
404. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the steps he is taking to ensure student renters have additional rights including the establishment of a legal definition of rental deposits, limiting rental deposits to the value of one month’s rent and implement a deposit protection scheme which would see deposits lodged with an independent third party such as the Residential Tenancies Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38885/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Residential Acts 2004 - 2020 do not prescribe specific terms and conditions regarding the payment of rents or deposits for inclusion in individual letting agreements in the private rental market including the student-specific accommodation sector. Contract law governs such arrangements.
The Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Act 2015 provided for, among other things, the establishment of a tenancy deposit protection scheme to be operated by the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB).
There have been significant changes in the rental market since the 2015 scheme was first envisaged and designed. For example, the 2015 scheme was intended to be financed by the interest payable on deposits lodged; this is no longer viable, given the current financial market conditions. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that disputes relating to deposits are no longer the most common dispute type referred to the RTB.
Financing the operation of the scheme is an important consideration, particularly in terms of ensuring that the likely outcomes of a new scheme are achieved efficiently and effectively and that the best value from public funds is secured. Careful consideration is therefore required to introduce any necessary reforms and enhancements to the 2015 scheme, with a view to considering whether and how to introduce a re-designed scheme that is fit for purpose and suitable for current and future rental and financial markets.
Any review of the scope and provisions of a Deposit Protection scheme will need to take account of changes in the residential sectors since the 2015 Deposit Protection Scheme legal provisions were enacted, to inform any necessary legislative change. Consideration will need to be given as to whether or not it is feasible to proceed to revise and implement a deposit protection scheme at this time, or to defer to a later point in time, when the RTB's Change Management Plan has been fully implemented and more robust data and information is available for consideration.
405. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage his views on providing additional investment in the Residential Tenancies Board in order that it can proactively investigate cases and to ensure properties are registered with the board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38886/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) was established as an independent statutory body under the Residential Tenancies Acts 2004-2020, to operate a national tenancy registration system and to facilitate the resolution of disputes between landlords and tenants.
Additional powers and functions were conferred on the RTB by provisions in the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) 2019 Act, which came into effect from 1st July 2019. The key provisions of the Act make it a criminal offence for landlords to implement rent increases that contravene the law, that do not adhere to the new definition of a substantial change in the nature of the accommodation for the purpose of an exemption from the 4% p.a. rent increase restriction, or fail to cooperate with an RTB investigation, or fail to register and update tenancies with the RTB.
The Act provides powers to the RTB to investigate and administratively sanction (up to €30,000) landlords who engage in improper conduct including non-compliance with the rent increase restriction in RPZs and allows the RTB to initiate an investigation without the need for a complaint to be made. The RTB actively pursues landlords for non-registration.
An increase of €2M in Current Exchequer Funding was provided to the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) for 2020 , bringing the total amount of funding for operational costs for the RTB to €9M and a further additional €2M in Current Exchequer funding for RTB operational costs has been secured in Budget 2021.
The RTB received santion for an additional 29 staff in 2019 in order that it would be resourced to deliver on its broadened mandate and sanction for a further additional 5 staff was granted in July 2020 following the Residential Tenancies and Valuations Act 2020.
The increase in funding and staff provided to the RTB is designed to ensure that the new legislative provisions introduced in both 2019 and 2020 are fully and focrefully implemented.
The Residential Tenancies and Valuations Act 2020, which provides protection for tennats impacted economically by Covid-19, has further expanded the RTB’s mandate and added to the complexity of its operations.
There has been significant engagement with tenants and landlords around the Covid-19 Emergency Legislation and the 2020 Act to educate and support landlords and tenants on the provisions of the new legislation, including a number of Guidance and FAQ documents and a mailshot leaflet issued to every landlord and tenant registered with the RTB. It is envisaged that as we move through Covid-19 and deal with the social and economic impact of the pandemic that more measures, including legislative changes, will be required for those tenants and landlords impacted by issues such as rent arrears, overholding and evictions. Increased activities will be required to engage fully with the sector and support tenants and landlords during these difficult times, including the provision of increased direct supports and continued targeted education and awareness campaigns.
I want to confirm my overall support for the RTB and the best way I can do this is by providing it with the resources it requires to be effective.
